Israel Novaes , the man from Pará who conquered Brazil with hits like “Vem Ni Mim Dodge Ram “, delves into details about his journey from his musical roots in the church to the national explosion on the country scene. Revealing how the transition to Goiânia and law school unexpectedly paved his path to fame, Novaes highlights the influence of childhood experiences and the unique mix of rhythms that defines his sound. In a sincere interview, the singer shares the behind-the-scenes of his projects and the constant search for innovation, showing that, for him, music goes beyond any genre. Discover the inspirations, challenges and future vision of an artist who promises to always deliver music with soul.
Israel, you were born in Pará, but moved to Goiânia to study Law at PUC-GO. How did this transition influence your career in country music?
Certainly, if it weren’t for Goiânia, the city in which I studied law would have taken a different direction or possibly would have been in law; music has always been strong in my family, but Goiânia gave direction and structure to this mix.
You had your first contact with music in the evangelical church and made your first composition at the age of 16. How have these experiences shaped your musical identity?
They gave me the essential foundation, love and admiration for music. It was at church that I had contact with the experience of dealing with an audience, and a demanding audience, practically everyone knew what to expect from those who sang.
“Vem Ni Mim Dodge Ram ” was a great success that promoted you nationally. How did the inspiration for this song come about and how did you feel seeing the recognition it received?
It was a joke in the college’s academic center; I led a life practically the same as the verse of the song, in the pre -chorus what I wanted to be different begins: “now I ‘m changed” (…) that’s really what happened thanks to the song. Hearing this song on the radio was the first big turning point in my mind, revealing to me “now I exist in music”!
In addition to the success with “Vem Ni Mim Dodge Ram “, you also scored hits such as “Vô, Tô Issorado” and “Sinal Disfarçado”. What is the process of creating your songs like and how do you seek to innovate within the country music genre?
It’s purely composing what you experience or see happening around you, if not that; listen to someone else’s composition and feel “it could be mine”! It means that good music is the key.
In 2013, you recorded your first DVD with special appearances by great artists. What was this production process like and what were the main challenges you faced when creating this project?
It’s something that gives you butterflies in your stomach from production, separating the songs until the time to start recording, becomes a dream that you live for fear of waking up one day and it not being true, imagine; “so little time recording with artists who were inspiration and now sharing the stage.
His second DVD, “Forró do Israel”, released in 2015, presented a mix of rhythms, with emphasis on forró. What inspired you to explore this musical diversity and how was the public’s receptivity to this change?
It is inevitable to realize that I was born musically mixing what I carry with me in my blood; northeastern and northern family and me living in the capital in country music, me singing already received comments that mixed everything at the same time, so I suddenly saw myself doing what I saw myself doing; break rules and mix things up. The public already saw forró in “alô vó” and “carro pancadão ” .
You have performed in several places in Brazil and participated in renowned TV programs. How important are these opportunities for your career and how do you deal with pressure and public expectations?
Each new challenge pulled me inside and I just obeyed. Before big presentations there are always good old butterflies in my stomach, only at the end of these commitments do I discover that I was ready for them. Each new challenge prepares me for the next one and keeping great references took away my fear of pressure; It’s about being you and giving your best, people who identify with your truth have seen it and the rest we can’t control.
In addition to your career as a singer and songwriter, you are also recognized for your charismatic presence on stage. How would you describe the energy and connection you seek to establish with your audience during your live performances?
Give yourself over and go with an open heart to receive real connections from the public, each show has to be different, look deeply into the eyes of those who want to be seen and perform, music and gaze is the language to establish this relationship.
What are your plans and projects for the future of your career in country music? Are there any new challenges or goals you would like to achieve in the coming years?
I never feel comfortable where I am, I believe that in life there is a natural movement towards your purpose; So I just took the first steps towards the path I have to follow, I’m grateful to country music, but; my biggest connection is with the music itself; and the communication that it can establish, one thing I can promise: “there will always be music in me.” God gave me this language to communicate and carry messages greater than a musical style, this I need to honor.
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