D-BELL, a Ukrainian music producer and composer who has been based in Dubai for the past 10 years, is developing IRIS, a project that brings more than 100 artists together on one album and links the music to comic art, storytelling and philosophy. He told Dubai Edited on 29 October that he aims to complete the album in late December 2026.
More than a collection of songs
The question behind IRIS, according to the release, is whether an album can be more than a collection of songs. Its music, characters, artwork and underlying ideas are meant to connect into one story, with each element adding to a larger narrative. The artists taking part come from different backgrounds and musical disciplines, and each brings their own creative identity to the work.
One producer at every stage
D-BELL oversees IRIS from concept to completion. His role covers creative direction and design, composition, arrangement, music production, recording, mixing and mastering, as well as coordinating the wider collaboration. The release says the project is guided by a shared vision: to bring the individual contributions together into one cohesive work.
Dubai has shaped the project. Over a decade in the city, D-BELL has built connections with people from a wide range of cultural and artistic backgrounds, and that mix is reflected both in the collaboration and in its aim of bringing different voices together. His wider work focuses on concept-driven music projects that combine diverse artists, musical styles and forms of storytelling.
Release plans
D-BELL is exploring a special event in Dubai to mark the album’s release, possibly in December 2026 or January 2027. The release date, the venue and the format of any event have not been confirmed, and further announcements about the album, the participating artists and launch plans will follow as details are finalised. We will update readers when they are.
For more from Dubai’s creative scene, see how Artisart Gallery is bringing 23 Turkish artists to World Art Dubai, or read our story on Speedy Comics at Times Square Center.
IRIS by D-BELL: Details
- When: Album completion targeted for late December 2026; a Dubai release event is being explored for December 2026 or January 2027, date not yet confirmed
- Where: Release event venue and format not yet confirmed
- What: A concept album with more than 100 artists, linked to comic art and storytelling
- More: d-bell.com
- Instagram: @officialdbellmusic
See also: Artisart Gallery at World Art Dubai, Speedy Comics at Times Square Center.
Image: courtesy of D-BELL Productions.