Meet Hlib Futymskyi, known to his growing fan base as Digital Bell (D-Bell). At just 18, this Dubai-based Ukrainian stands out not only for his appearance—shoulder-length copper curls—but for his remarkable artistic endeavors in music and literature. A self-professed music nerd, D-Bell is not your typical teenager; he’s an author, lyricist, composer, and producer living a creative life fueled by passion and ambition. His latest masterpiece, Intersection, seamlessly marries a sci-fi fantasy novella with a rich, genre-blending album.
D-Bell describes how the idea for Intersection first struck him around the age of 16, a time when he became fascinated with the interconnectedness of music and storytelling. “I wanted to create a world where music and stories were not separate but completely connected,” he explains. The book and album have evolved alongside each other, reflecting the harmony of their dual nature. The title, Intersection, signifies how all elements fit together like a grand puzzle.
The narrative unfolds in a crumbling futuristic mega city where bright artificial spheres have supplanted the moon. The inhabitants enjoy material comforts but are devoid of freedom, happiness, and music—a stark commentary on modern society. The protagonist, residing on the 719th floor, discovers an old jukebox. The music emanating from it serves as a catalyst, rejuvenating a city stripped of joy and creativity. The exploration of themes such as loneliness, identity, and the quest for happiness is central to the story, offering poignant reflections on a hyperconnected yet emotionally disconnected world.
D-Bell’s ability to blend music with literature creates an immersive experience akin to a film soundtrack. Each song corresponds to a specific chapter, providing a multi-dimensional experience for readers. “Much like a movie soundtrack, the reader can relive the narrative through a medley of sounds,” he shares. Musical genres traverse jazz, opera, folk, electronic, and rock, making the experience not just a story but an auditory adventure.
One pivotal event in the plot signifies the destruction of the Floating Park, the last haven for artists and musicians. This catastrophe extinguishes all traces of creativity in the city, captured through the haunting opera piece Skies are Blue, featuring Spanish singer Isabel Canada Luna. D-Bell describes it as a fusion of electronic and classical styles, evoking emotions of fading memories through its intricate arrangement. As the story progresses and the city rediscovers music, the narrative is artistically complemented by Delusion, a nostalgic 1980s synth-pop track developed with Ukrainian vocalist Verona.
Originally from Kiev, Ukraine, D-Bell moved to Dubai with his family eight years ago. After graduating from Nibras International School last year, he’s been dedicated to his creative projects while searching for educational paths that combine his interests in storytelling, music, and technology. His childhood was steeped in music, enriched by influences ranging from Whitney Houston’s soulful melodies to the captivating jazz of Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. The vibrant artistry within his family—especially from his mother, Maryna, a watercolor artist—nurtured his creative spirit.
D-Bell’s artistic journey began with dance, but a pivotal moment inspired him to compose music for his performances. This passion blossomed into a self-taught expertise in playing the guitar, ukulele, and synthesizer. By the tender age of 12, he adopted the nickname D-Bell, a manifestation of his deep love for sound. “I started my journey with dance; over time, music became my primary focus,” he reflects, showing how one art form often intertwines with another.
When motivation strikes, music becomes D-Bell’s therapy. “Every moment, every place carries a unique emotional texture,” he articulates. The emotional spectrum of human interactions often inspires him to translate those feelings into melodies and lyrics, forming a symbiotic relationship between art and life. Similarly, Intersection explores how music and art can repair a broken world.
Aside from his musical endeavors, D-Bell is drawn to philosophy, science, and the ways technology intersects with human emotions. He muses, “Philosophy asks the ‘why,’ science answers the ‘how,’ and technology enables the implementation of both.” His interests manifest in Intersection, which he sees as a convergence of these fields that shape the human experience. Despite his appreciation for modern technology, D-Bell refrained from using artificial intelligence in the creation of Intersection, opting instead for a deeply personal touch.
In addition to his musical pursuits, D-Bell enjoys traveling and has an avid passion for collecting and restoring vintage audio equipment and analog technology. It’s clear that this remarkable young artist is a visionary in his own right, exploring the boundaries of creativity while intertwining his many interests into a singular, captivating expression.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com
