Few artists embody the spirit of collaboration quite like Israel Portnoy. A singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose work bridges cultures, faiths, and musical traditions, Portnoy has built a career creating music rooted in connection, reflection, and shared humanity.
His latest release 'Feelin’ Good' brings together an extraordinary cast of musicians and vocalists from across the United States, Israel, and Europe, blending country, gospel, folk, and roots influences into an uplifting celebration of self-worth and spiritual growth. As he continues to develop his forthcoming album 'Shalom', Portnoy remains committed to creating music that speaks to both personal and collective experiences.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano. I was self-taught and started playing around the age of seven. I used to sit at the piano for hours making up little songs and recording myself on a handheld cassette recorder, singing over whatever notes I happened to think sounded good together. Years later I learned those were called chords.
Looking back, I think what fascinated me wasn't the instrument itself so much as the idea that you could create something from nothing. Long before I understood what any of it was called, I was already trying to write songs.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
A mixture of folk, singer-songwriters, classic rock, Jewish music, and anything with great storytelling. Artists like Paul Simon, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Queen, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, The Beatles, and Sting all had a huge impact on me, alongside the music I grew up hearing at home and in synagogue.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first music I really owned was probably a collection of mixed cassette tapes handed down from my older brother. Those tapes were a musical education in themselves and introduced me to a huge range of artists and styles.
The first vinyl record I remember buying with my own money was Sweet Baby James by James Taylor. I was already drawn to singer-songwriters, and that record still feels like a masterclass in warmth, storytelling, and understated musicianship.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
"Bridge Over Troubled Water." It's one of those rare songs where everything is perfect: the lyric, the melody, the arrangement, and the emotional impact. Decades later, it's still comforting people. That's about as high a bar as songwriting gets.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I've learned that forcing songs usually doesn't work very well. Walking, praying, driving, or simply sitting with a guitar often produces better results than staring at a blank page. My job is mostly to create enough space for the song to show up. and then the real dream is somehow staying in the zone long enough to get it finished before you come up for air - and add significant risk to it being another one of the hundreds of unfinished ones. One phrase i tell myself often if I feel I'm in a writing rut is “writing something is better than writing nothing”. Often just literally free flowing pages of thoughts and then reading that back to myself and seeing what jumps out.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My listening habits are all over the place. I'm quite boring in that I still return regularly to many of the artists who shaped me in the first place: Paul Simon, James Taylor, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, The Beatles, Sting, Steely Dan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix.
Then there are seasons. Sometimes, if I'm trying to get into a more reflective or meditative headspace, I'll listen to ambient sounds, Beautiful Chorus, Medicine Music, or even Bach's Cello Suites. Other times I'm obsessing over the genius of Jacob Collier, the soulfulness of Yebba, the vocal mastery of Tori Kelly, or the songwriting and guitar finesse of John Mayer.
Lately I've also found myself listening to artists like Doyle Bramhall II, Amos Lee, Vulfpeck, Sarah Bareilles, and Southern Avenue. And that's really just scratching the surface. The truth is I'm all over the place. More than any particular genre, I'm drawn to great songs, great musicianship, and artists who have something genuine to say.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Paul Simon. He's one of the few artists whose songwriting, musicianship, curiosity, and willingness to cross musical and cultural boundaries have inspired me throughout my entire life.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When someone tells me that a song arrived exactly when they needed it. Long after streaming numbers and algorithms are forgotten, those moments remind me why I truly do this.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The fact that modern musicians often have to spend almost as much time promoting music as making it. Most artists get into this because they love creating, not because they love marketing.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
If you want to write a good song - or accomplish almost anything worthwhile, for that matter - start by putting your phone on airplane mode.
It sounds almost too simple to be useful, but I genuinely believe our ability to do meaningful work is being eroded by constant distraction. Songs require attention. So do relationships, prayer, learning, and most things that matter.
Whenever I find myself stuck creatively, the solution is rarely another piece of gear or another plugin. More often than not, it's simply creating enough uninterrupted space for an idea to arrive.
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Israel Portnoy's new single 'Feelin' Good' is out now. Check it out in the player below.