Out Israeli Pop Artist On Mekahel Releases Empowering Dance Single "Alive Again"

On MekahelPhoto byChris Martin

Pop singing sensation On Mekahel continues to make his mark on the music scene with the release of his new single, "Alive Again". This follow-up to his debut single, "Play with Fire", showcases a fresh, uplifting blend of pop and dance, while also offering a profound message of self-discovery and empowerment.

Produced by Grammy nominee Riley Urick, with music and lyrics by Or Milsshtok, Omri Kesten, Dave Mekahel and On Mekahel, the song is a personal anthem for the singer, reflecting his journey toward clarity and self-realization. On Mekahel explains, “For my second single, I wanted to make a song that was related to internal struggle—something that we as humans can all relate to. I also wanted to work towards developing my specific feel and sound for listeners to connect with.” Mekahel's intent was not only to create a catchy pop track but also to ensure the lyrics and melody conveyed something more meaningful—a personal story of overcoming life’s challenges and finding clarity within.

"Alive Again" combines elements of pop and dance music, making it an energizing listen. “The sound is a little pop and a little dance. The message behind the lyrics tells a story of finding clarity within yourself, so I also wanted to make sure it felt uplifting,” Mekahel explains. To give the song an even more distinctive edge, the social media influencer with over three million followers on his Instagram, incorporated light Middle Eastern sounds, adding a worldly flavor that sets it apart from other pop tracks. This unique soundscape enhances the song's thematic depth, capturing a global audience through its fusion of upbeat rhythms and cultural influences.

Photo byChris Martin

At the heart of the song is a message of self-realization. The lyrics convey the idea of living authentically and free from societal expectations, something that Mekahel has embraced personally. “The message behind the lyrics is about the pinnacle of one's journey towards clarity and self-realization, and doing so in order to live life as authentically as possible,” he says. Mekahel believes that the key to fulfillment lies in living for oneself, rather than conforming to the pressures or expectations imposed by others.

“We all have expectations placed on us from many different angles. As someone who feels especially fulfilled by chasing my dreams, this song generally summarizes my own experience in life. It is about the mental and emotional space I had to arrive at in order to create the world that I wanted most,” Mekahel reflects.

As far as what helps Mekahel feel “alive again,” the singer points to several aspects of his life. “For me, there isn't just one thing, but many things that have made me feel alive again. Sometimes it can be as simple as moving to a new place for a fresh start or finally clearing that hurdle keeping me from a goal,” he explains. However, he emphasizes that his husband, family, and dogs are at the core of his everyday happiness. “They make me feel alive again every day as they are my whole world.”

In addition to his powerful music, Mekahel offers advice to listeners who may feel like their dreams are out of reach. “Don’t take no for an answer. And if you hear a no, you are talking to the wrong person!” he advises. “The other most important thing is to convince yourself that you can do it first before you convince the rest of the world. Your biggest critic is you, so keep it in check.”

While "Alive Again" marks an evolution in Mekahel’s sound and artistic identity, he remains true to the pop and dance beats that have defined his style. “There’s some evolution happening. 'Alive Again' is like the next layer of the onion. The formula is still the sam but my new song shows a little more of who I am as an artist.”

Beyond his music, Mekahel has introduced a distinctive persona to accompany this new chapter of his career. Featuring a robotic arm and glowing eye, his new look is an expression of the interplay between human imperfection and technological correction. “I decided to create an AI human/robot—since perfect is actually a combination of human imperfection and technology correction. This is my AI era,” he explains.

Mekahel hopes that through his music, fans will feel seen and inspired. “Music is the best form of connection and reflection, so the thought of being a small part of this for someone is very special to me,” he says.