Israel Cruz is an Australian singer-songwriter and record producer. Cruz was born in Quezon City, Philippines and at the age of 3 moved to Melbourne, Australia with his family. He lives in Sydney, Australia with friends and has written and performed with Australian singer Stan Walker.
Career His single, "Party Up", was released as a digital download and an extended play. It peaked at number 33 on the Australian Singles Chart, becoming Cruz's highest-charting single since 2004's "Old Skool Luv". "Party Up" was certified Gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipping 35,000 copies. Regarding the song's reception, Cruz stated in an interview with Dominic Di Francesco of Rhyme and Reason: "I feel like it’s been good. For me, it’s not about having a No.1 record. I focus on making good music that the people like. I’ve seen so many artists have so much more than me [with regards to] the deals that they get. But I haven’t needed a job since about 2004. I’ve learnt how to make money off music. I just love putting out records and I love the response "Party Up" has been getting. I feel like I'm always going to be the guy who makes these street anthems. One day, if it crosses over, thank God. But my thing is making music I like, putting it out and if the people love it – great!"
On January 14, 2005, Cruz starred in a musical theatre-style show "Israel" at the National Theatre in Saint Kilda, Melbourne, Australia. The event featured Israel's original music as it told the story of his journey through the music industry. The show featured rappers KA$H and Vallerie, and dance crews Detour, Funkey Fresh, Platinum, Replay, Rewind and ViKiNGs .
Discography Albums TitleDetailsChapter OneReleased: 2 September 2005 Formats: CDThe LegacyReleased: 3 July 2009 Formats: CD, digital download Label: Nufirm
Singles YearTitlePeak chartpositions CertificationsAlbumAUS2004"Wake Up With You"44Chapter One2005"Old Skool Luv" 18"Work Da Middle Pt. 2" 59"My Girl"—2007"Do It Again"—The Legacy"Gemini" —2009"Freak Tonight"682011"Party Up"33ARIA: GoldTBA2012"Save My Life" —"Body" —"—" denotes releases that failed to chart.
Featured singles YearTitleAlbum2011"Naughty" Non-album single2012"Hey Girl" Non-album single
Songwriting credits Elen Levon "Naughty" (produced, featured) Jessica Mauboy "Been Waiting" (co-wrote, produced) "What Happened to Us" (co-wrote, co-produced) Ricki-Lee Coulter "Wiggle It" (co-wrote, produced) Stan Walker "All I Need" (co-wrote, produced) "One Thing" (co-wrote, produced) Scarlett Belle "Lover Boy" (also produced) Tinchy Stryder "Famous" (also produced)
Awards and nominations AwardCategoryAboutResult 2006Urban Music Awards Australia and New Zealand 2006Best R&B Single – Work Da MiddleHimselfNominatedUrban Music Awards Australia and New Zealand 2006Best R&B Album – Chapter OneHimselfNominatedUrban Music Awards Australia and New Zealand 2006Best Video Clip – Work Da MiddleHimselfNominatedAPRA Music Awards 2006Best Urban Music SongwriterHimselfNominated 2007Urban Music Awards Australia and New Zealand 2007Best R&B SingleHimselfWinnerUrban Music Awards Australia and New Zealand 2007Best Male ArtistHimselfNominatedAPRA Music Awards 2007Best Urban Music SongwriterHimselfNominated
References