An Interview With the Promising “Unlabeled” Singer, ISABELLE!

Photo Credit: Alex Lark

In a suburb outside of Atlanta, Isabelle grew up in a family of music lovers, making it a huge part of her upbringing.  Once she started her own singing lessons at age 7, she never once looked back.

Isabelle had a fire within and was ready to start taking the industry by storm. Going on to attend Berklee, the prestigious music school in Boston, Isabelle further developed her musicianship and started to really learn the business side of the industry.  Honing in on her skills and confidence, Isabelle caught the attention of American Idol and went on to appear on the show in 2013, making it to the top 40.

Isabelle’s ability to create the true “Power Pop” sound is undeniable.  Isabelle’s voice has an amazing range and vulnerability that will captivate listeners from the first note.  She will never write about a scenario that she hasn’t personally experienced.

Ultimately, Isabelle’s goal to inspire and touch others through her music isn’t a mission she takes lightly. “I have so much to say with my new music, but especially with “Unlabeled”. I want it to be a reminder to anyone who has doubts about themselves that they can turn weakness into strength. Even though I may be singing about experiences that are very real for me and sometimes uncomfortable or unfiltered, I know that I have my talent and songs only to touch people.” 

Her upcoming single “Unlabeled” is a powerful introduction to Isabelle’s story and path to leaving her mark on this world.

Instagram: @isabellemusic (13.5k followers)

http://www.isabellemusic.com

Learn more about Isabelle in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! How has 2017 been treating you? Musically, did you approach this year any differently then you did last year?  2017 has been a whirlwind and I don’t think the craziest part of the year for me has even begun! Musically, this year has been raw and eye opening! 2016 was about figuring out what I wanted to say, 2017, I’m saying it.

Where does this interview find you today? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it? What kind of music do you listen to when you are working? What music gets you instantly out of a bad mood? As of right now, I am sitting by a fountain. I love music but sometimes you just need silence or something peaceful to calm the noise. Normally when I am working I have mediation music on. Shania Twain still puts me in such a good mood. It reminds me of the good childhood days!

Growing up, have you always wanted to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory? This is a question I get asked often. And I hate my response, but I have been doing music since I can remember (cliche, right?) I have been taking lessons since I was very young and I never remember a time where I didn’t think singing would be my career.

If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? That’s such a hard question. I would be a spin instructor and a baker…so I could eat cupcakes and bake but then burn it all off! I also want to be a mom and have a big family.

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city or town has influenced them as an artist now. So how do you think your growing up outside of Atlanta has affected who you are as a musician and the art that you create? I’m really happy I grew up in a small town outside of Atlanta. There is something very special about the south. I sang at every event, and in school I was known as the girl who sang. It gave me the opportunity to really practice and become good at performing before leaping into the bigger music pond.

What do you think is the biggest lesson you learned from being on American Idol back in 2013? Would you change anything about your performances if you could go back and do it all over again? Being on American idol was a huge eye opener to how the industry works; It’s not always fair and you have to have a strong sense of self, otherwise you will get swallowed. I don’t think I knew who I was as an artist back then and had the experience not gone exactly the way it did, maybe I wouldn’t be at the point I am now. So, no regrets.

Let’s talk about your upcoming single, “Unlabeled.” Where did the inspiration for this song come from? How do you think it warms up to listeners to you and your music? I moved to LA, and was so sick and tired of this fake sense of ‘perfection’. Everyone looked the same and was robotic, and before I even had a chance to open my mouth, I was judged because I was the ‘fat’ girl. “Unlabeled” is my fight song towards the industry’s perception of what I am ‘supposed’ to be. I think there isn’t a person who can’t relate to this song. Everybody has felt judged or not good enough, either to others or themselves.

When do you hope to release more new music and a full collection of new songs? We will be releasing singles throughout the next couple of months. “Unlabeled” is just the beginning!

What are your plans for the rest of this summer? Do you have any plans to play out live at all? I’m so excited that the summer is coming to an end and fall is around the corner. I am working on some exciting and fun live shows over the next couple of months.

How do you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you hope to be a good role model for young women today? I know that at the end of the day, there is nothing else I can be doing with my life. It’s very comforting to know that I get to do exactly what I was born to do. All I want to do is help people realize the things my role models have helped me realize. Your happiness is the only thing that matters. If you are good with yourself and good to others, no one can touch you.

Who are some of your very favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future? I have so many favorites. Celine Dion is one of my idols for life. I also really love Sara Bareilles, and Emeli Sande. Beyond their talent and voices, their songwriting is next to none. When I need to get in touch with my soul, I turn them on.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs? Ultimately, I just want people to feel healing from my music. When they have a bad day I want them to be able to turn on my music to feel better about themselves or to feel empowered. When I listen to music, that’s what I want to feel.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started on this music path? Or even to someone young that is thinking of becoming a musician one day? If you feel in your soul that there is nothing else you want to do with your life, then don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it. And don’t be surprised, because there will be people who will try to tear you down and tell you that it’s not possible. I can’t tell you how many people told me I would never be successful because of my weight or because they just didn’t believe in me. Work hard and while everyone else is talking about how successful they are becoming or how much they’re doing, be confident In the silence. Because once you are blossoming and being the artist you’re really truly supposed to be, you won’t have to tell anyone, they will just know.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music? I’m really excited to connect with my listeners and hopefully bring some kind of joy or relief to them in their lives.  I hope when people look at me they can relate to me and hopefully feel as bough they aren’t alone.  That’s what music should always be about and I hope my music can do that for everyone.