by martina rexrode
photo by holy smoke
Isabel Dumaa couldn't find a song that described the way she was feeling in a relationship, so she wrote one herself. After writing songs in her journal from the time she was in elementary school, Dumaa's style has evolved while also staying rooted in those first pages. Her most recent single “Always Leaving You” is a fresh take on the typical break-up song, taking the perspective of someone who is trying to figure out how to make a relationship work even if they might be the reason it won't. Keep up with future releases from Dumaa on social media and learn more about her in our conversation below!
Congratulations on “Always Leaving You!” How does it feel to have your fourth single out in the world?
Isabel: “It is honestly hard to find the words to describe the feeling of releasing your music to the world. The butterflies and excitement as well as fear is the same every time whether it's your first single or your most recent. I feel so lucky and grateful to everyone around me as well as my fans for allowing me to do what I love to do!”
Do you notice any differences between this release and the other three in terms of the process, subject matter, or public reception?
Isabel: “This release was a little different for a few reasons. First, more writers and producers were involved. I tend to write most of my songs along with the help of a producer and maybe one other writer, but ‘Always Leaving You’ had six people involved, which I know for some people is nothing, but for me that was a lot. The song is also more upbeat than my previous singles so it's interesting to see some people really gravitating towards it, while others prefer a little more of the laid back vibe.”
This single is written from the perspective of someone who admits to being the problem in their own relationship. What made you take this unique perspective?
Isabel: “I chose this perspective because it is one I relate to [laughs]. I also think it is a really common phenomenon to be in a relationship you want to want to be in, but it just isn’t working. I remember when I was going through the breakup that inspired ‘Always Leaving You,’ I wasn’t able to find any songs that really encapsulated how I was feeling, so I decided to write it myself.”
Can listeners expect a music video? If so, is there anything you can tell us about it?
Isabel: “Sadly for this song there is no video planned, but keep your eyes peeled for more in the future!”
Even from just four songs, you already have such a distinct production and lyrical style. How has this style evolved since you first began writing songs when you were in elementary school?
Isabel: “I feel as though an artist's sound changes about as much as they do. People change all the time, but I’ve always found that — most of the time — at our core we stay the same. So even as my sound may change throughout the years, at the end of the day it is always coming from me, so there will always be a common thread.”
Which artists, peers, or writers are you most inspired by?
Isabel: “I am inspired by so many people, things, places it is hard to choose just a few, but some of my current inspirations are Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, Wet Leg, and Maisie Peters.”
What is the biggest goal that comes to mind when you think about your career?
Isabel: “I just hope to be able to connect with people through my music. I want to write songs that can make someone feel just a little less alone, or give them a reason to dance.”