INTRO BY MADDEN LEVIN
INTERVIEW BY KAT VISTI
PHOTO BY CAESAR OSIRIS
Singer-songwriter, Isabella, has been rocking the world with her newest single, “Olé,” released in early December. This talented woman incorporates sounds from all over the world to make her music stand out; also, her music tells tremendous stories in less than five minutes time. What more could one want? We caught up with Isabella to bring you this stunning interview.
Your debut single “Olé” tells the story of a king who is willing to sacrifice everything for the love of the world. Do the other songs off the EP also tell a story like that or are the other stories more personal to you?
ISABELLA: “Olé" is also about the love of my life; it was the last song I wrote on the EP. The other songs that lead up to “Olé” speak of the sacrifice and growth that true love produces in one’s soul.
PHOTO BY CAESAR OSIRIS
Was there a certain reason that you chose the phrase “olé” for your debut single?
ISABELLA: "Olé" carries enough presence and has great cultural significance. The main reason for me was that I heard this word in my mind over and over. I thought that there was a reason for it, and continued to write starting from the chorus.
Your sound is made up of everything from pop to Latin and you include lyrics in English, Spanish, and French. What made you want your sound to be so unique?
ISABELLA: It's important for me to create from a place of gratitude. I engage these cultures and languages as a sign of commitment to those who taught and took care of me throughout my upbringing. It has helped shape my songwriting style.
What else can your fans expect from you off of this upcoming EP?
ISABELLA: Fans can expect acoustic versions of the songs! I love taking a single like “Olé" and rearranging and transforming it.
What was it about artists like Mariah Carey, La Lupe, and Ricky Martin that made you realize that music was one of your passions?
ISABELLA: In the 90s I remember Mariah Carey being one of the "it girls". She had a unique voice and was equally charismatic. The idea of being an international artist was appealing. The Cuban artist La Lupe's musical style is fascinating. Whether you listen to her records or watch her live performances, there is so much to be inspired by.
What was it like working with BJ The Chicago Kid?
ISABELLA: BJ is kind, committed to his art and talented. I am grateful for the collaboration. It was a great experience!
What do you want to achieve in the future?
ISABELLA: I would like to continue my career as singer-songwriter, actress and pianist. My involvement in theater is equally important and I would love to participate in the development of a progressive art form. I’m working on creating a unique genre of music that will be a source of inspiration.
PHOTO BY CAESAR OSIRIS
What was your motivation to pick up so many talents like singing, dancing, acting, and playing the piano?
ISABELLA: In reality one talent led to another. At first it was singing, I later discovered my love for classical music. Before I ever took a music lesson, I was already taking theatre. It was a place where I felt 'at home'. Eventually I decided singing was my main goal, although acting always followed and dance was inevitable because of my intense creative desire. I would devote as much time to the performing arts and even to other art forms such as jewelry making.