Crawl: Interview with Alice Isabella
Alice Isabella, Image taken by Emi Hemphill
Songwriting is a natural form of expression for some artists, and it’s no different for indie-pop singer-songwriter Alice Isabella. Since she was young, finding a way to put her feelings and experiences into a melody and lyrics was the default. Her ability to put her own truth into each song is an ability she and her audience greatly admire, as honesty is a key value she hopes to uphold as an artist. Towards the end of last year, Alice Isabella released her debut single, ‘Crawl’, beginning her journey into releasing music, marking her bright melodies, emotionally charged lyricism and raw yet sweet vocals. Learn more about her beginning as a songwriter, inspirations, competition-winning and big plans for the rest of the year through our interview.
Alice Isabella live performance, Image taken by Andrew Briscoe
Alice Isabella live performance, Image taken by Caleb Godwaser
How did you first get into songwriting?
Alice Isabella: I've grown up putting my thoughts into writing, which [later] ended up being put into poetry. My earliest memory of this is probably when I was eight years old. I wrote a [few] lyrics about a crush I had, and then I tried to figure out a way to put a tune to that.
I also got into songwriting through Taylor Swift. I just love her songwriting and am immersed in her work, especially seeing her live; it was just incredible. When I saw [her], I thought, that's what I want to do.
Where do you find that most of your songwriting is influenced from?
Alice Isabella: Usually it's influenced by things that happen in my life; my experiences, my friends or family's experiences or what I've been told about. Sometimes, pop culture, films, TV shows and books are also big inspirations, like writing about characters and creating unique perspectives from that.
One of my songs, ‘Blur’, is about ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’, and how Daisy Jones and Billy blur the lines between one another. I thought it'd be cool to write about each of their perspectives and show their story through these perspectives.
I'm also inspired by other people that I meet. When I was traveling overseas, I got to speak to a lot of different people from all walks of life. Just hearing how they grew up and learning from and about a lot of different people is really cool inspiration.
You’ve spent a large amount of time overseas and travelling. Did that guide or change your songwriting in any way?
Alice Isabella: It sparked more ideas for me to write. It's [like] a time capsule [that I can] capture emotions from in specific moments in my life. So, I found that quite beautiful, being able to really dive into my experiences overseas and feeling at home in other places around the world.
Is there a reason that you've chosen to put all this into song?
Alice Isabella: It just happens. Ever since I was a kid, I've always been creative, so putting what I felt into a melody [and] a song was natural. I never really had any other way. I mean, I wrote stories and poetry, but I found that the most honest way was through songs.
Is honesty important to you as an artist, or is it something you want to give people as an artist?
Alice Isabella: Yeah, definitely. Being able to tell your truth, other people's truth and being earnest is very important because it's your stories and your output into the world. So, I find that being able to be truthful to the world is a great trait to have.
Alice Isabella, Image taken by Emi Hemphill
Was there any reason you chose for ‘Crawl’ to be the first single you ever released?
Alice Isabella: I knew I wanted to release something last year, and I thought that ‘Crawl’ was the song that perfectly encapsulated my sound and style. So I wanted that to be the first thing people could hear from me. I also just loved the story behind it, and it felt really honest and real to share with other people.
What was the process like for creating and recording ‘Crawl’? Because I know from your Instagram, you had a bit of the demo and also where you visualised the final recording. What about those aspects did you want in the final recording so that your message or the story of ‘Crawl’ got out to listeners clearly?
Alice Isabella: I had the acoustic version, just me and the guitar, and I wanted [the final] to be kind of an indie pop song. So I worked with SB90, who produced it at Kindred Studios. I wanted a kind of punchy instrumentation and a really solid and catchy chorus. We really wanted to work on finalising how I visualised it; very big and illustrating a tension and release throughout the song. So, we played around with a bunch of sounds, different textures and levels to see what suited best. We spent two days recording my vocals, guitar and harmonies, and then he did the bass, the keys and drums.
I also saw in your Crawl letter, you had said: “Crawl had become an anchor and it was a reminder to always stay true to yourself, let go of things that don't serve you anymore and move forward.” So in a way, is ‘Crawl’ also an anchor in your music and songwriting, as a first release and as an artist?
Alice Isabella: I think it's a great reminder to stay true to yourself and put yourself first when you realise someone is not serving you anymore, just for your own peace of mind.
I think this song is a great anchor in my songwriting because it's like the foundation and building blocks that will set me strong for what I'll eventually release into the world. I'm very proud of how people have received the song [and] I'm glad that people have felt seen and understood from it.
In your future, as an artist, where do you see yourself and what do you hope for yourself as an artist?
Alice Isabella: I hope people relate to my songs and feel heard, understood and seen. I also believe that my songs are quite universal, but they're also personal. People have also said that to me, so it kind of strengthens that feeling. I hope that my stories reach people's hearts.
What's in the works for you this year?
Alice Isabella: It is probably gonna be quite a big year and I'm really excited for what's to come. I can't really reveal too much about it, but yeah, I'm very excited for it.
I also have five gigs coming up in Feb. This Saturday at Fed Square for Garage Band, 5:00pm to 7:30pm, [and I’m also] busking at St Kilda Fest on February 15th at JBL Busking Station at 5pm at Catani Gardens. Later, there is my headliner gig as part of Old Rug Sessions at Lyre Bird Lounge on the 18th of February with special guest, Sebastian Haysman, as well as a little mini fest called Universe Fest on Feb 28th, [which is a] bunch of people from different music unis kind of showcasing their originals, at The Catfish 5:00pm-5:30pm.
There are so many chances just this month to see Alice Isabella live, and for free, so there’s absolutely no reason to miss out!
Stay up to date with what will no doubt be a big year for Alice Isabella through her socials linked below, and many gigs.
Also, be sure to stream/purchase ‘Crawl’.
