We got to know rising LA R&B talent ise a little better following the release of her third single ‘Can You’
With just three solo releases to her name, emerging LA artist ise has done a stellar job of establishing her bop-heavy brand of engaging pop-tinged R&B. Tracks like ‘F U’ and ‘feeling blessed’ have encapsulated the infectious charisma of the artist, and the swagger and personality that radiates from these tracks just makes them so effortlessly enticing and captivating.
The latest of these is ‘Can You’, a thoughtful new release that highlights a thoughtful, softer side to the artist. A blissful daydream of a track that explores the way that you feel when you meet someone and you can feel it progressing into something special and new. The contrast between ‘Can You’ and ‘F U’ is a great way to get a feel for the wide range of ise’s sound, and the different tones and moods that she can portray with her cutting edge sound. We love ise and her exciting project, and felt that we had to have a chat with the emerging artist to find out all about her sound and what plans she has for the future.
Who TF is ise?
She is a singer, songwriter, croissant lover, and super smash gamer!
ise (pronounced like “ice” is a nickname that came from my given name, “Denise,” although I was only ever called that by close family members. I was known all my life as “Denise Rosete” the artist, the photographer, the tennis player, and so recently I had rebranded myself as ise, to get away from that previous identity and start afresh as an R&B singer-songwriter!
How long have you been making music?
So I’ve been singing and performing since I was 9. I took a lot of vocal lessons growing up but I never had thought about making my own music because I was trained to sing covers and such. Fast forward to attending college, I released my first single, “your loss, baby” back in 2019 but only recently had I decided to take it more seriously and consistently. It’s almost going to be a year now!
Why do you make music?
I wrote my first song due to a breakup to get my feelings out. I felt like writing them down wasn’t enough, so I translated them from my journal into a song. I feel like nothing has really changed from that time– I write songs to relay how I feel through sound and with the combination of my tone, technique, and lyrics I feel like I can convey a lot of emotions. I also just love singing and being creative!
What are your biggest influences?
I have so many! Artists that have influenced me and my sound have been Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Lea Salonga, and Kehlani. It’s such a big range of music styles, but I think looking up to each and every single one has somehow mixed together and made me into who I am now as an artist!
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Honestly, I’m still pretty new to the game and there’s so much more opportunities for me out there! So far my best moment would have to be my little successes placing into Spotify editorial playlists with a recent song. I think they kind of gave me a push to think “Oh wow, people like my music!”
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
My sound is alternative R&B – like a combination of smooth vocals at times, or vocals with attitude. I like to experiment with sexy and fierce, or chill and vibey. My sound makes you want to go on that late night drive or walk through the streets like you’re the main character.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
It would be selling out on a tour, being up on a stage and hearing the audience sing my lyrics, connecting with me at an emotional level, and me thinking to myself, “I hope I’m making my younger self proud.”
We love your new single ‘Can You’, what more can you tell us about it?
Implementing a nice blend of acoustics and pop, “Can You” is an experimental song I did that is way different from other songs I’ve put out thus far. I wanted a song that you could play watching the sunset, when asking out the person you’re in a situationship with, or for when you’re driving along PCH. This song is the product of me experiencing the emotions of love and gratefulness to my friends and my family. And not gonna lie– I had my favorite Kpop group “Seventeen” in my mind while writing this song (lol).
What else do you have planned for the near future?
In the near future, I have more releases planned. Because I’m still an up and rising singer, I’m still trying to build my fanbase around those who love my music. Here’s to more releases and performances!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
I’m very lucky to have many, many supportive friends, although my biggest fan would have to be my sister. She’s supported me from such a young age and she saw me grow up and turn this hobby into (hopefully!) a career.
