Following the release of her excellent new single ‘Hoodies’, we had a chat with emerging UK artist Izzii Grace
With her unique blend of indie pop and R&B, emerging UK artist Izzii Grace really begun to make a name for herself and join the conversation of exciting upstarts in the region with worlds of potential and upside.
The latest track to showcase the artist’s distinctive sound and charisma is her rousing new single ‘Hoodies’, an infectiously catchy release that explores modern dating culture and is stacked full of memorable, relatable moments. The take away from the track is that the artist is tired of just ending up with hoodies when she is looking for something more substantial, and this heart on sleeve, vulnerable approach to her writing is what has, and will continue to endear Izzii and her personality to countless listeners. We had a chat with the artist about her journey so far, what inspires her to and informs her songwriting, and the plans she has going forward.
Who TF is Izzii Grace?
Who am I?! Well! I’m a queer indie pop artist who likes to write music inspired by personal experiences, my journey with mental health and obviously overshare about my chaotic dating life!!! I self produce my own music and like to merge a few genres together such as Electropop, Indie Pop and RnB/Soul!! I’m a chaotic and overly energetic person who just wants to have a good time haha
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music for pretty much most of my life if you count the times sat in my bedroom singing random words to the same 3 chords (yes I still play those 3 chords now..) I’ve properly been making music for about 3/4 years but only got the courage to start going for it when lockdown happened in 2019 as I had studied music for 3 years at uni and ended up needing a little break from it. So finally I had the time to play around with Protools and my recording equipment and started to release more music in lockdown!! I would sit in my parents cellar, not that fancy… we got a corner cleared out for a little desk so I put stuff there and I would spend the entire day just recording and writing music!! I made 4 singles and an entire EP and I was so impressed!!
Why do you make music?
I think about this a lot because I realised I make music as almost therapy. For a very emotional person (I am Pisces…) I don’t actually talk about my feelings. So writing songs about them feels easier and I feel that I’m not the only one who feels this. I definitely make music that people can listen to and feel that they’re not alone and they can feel a little more hopeful!! Basically I make music to get things off my chest and hope that relates to a lot of people so they don’t feel they’re going through their struggles alone, I’m in their corner!!!
What are your biggest influences?
Oooo I don’t know really, my sound and my influences are very different. I’ve never really created music to sound like one of my favourite artists but I have been inspired by them to do what I do. Paramore and Shania Twain (yes very different!) are huge influences of mine, same with Oh Wonder and a band called Lawrence… I think I’m more inspired by what they write about, the fact they tell stories and I’ve always found comfort in their music!!
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
I’ve had a few best moments so far, just a couple that come to mind are having my latest single ‘Hoodies’ played on BBC Introducing and having it chosen as track of the day PLUS they even got me to announce it! Me and my incredible band had a headlining gig at the beginning of the year and that was incredible, to be honest anything with them is amazing. Then as cringey as it may be but I’ve met so many talented and supportive people and that has been absolutely lush!!!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
This is a difficult one, my sound has varied over the last two years… it started off as Electropop, very dreamy and ethereal with a tonne of vocal layers to now it’s grown into Indie Pop with R&B/Soul influences… the kinda style that is the perfect accompaniment to a late afternoon stroll in autumn and also when you want to remember your ex is trash and you’re amazing!!
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
My dream I’ve made it moment would 100% be headlining a huge festival, doesn’t matter which one but just to have the moment where the crowd takes over and sings the lyrics for you! The thought of that just makes my heart feel so full!!
We love your new single ‘Hoodies’, what more can you tell us about it?
Yes, Hoodies!! I’m so proud of this song. Well it’s about the world of dating and how it just gives you serious deja vu and every person is just like the last. It was inspired by own dating experiences and the main chorus line was basically created by my older sister!! Once I wrote it I took it to a rehearsal with my band and it was so natural to play which was amazing and I got to produce it myself and I had such a great time!!
I tried to merge my newer sound that I have with my band with my older Electropop style by adding in like synth lines and more vocal melodies as they’re like my favourite thing in the world!! I wanted this song to show more of who I am, with the lyrics and the production!!
What else do you have planned for the near future?
Oooo I have a tonne of new music coming your way that is more inspired by mental health and my personal experiences than my awful love life haha. That plus I’ve got some merchandise, loads of gigs and even a little podcast where I’ll be speaking to creatives about mental health especially within the music industry!!!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
I actually have a few tied for first place as my biggest fans!! There is my lush and incredible friends Laa’iqa and Lauren (also my drummer!!!) and then there’s three of my the most talented music friends Eliza May, Matt and Niamh (Matt and Niamh.. also in my band is there a theme!?!) BUT yes, these guys are honestly my biggest fans and I am so lucky and grateful to have them in my life!!!
Also I’m honestly my own biggest fan too… wouldn’t be here without myself or them so there’s that!!!!
