Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned singer Izzie Naylor to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from a town called Macclesfield, in Cheshire (UK) but I’ve been living in London studying songwriting for a few years.
I got into music thanks to my parents, my mum is a multi-instrumentalist and my dad has great taste in music. I was roped into piano lessons when I was 6 and fell in love with playing music, not just because the lessons got me out of PE.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I used to watch the Wizard of Oz on repeat as a kid so I’ve grown up admiring Judy Garland and still love her music, but I don’t think it’s the same style I want to create – even though I’d love to write a musical one day. I’m definitely inspired by Stevie Nicks, and I think Maggie Rogers is such an amazing performer and songwriter.
How would you describe your sound?
I brand it as alternative-pop because it gives me a lot of leeway with what I can create, but I think the general “vibe” is kinda spooky but chill. My current sound definitely wouldn’t be as cool without the production talent of Blake Richardson.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
The single I just released is called ‘Hypnotised’, it’s about having a crush or a feeling, or really admiring someone and not being able to get them out of your head. I wrote it last summer after a heavy spell of writer’s block, I just wanted to write something quickly and Hypnotised was finished within about half an hour.
What’s your local music scene like?
Macclesfield has always had a great music scene, there are so many cafes and bars who bring in live musicians, we’ve had a lot of amazing artists come from here; bands like Joy Division, and recently Cassia and Blake (my producer/New Hope Club guitarist and singer).
Manchester is also on it with music, there’s heaps of open mics every week which I’ve loved going to over the last 5/6 years, and recently I’ve been fortunate enough to be played on BBC Introducing in Manchester!
What do you have planned for the next 12 months? Any albums or festivals?
I may or may not have another single coming out *soon* and then perhaps an EP…
I have a gig at The Button Warehouse in Macclesfield 22nd November, but I’m always gigging around London and Manchester – keep an eye on my social media for updates.
I’m also hoping to play at some festivals next summer, I’ll definitely be applying, fingers cross it works out!
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I’d love to create a supergroup with other female artists, like what Julien Baker/Phoebe Bridgers/Lucy Dacus did with Boygenius. There are way too many talented women to choose between but Maggie Rogers/Billie Eilish/Nina Nesbitt/Hayley Kiyoko (to name a few) would be a dream!
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Every gig is different, but there’s always some drunk guy in the back, sometimes they’re super into it and sometimes they just yell at you to play a specific song all night. I usually try to make my gigs lighthearted and kind of make stupid jokes up, especially to lighten the mood with some of my sad songs.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I will never get bored of camouflage jokes.
You can find out more about Izzie via Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.
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