Izzy Raye
Izzy Raye’s latest single “how do you do it” was released in November and I still think it is one of the best songs I’ve heard. Raye’s vocals and melodies are just effortless and magical. “how do you do it” is one of these songs that can become one of the greatest records. Simply amazing.
I cannot wait to hear more from her this year !
For now, let’s keep streaming “how do you do it”.
Hi Izzy, how are you?
Good, how are you?
What's your story?
We’ll get to that :)
Do you remember your earliest musical memory?
Either my dad teaching me how to sing “Hit the Road Jack” or my sister starring in Miracle on 34th Street.
What did you grow up listening to?
My dad would listen to The Beatles, classic rock, and all that, so I learned to sing from that music. But, my sister was like a musical theater prodigy, so I also grew up on show tunes.
When did you know you could sing?
I don’t remember not knowing I could sing… I was being annoying and trying to get solos in shows when I was 8.
Do you remember a specific time in your life where music made a huge impact?
All throughout high school, that’s when I really understood music’s magical and healing abilities.
"how do you do it" is your latest single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
Do I wanna be with this man, or do I just want to be treated the way this man is being treated?
Could you describe the songwriting/production process behind this song? When did you start working on it? Who helped you create it?
I wrote the blueprint for it in one sitting, meaning all the lyrics, the melody, and base-level production. But actually, this one took me a long time to crack. My co-producer, Chris Botta, and I sat with it for a while, I feel like there’s three different demos. I got some really good advice and help from some trusted ears and then we reworked some of the mixing and production. Once I felt like it was worthy of being a “tunnel song” I knew it was right.
What's your favorite lyric on "how do you do it"?
“They turn like flowers in the sun and you don’t even use it.”
What did you feel when recording this song?
Upset :)
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song? What message do you want to deliver?
For about four minutes, I want people to feel like they can be honest with themselves about something they’re maybe not proud of feeling and just let that energy out of their bodies. I want it to be a catharsis!
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
Donna Missal's entire most recent album Revel, any track off of Troye Sivan’s Something to Give Each Other, Christine and the Queens’ “I disappear in your arms.”
What does singing make you feel?
Like magic exists!
As a queer woman, what is the greatest challenge you've ever had to overcome? What biggest advice would you give to women and the queer community out there?
What a question… I honestly think it’s an ongoing thing, but I think conquering the ideas that have been ingrained into my mind about how I’m supposed to present and behave as a woman in society has been tough! But being a queer woman allows me to see clearing those hurdles as growth instead of obstacles. Does that make any sense??? That’s kinda a little piece of what the song is about!
What biggest life lessons have you learned last year?
That once you see someone’s true colors you can never go back, but maybe that’s a blessing.
In your opinion, what would make the world a BETTER place?
This question at this point in time is kinda hilarious (laughs), uhhhhhmmmmmm universal healthcare? Free college? More movie musicals! Let’s go with that.
What can we expect to hear/see next?
World domination and a biiiiiiiiiiiggg big bigggg big big project :)
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