Having already impressed with a wealth of rich and immersive outings these last few years, Brazilian-American artist Isabella Amarga is back on the grind once again with her pulsing new offering 'Still Blocked'.
Capturing more of that broad and enigmatic alt-pop aesthetic she has been building for herself these last few years, 'Still Blocked' makes for a brilliantly rich and dynamic listen. With her alluring vocals spread across a progressive electronic production throughout, she continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Lowkey it was the harp, I was raised really christian so I saw angels playing it in media and I was always enchanted.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was in elementary school I was a bit of a classic rock hippie, loving bands like Heart and The Beatles. In middle school I definitely entered an “emo phase” with my favorite bands being Asking Alexandria and My Chemical Romance.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I honestly think Aquarium by Aqua was the first album I bought myself. Yes the one with Barbie girl, but Dr. Jones was my favourite song off of it.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I wish I wrote A new kind of Love by Frou Frou.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
It always helps to spark up and tap into whatever is weighing on me emotionally at the time.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment I’ve been binging Ashnikko, yeule, and Hiko Momoji.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for Bjork!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I definitely find the most fulfilment in connecting with others through my music.
And what is the most frustrating part?
When you’re in the studio trying to record a line and no matter how many takes it’s still not hitting your expectations. It can be really frustrating to not be able to fully see the vision through right away, but it’s not something I’m willing to give up on trying.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I ever received as a musician was actually from Lil Peep. I had gotten the chance to meet him after one of his shows in Boston and it was before I had ever put a song out. I told him how much he inspires me and that I make music too but I’m too scared to release it. He told me that I need to just drop it and to imagine if he was scared. I literally dropped my first song just days later.
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Isabella Amarga's new single 'Still Blocked' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.