ALEX ISLEY IS TAPPING INTO HER WOMANHOOD WITH HER NEW MUSIC
Growing up as one of the off springs of “The Isley Brothers”, Alex Isley has always been surrounded by music and never saw herself doing anything else. She’s transformed over the years from a young woman carving out her own lane in the music industry to becoming a new mother and gearing up to release new music that reflects this current chapter in her life. I got to chat with her about her life, career and what fans can expect from Alex soon.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What was your first introduction to music?
My earliest memories of music are watching my dad rehearse and perform music from his solo album, High Wire. I remember Mariah Carey‘s first album and singing along to that when I was little, and a lot of Prince, Anita Baker and Michael.
How did your father and uncle’s career as The Isley Brothers shape your experience as an artist?
Every part of being a performing artist, whether it’s rehearsal, the recording studio, being on stage, shooting a music video; I was introduced to all of that through them. They’re the foundation in every single aspect of my artistry.
What was it like for you growing up?
It was very much the norm to see them in their element, but at the same time, there were so many moments when I was really amazed, and in awe watching them do what they do with such excellence. I always loved seeing them getting their flowers and recognition from others, especially other artists that I admire. I grew more and more inspired in all of them as I grew older and really came to understand more of what they mean to music and the culture.
At 12 years old you followed in your grandmother’s footsteps by becoming trained in opera and classical music. Talk to us about what that experience was like and how it shaped your style in music.
My maternal grandmother was so passionate about opera, and she sang so beautifully. But she also had the technical skills to maintain her voice, and the training I got from her is forever invaluable. She knew my passion and potential at a young age, and so she really did everything she could to make sure I was taking care of my voice and using it correctly. I’ll always have memories of going through vocal warm-ups and singing arias for and sometimes with her.
Being a part of such a musically inclined family, at any point did you want to pursue something besides music?
No, never. I never had a backup plan. This was it.
What was it like attending UCLA’s Jazz Studies Program?
It was such a great and fulfilling experience. That’s where I learned how to play a bit of piano, and where I found my voice creatively as I learned more about Jazz and fell more in love with it, especially Ella Fitzgerald and John Coltrane.
Once you graduated college you became an independent artist. What was it like doing everything for yourself back then? Do you prefer being signed or independent?
I’ll admit, I felt lost for a while in the beginning. Social media was becoming more and more of a thing, and the DIY approach was still pretty new. I knew I liked to use GarageBand. But I didn’t know how to get my voice out there at first, my mom was the one who suggested that I produced my own music, so that was really the beginning of everything for me.
I think both situations definitely have pros, I think being signed is also a great thing, especially when everything is aligned between you and those you’re working with, but I think that’s true for being independent as well. Even being an independent artist, that doesn’t necessarily mean doing everything alone. There’s so much power in collaboration, you need that in one former another.
A few years ago, during the pandemic you had your own NPR Tiny Desk special at home. What was this experience like for you?
That was such an amazing moment of rejuvenation for me, in that time of uncertainty, and just fear of what was going on in the world. That had been a major goal of mine for a long time, so doing that gave me hope for my future as an artist and just in general. It was really dope to put that together in my little home office.
Not too long after that you hopped on the song “Good & Plenty” with Masego & Lucky Daye which ended up being a huge hit. Talk to us about working on this song and how it felt to see it was so well received.
Masego and I had done that joint with Jack Dine in early 2020, and so doing the remix with Lucky gave it another life and a whole new feel. I love working with all of them, and that’s still probably my favorite collaboration so far. Is crazy because I don’t think Jack or I expected that joint to takeoff like it did, but grateful that it did!
In 2012 you released your first album “Love/Art Memoirs” and in 2023 “I Left My Heart in Ladera” with Terrace Martin. With these projects being over a decade apart, how would you say your music has changed over time?
I think everything has changed tremendously overtime, my voice, production, and the way that I approach writing and performing, and especially how much I’ve collaborated with so many great artists. When I created my first project, I had done all the writing and production, I just wanted to put something out there for people to listen to. Fast forward to now, and to be in the space that I’m in, with everything I’ve done and learned so far, I am so grateful for my journey, and I wouldn’t change anything about it.
When can we expect a new solo body of work from you? What will it sound like?
I’ll be sharing hints of the new music before the end of this year. What I can say about the next body of work is that it’s more vulnerable, more unapologetic, and I’ve tapped more into my womanhood, my sensuality and my emotions.
Who would be your ultimate dream collaboration?
Stevie Wonder is number one for sure. I would love to create something with Billie Eillish. And I love Tyler, the Creator.
This fall you’ll be performing across Europe; what cities are you most looking forward to visiting?
I’m really excited to finally headline in London, they have shown me so much love over the years, and I love their energy. I’m really excited to perform in Paris and Amsterdam for the first time. I’ve been to both cities as a background vocalist, which was great, but this time around will definitely hit differently.
When you’re not working, what are a few things you do for fun?
I love my me time, especially now as a mom, I love time with my little one, but I also love and appreciate time by myself. I love love love to cook and try new recipes, I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. I really love going to live shows and just enjoying being part of the audience. And I always love a cute girls night out.
You rock various hairstyles from braids, natural curls and extensions. What are a few hair products you absolutely can’t live without?
OMG I need my Pattern Beauty shampoo and conditioner and their shower brush, then I use the Camille Rose leave-in mousse right after, my curls absolutely need that one. I love the Cecred hair oil in between washes, and I gotta have a good gel and edge control on deck for when I feel like a slick back bun, I love the Kiss Colors Edge Fixer.
What is one thing you’ve never told anyone about yourself?
I don’t think there’s one thing that absolutely no one knows about me. But something I don’t think I’ve ever admitted, I’m too shy to sing in front of my mom. If she’s in a crowded room, it’s cool. But I’d be way too shy if it were just her lol.
Besides your upcoming shows and new project, what else do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
I’ve been planning for the future, of course, but I’m doing my best to take one day at a time. Being as present as I can where I am at the moment. I have so many different musical ideas, and I’ve been so consistently inspired to create, so just doing as much of that as I can this year and beyond for as long as I can.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Brandon Hicks (@brandonhicks)
Hair Stylist: Michael Boyd II (@mkeb2)
Makeup Artist: Griselda Martinez (@makeupbygriselda)
Wardrobe Stylist: Oliver Brown (@olvrbrwn)
