CUBAN AMERICAN SINGER ISABEL LAROSA WANTS TO BE YOUR FAVORITE
On a high from just getting off tour and preparing to go back out on the road this fall, Cuban American singer Isabel LaRosa is ready to share her music with her fans all over the world. Blowing up on TikTok, Isabel didn’t squander the opportunity to take advantage of her viral moment and has shown that she is here to stay. If you want to learn all about Isabel, keep reading below:
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Growing up you went to jazz clubs with your father and watched him play the saxophone while your brother played the guitar. Talk to us more about your musical family and when you realize your love for music as well.
Growing up with music is something that I’m so grateful for as I get older. My dad raised me singing, jazz standards, and later, when my brother discovered writing his own music, I wanted to do whatever he did, so I followed in his footsteps. I grew up singing at open mic nights and jazz jams, which gave me a lot of performing experience. A lot of my family is musical, so it was very easy to grow up around it.
You use to post multiple videos a day promoting your music, but nothing stuck until you and your brother came out with the song “HAUNTED”. Take us back to this time and talk about how you went viral and how you maximized that momentum.
“HAUNTED” was inspired by a remix of a song called little bit, that was blowing up on the app at the time. I’ve never had anything go remotely viral before “HAUNTED”, so when I posted a video, and it actually did well it was truly an insane feeling. Once I had one video go with “HAUNTED”, I devoted all my time to brainstorming ideas for videos. I focused all my energy on making that moment as big as I could.
Your brother is still a part of your musical process as a writer and producer. What are some of your favorite songs you’ve created with your brother?
I’m so incredibly lucky to have my brother as my collaborator, he is so incredibly talented and hard-working. Some of my favorite songs that we’ve created together are HAUNTED, favorite, and older.
You recently released your latest song “favorite”. Can you talk to us about the inspiration behind this track and tell us about what it’s about?
“favorite” is about falling for somebody who you know has a lot of options, and wanting to be the only one that they see. I wanted to do a song that was inspired more by my Latin roots, and that’s the music I’ve been listening to a lot of.
How does it feel to have a billion streams of your music? When did you realize that people really resonated with the music you make?
To be completely honest I don’t think I’ve fully processed what that means. It’s so mind blowing to me that I even get to do this and the fact that people resonate with the music is more than I could’ve ever wanted. I think when I first went on tour with Nessa Barrett, and heard people singing, “I’m yours,” I realized that the music actually meant something to people.
What is the creative process behind the concept of your music videos?
The creative process is nothing too crazy, I just listen to the song on repeat and write down what I visualize in my notes app. Then I go through and write out a detailed treatment from what I imagine.
You’ve just wrapped up the “God’s Watching” North American tour with Ari Abdul. Talk to us about your experience on the tour and what you learned as an artist from your live performances. You’ve made it clear that you aren’t a cookie cutter pop artist. For those who’ve never heard your music, how would you describe your musical style?
The “God’s Watching” tour truly has changed my life. It was my first real headline tour, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more special. I’ve learned how to fully be confident in myself on stage, and how to give my all in every performance. I have to remember that everyone in the audience is seeing the show for the first time, and regardless of how I feel that day they want an amazing show. I would say to anybody who hasn’t heard my music. They might describe it as dark or alt pop.
When you’re not working on music what are a few things you do for fun?
To be completely honest music is really my life, and I don’t do that much else. I’m kind of boring lol but anytime that I can see my family or just spend time with my boyfriend or the people that I love that’s what I choose to do.
What does a self-care day look like for you?
A self-care day for me would look like actually being able to work out and take a shower and potentially read a little bit. I don’t really do self-care days that often, but I feel like I should do more! Not having to answer an email would be great!
What are your current favorite hair products?
I really love the Ouai Scalp Serum and any hair oil I can get my hands on.
Walk us through your skincare routine.
First, I use the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, then I use a Vitamin C serum from La Roche Posay, and then I use a basic sunblock from CeraVe. I would say sunblock is the most important part of my routine.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I would say some of my biggest musical influences are Melanie Martinez, The Neighbourhood, The Weekend and Lana Del Rey.
How would you define your fashion style?
I honestly don’t know really how to describe my fashion style, but I would say it just involves a lot of leather and fur coats.
What’s next for Isabel LaRosa? Anything you can share exclusively with Galore readers?
I don’t want to spoil too much but there’s so much in the works that I can’t talk about but all that I can say is just keep an eye out for me.
TEAM CREDITS:
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Samantha Monendo (@sammonendo)
