Isabel Maria, the talented 17-year-old songwriter from County Durham, recently unveiled the final song from her debut EP, The Melodramatic Milers Club. The track, titled “A Guy,” is an intriguing juxtaposition, as it is a soulful song about a girl. Positioned as the conclusion to her six-track EP, this folk-pop ballad is adorned with harmonious strings that paint a melodic atmosphere for listeners.
Discussing the inspiration behind the song, Isabel confides, “I wrote ‘A Guy’ about the first crush I ever had on a girl.” This vulnerability had its challenges as she recalls the lack of support from some friends, leading to initial reservations about her feelings. But as the song progresses, it mirrors Isabel’s own journey—moving from insecurity to acceptance. This transition is accentuated by the song’s evocative strings and an ever-evolving texture.
Taking the reins on both the songwriting and performance, Isabel collaborated with South Shields’ Harbourmaster Productions for its production. The track is punctuated by shifts in tone: from gentle string-led passages to more poignant, piano-driven sections.
Isabel Maria’s love for storytelling became evident early in her childhood. This passion took a melodious turn when her grandfather introduced her to the world of music with a keyboard. It was Sunderland’s Young Musicians Project that nudged her towards penning her own songs. A therapeutic outlet, songwriting allowed Isabel to channel her emotions and experiences into art.
Her music, inspired by illustrious artists such as Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell, Olivia Rodrigo, and Lorde, seamlessly melds indie and pop, often tinged with a unique flair. Garnering recognition, her singles “Catharsis” and “is it over yet,” produced by Liverpool-based Dan Scholes, were finalists in the UK Songwriting Contest in consecutive years. With extensive media coverage, including features on BBC Introducing, Isabel’s songwriting prowess is evident.
Her association with Harbourmaster Productions for recent tracks has only added to her acclaim. A testament to this was her victory at the Northern Writers Award by Writing North in June 2023. Exploring poignant themes such as mental health, pain, and hope, Isabel’s recent compositions exhibit a refined maturity.
This growth is palpable in her EP The Melodramatic Milers Club, where listeners witness her exploration of new sub-genres and the dynamism of her live band. The young artist’s journey, both personal and musical, is beautifully encapsulated in her latest works.
Listen to “A Guy” below!
#Peace.Love.AGuy
