Emerging artist Isabel Dumaa has been chasing her dream of becoming a singer since the age of 11. After graduating high school, she relocated to Los Angeles to work with producers and acclaimed songwriters as she brought her dream to fruition. She has racked up over 1 million streams across all streaming platforms with her single “Quarter Life Crisis” and has more surprises for listeners in store. Shortly after, she released a new single “Always Leaving You,” based on her personal experiences from a past relationship.
Melodic Magazine recently caught up with Isabel in which she shared with us her thoughts on her new single.
MM: What was the story behind “Always Leaving You”? What inspired this new single?
Isabel: The inspiration for “Always Leaving You” came during Covid when I was getting out of a relationship. I had found myself somewhat settled in that relationship and I just wasn’t happy. This guy was totally perfect on paper, but I just couldn’t get myself to commit and ended up hurting him and myself in the process.
MM: You first wrote this song when you were 17 so how has it grown with you throughout the years? What was the songwriting process like?
Isabel: This song has gone through many phases and has definitely grown alongside me. I am really proud of the final product we ended up with. The process included a lot of writing and rewriting. Although this song was written about a situation a few years ago, I still very much relate to the person I was when I wrote it.
MM: What would you say are your favorite lyrics on the track?
Isabel: I’d say my favorite lyric is in the second verse: “It’s just like me to jump both feet first, the flowers you gave me they died of thirst.” I feel like those lyrics are so straightforward for the way I was feeling yet painted in an artistic way.
MM: How would you describe your music to new listeners?
Isabel: I like to say: “Take a little bit of Maggie Rogers/Fleetwood Mac rock, a little bit of Gracie Abrams/ Lizzy Mcalpine singer-songwriter, and finish it off with some Taylor Swift pop; and that is my music.”
MM: How has growing up in California shaped your musical journey?
Isabel: Growing up in California has definitely shaped me not only as a musician but as a person as well. It is difficult to exactly pinpoint, but a few characteristics come to mind. One being I feel I am constantly looking for inspiration, and simply wanting to experience life. Songwriting comes from life experiences so why not try and get as many as you can? I attribute this to growing up in California because it is just such a massive, beautiful state with so much to uncover. I also think my musical taste and influences can definitely be partially attributed to growing up here as well.
MM: Congratulations on having your first headline show in New York! What is something you’re looking forward to at this show?
Isabel: Wow, so many things. Honestly, I’m just excited to be on stage again. One of my favorite things in life is performing for people and I feel so lucky that I’m going to get to do it again and in one of my favorite cities. I’m also really excited to get to play some new material for everyone!
MM: If you could have an artist feature on a song, who would it be and why?
Isabel: I feel like there are so many, but the first that comes to mind is Noah Kahan. I am just obsessed with him as an artist, songwriter, and person. His music is so beautiful and so impactful, and he writes in a genre I love so much. It would just be a dream and an honor to have a song with him.
MM: What are some artists that you’re currently listening to?
Isabel: Oh my god, so many! I mean it’s always Taylor Swift, Lizzy McAlpine, Fleetwood Mac, SZA, Noah Kahan, and so many more! Lately, I’ve really been in a Fiona Apple phase, as well as Lauryn Hill. Those two are both artists that I always find myself just periodically coming back to and getting so obsessed with every single time.
MM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you could share with us?
Isabel: Yes! I’m working really hard on my first-ever EP. It’s been in the works for a while and I’m so excited to finally get it out. I still have a good amount of work to do but I couldn’t be happier with how it’s coming along.
This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Words by Angela Leung
