Izzy Mahoubi Interview
18-year-old American singer-songwriter Izzy Mahoubi has been capturing the world around her writing songs, poetry and creating melodies of unique authenticity conveying relatable storytelling. At her young age, she already has a long history in the music industry and just released a brand new EP ‘How To Run’. Izzy’s projects have been depicted as indie-pop and folk in the style of personal singer-songwriting and we couldn’t agree more.
We got to speak with her about the inspiration behind the EP, her songwriting process, inspirations, and memorable experiences..
Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your debut EP, "How To Run"?
How to Run is an eclectic body of songs I wrote throughout high school. Heartbreak, loss, covid, and learning how to chase my dreams all inspired the songwriting. There’s a blend of genres including indie pop, jazz, and alt that I feel creates a nice track list for listeners.
Can you delve deeper into the meaning behind the lead single "How to Run" and how it represents the overall message of the EP?
I saw a billboard in downtown Phoenix that said, “Silence is the violence” and that is what How To Run embodies. I’m learning how to share the messy and raw versions of myself and what I believe. I'm learning how to run, if you will. The song is experimental for me and kinda weird and completely right. That’s what the whole EP represents. Becoming unafraid to be “cringe”, and learning how to chase your dreams no matter how far fetched they are.
The EP explores themes like heartbreak, social standards, change, and pushing the limits. How did these themes influence your songwriting process? Are you speaking from experience with this EP?
Entirely. The songs on the EP were natural and honest and cathartic to write. With Cool Guy and How to Run, I took my time writing detailed stories that feel very Taylor Swift-y and Torn in Two and Hang Around were songs that were processing-through-change songs
How has your songwriting evolved since your previous singles? Did you approach the EP differently?
I am starting to find my voice as a writer just by writing more and more songs. With these songs, I tried to approach topics that might be done before from my specific experience including details and honesty that I hope the listener can feel.
You mentioned the track "Cool Guy" as being one of the most effortless and cathartic tracks you wrote. Can you tell us why?
I wrote this song about being a woman in the music industry. This was incredibly natural to write. I had gone through an experience where I felt very small by a musician and I wanted to write something that was light hearted and almost comedic. “He’s a poser a Lou Reed wanna be”, that will never not be my favorite lyric i’ve ever written.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how do they inspire your own sound and style?
Fiona Apple, Sophie May, Taylor Swift, Lorde, Billie Marten, Maggie Rogers and The Beatles, to name a few. Women that are so incredibly unique and honest with their music inspire me more than anything. And then The Beatles because they’re The Beatles.
As a young singer-songwriter, what challenges have you faced in the music industry and how have you overcome them?
The main challenge for me has been social media honestly! It’s really easy to compare and envy someone else’s success. I have learned that the place i’m at in my career is where i’m supposed to be. Writing songs is all I want to do with my life and i’m more grateful each day to do that.
Can you share any memorable experiences or moments that have shaped your career so far?
It’s been a crazy few years! In this past year I signed with an indie label and have released some of my favorite songs. I also had the opportunity to open for artists that inspire me such as Adam Melchor and Bendigo Fletcher! The most developing thing in my car is deciding not to go to college this past year and focus my time on writing.
