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Chicago-based alternative rock band Isabella Snow recently released their six track EP Thorns. Merging jazz, 70’s rock, and femme-fronted 90’s alt rock, the band coins a unique sound with glimmers of nostalgia. In this interview, Isabella discusses the band’s writing process, pre-show rituals, and the Chicago music scene.
Tell us about your latest release Thorns. What topics or ideas does this EP explore?
“The six tracks on Thorns are about finding the beauty, inner strength, and the power to speak one’s mind within the obstacles. Sure, I’ve been through it but I’d rather ask- how can I grow from it? Nothing worthwhile comes into fruition without struggles. Like the lotus, the most beautiful things grow from the mud. And like a rose with its thorns, we can take the sharp with the soft. I like to say that some of the hardest times of my life have made the greatest stories. I’ve lived to tell the tale and I love to tell the tale. These songs are those tales.”
How would you describe your current sound? Which of your songs would you recommend to first time listeners?
“I like to describe our current sound as lush 70’s rock (Heart, Queen) meets brassy femme-fronted 90’s alternative rock (No Doubt, Alanis Morissette) lightly sprinkled with bits of jazz influence (think Amy Winehouse energy). 4 out of 5 of us in the band have extensive jazz backgrounds and can’t resist some of the elements. However, we definitely lead with a rock sound. I like to recommend “Trust Me,” “Go Mingle,” or “Who Am I to You?” for the first time listener.”
What does your process look like when writing/creating music?
“The writing process has been a bit varied this go around. Most of the time I will write songs singing and playing on guitar or ukulele- with the lyrics being written first generally and then I’ll pick up my instrument and build a vocal melody and rhythm line. Once I have a skeleton of a song, I bring it to the guys and we arrange it together. However, for the first time for me, two tracks on Thorns- “Thorns” itself and “Who am I to You” -were co-written with our guitar player Matt Morgan. Matt wrote instrumental tracks for those songs and I wrote lyrics and vocal melody on top, with me adding small changes here and there. However, when it comes to arranging, all of us in the band really enjoy playing with each other. Some of our best ideas come from us messing around. Having fun together is the biggest key to making something great.”
Tell us about your experience with the Chicago music scene. How would you describe it? What are the best parts about it?
“I’ve had such an amazing time being part of the Chicago Music scene. This city is equally a cover band town as well as an indie music hub. I’m lucky to have had a foot in both. A lot of musicians out here do. I’m so grateful to have had experiences doing cover shows because learning such a diverse set of material has done nothing but exponentially improve my chops as a vocalist, as a listener, and as a songwriter. I firmly believe the more music you expose yourself to and have yourself learn, the more you will grow as an artist. There is a familial energy out here. Those in the industry run into each other in every direction and we just want to see one another succeed. When things get chaotic (and they always do) it’s wonderful to be able to have friends as your stage mates.”
What was the most memorable show you’ve played, and what was great about it?
“Most memorable show is a hard question because there are many. One of these days I am going to take my various stories of gigging and turn them into stand up comedy bits. But recent one that comes to mind is a diy show we did a few months back where I witnessed a very rowdy, packed crowd mosh to “Go Mingle” for the first time ever as my best friend stood in the front row singing along to every word, our eyes meeting in surprise as we witnessed this pit LOVING the tunes together. Before Thorns, my sound had been a bit softer and with this alternative rock evolution we have gone through, I’m so beyond touched to see people receiving the high energy I’ve been longing to give them with open arms.”
Do you have any pre-show rituals? How do you relax or celebrate after a live show?
“I absolutely have pre-show rituals. I believe it is equally important to prepare your mind and body for a show. I had a vocal professor in college who would often tell me “You’re an athlete, Isabella! And you need to treat yourself as such!” I make sure to do a short yoga practice to get ready to dance onstage as well as to ground myself within my body. I am also very meticulous with my vocal warm ups. It’s important to stretch every part of your body- both the voice and the rest of you because singing and performing is absolutely a full body exercise. You only get one voice so you must take care of it! It’s important to get into that grounded state of mind so that you can be self aware and comfortable in your own skin on stage to give a performance with clear intentions and to put on the best show you can possibly give.”
If you could get any artists to tour with you, dead or alive, who would be on the bill?
“Dream tour mates are so hard. I have MANY. Naturally, I would first list the artists I mentioned earlier in regards to our current sound (Queen, Heart, No Doubt Alanis Morissette) But when it comes to recent bands, I would love to share a bill with The Beaches, Kelsy Karter, or The Struts.”
What can we expect from you in the future?
“What you can expect from us in the future is more theatricality, more vulnerability, more fierce fire, and more FUN! I love mixing everything I’ve ever loved into my art. And the combinations are endless.”
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