Spotlight: Isabel Kingsley

Can you introduce yourself and share some insights into your background? Describe your journey into music and the experiences that have shaped you as an artist today.

I’ve been passionate about songwriting since childhood, starting as a bubbly theater kid and making my way into the popular music scene after beginning high school. My journey started at a young age from mainstage theater to competitive choir. Throughout my education, I faced many setbacks but music has always been a constant source of strength and a tool for expressing my experiences. Throughout high school, I started songwriting and collaborating with artists worldwide, which helped me navigate these personal struggles and develop my love for the art. Music gave me a voice when nothing else could. Today, I am pursuing a triple degree in Ethnomusicology, Music Business, and Film/TV attending UCLA, and am consistently creating new music. With my debut album set to release soon, I am excited to share my music while advocating for gender equity and social justice within the music industry.

How did you start with Music Forward? Tell us your journey.

I first learned of Music Forward in 2021 through their online and in-person networking opportunities available for students. I was looking to expand my network in the industry and hear what other young music entrepreneurs were pursuing. After attending several events, I fell on hard times financially and needed to find a way to afford my education. From there, I turned to Music Forward’s scholarship program and eventually became more involved from the artist’s perspective at their 2023 Open Mic Fridays! Along with this involvement in Music Forward’s programming, my experiences align closely with their mission of empowering young artists. Like Music Forward, my journey has been about breaking barriers and using music to advocate for positive change. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in various programs that focus on mentorship, professional development, and inclusivity in music as a result of their support system. Being involved in these spaces has significantly shaped my understanding of how I can contribute to the music industry, not just as an artist but also as an advocate for change. Music Forward’s generosity has continued to fuel my creative process and with the recent honor of receiving their microgrant, I will now be able to complete my debut album!

As a songwriter, where do you find your biggest inspirations? What helps you when you are experiencing writer’s block?

My music is deeply shaped by a blend of introspective storytelling and a passion for helping others. Artists like Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell, Allen Stone, Lizzy McAlpine, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band have had a profound impact on my journey as a songwriter and performer. Brandi Carlile inspires me with her fearless vulnerability and ability to convey
raw emotions through her lyrics. She doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, and her vocal delivery is always powerful, evoking a strong sense of community in her fan base. I’m drawn to her ability to blend folk and rock influences while addressing deeply personal and universal themes like identity and queer love. Her authenticity pushes me to dig deeper into my own stories, particularly when writing about personal experiences like navigating difficulties in mental health or dealing with adversity. Joni Mitchell is another major influence, as one of the main founders of thesinger/songwriter genre. I often look to Joni’s ability to paint vivid emotional and visuallandscapes – as I craft my own songs that encompass genres like alternative, folk-rock, and indie pop. Songs like “A Case of You” and the narratives you can see so clearly in your mind as you listen to her music, inspire me to create music that feels timeless and
reflective. Lizzy McAlpine, a rising star in the indie and alternative music scene, embodies a
sense of more modern vulnerability that I relate to as a younger artist. Her stripped-back production and conversational lyrical style inspire me to embrace simplicity and rawness in my own songwriting. Lizzy’s music often explores themes of heartache, self-discovery, and “growing pains”, which also closely relates to my writing style. I appreciate her ability to convey intimate feelings in a way that feels relatable to listeners, something I strive to do with my own voice and stories. Together, these artists inspire me to create music that is not only experimental in its sound but also emotionally resonant. My sound blends elements of singer/songwriter, indie pop, and soul, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and relatability toward those who have experienced similar struggles. I want my music to be a space where listeners can feel understood, challenged, and moved, much like how these artists have shaped me as a musician. Through my own lens, I hope to continue exploring themes of vulnerability and personal growth, with the goal of making a lasting impact.

What’s your biggest “flex”? Don’t be afraid to brag on yourself a bit!

One of the biggest moments of my career so far was performing on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage after winning the VSA International Young Musicians Award. It was one of the first times I was able to share my music with industry professionals and to hear that the organizers at the Kennedy Center believed in me was very special. As part of the program, I was fortunate to have received mentorship from songwriter, Olivia Frances, and make my original debut performing live in D.C. It was such an incredible opportunity to share my original music on such a prestigious stage and advocate for the inclusion of artists with disabilities in the industry. I, myself struggle with PTSD and Dyslexia, which can be hard to navigate in the entertainment industry. I especially wanted to use the Kennedy Center as an opportunity to advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, something that has greatly affected my life. Another major achievement was creating my song “Devil’s Praise,” which addresses the complexities of abusive relationships, a deeply personal topic for me. These milestones remind me that my voice, as both an artist and advocate, has the power to make a difference for myself and others too.

How do you maintain creativity in the business of life? What keeps you inspired?

Balancing music, school, and work is definitely challenging, and often I bite off way too much work. However, my passion for music and activism has kept me going even through the more difficult times. I’m inspired by the change that music creates for people, music really did save my life. My creative process is fueled by the drive to share these stories through my music. Additionally, my involvement in advocacy work – like supporting women experiencing abuse through UCLA’s Title IX program – keeps my art connected to real-world issues, which is what I find most motivating.

Share some wisdom with us. What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received while pursuing your musical dreams, and how has it influenced your journey?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to trust my voice and not let self-doubt stop me from pursuing my passion. I’m definitely a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my music and in the entertainment industry, it’s really easy to get caught up in the chatter of everyone’s varying opinions. I don’t believe there should be a right way to create music. Throughout my educational journey, I’ve faced discouragement from many business professionals, whether it was being told not to pursue music as a major or not writing the “right” way. With that, I have been able to embrace that my way of creating art is completely different than other people’s and that doesn’t make my music any less valuable. I’ve learned to use these challenges as fuel for my creative expression and creating my own unique music, turning these obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations in your music career? Can you share specific goals you have for the future, both artistically and professionally? Do you have projects coming up that will help you meet these goals?

Looking forward, my goal is to continue using music as a platform for social change, particularly by addressing gender disparities in our world and advocating for queer voices like my own. I’m currently completing my debut album, which delves into personal topics like relationships and young identity. Once I have this music out, I am very excited to continue performing around the Los Angeles area in hopes of connecting with other musicians working against similar issues. In the near future, I would love to open for more of my favorite artists including Allen Stone and Lizzy McAlpine. Following the release of my album and additional performances around the Los Angeles area, I am very excited to pursue my first tour across North America. Ultimately, I aspire to be a leader in creating a more inclusive, equitable industry performing across some of the largest stages in the world.

Lastly, let’s delve into the essence of music. How does music personally move you, and what emotions or experiences fuel your creative process?

For me, music has always been a space for communication and healing. It allows me to process difficult emotions and tell stories that resonate with others who have gone through similar things. As I’ve grown up and throughout my college experience, sexual abuse has been a very difficult thing for me to navigate. I have been writing music about these topics for years but never really had the courage to share that music until the Kennedy Center. My personal experiences, including overcoming PTSD and navigating growth in college, are what mostly influences my songwriting. During some of the lowest points of my life, picking up a guitar and singing through my emotions has always helped to calm and ground me in whatever panic I might be feeling. It truly saved my life. It is a way for me to channel my anxieties and hardships into an art form that can also be helpful to others. Through my music, I have been able to find myself and connect with others. With this, I am hoping to inspire empathy and action on the issues I care about most.