If you took an x-ray of your mind right now, what would you see? For us at TREMG, you’d see a whole lot of Izza. We’ve had her latest project, STARGIRL, on repeat since it came out in May, and one of our top songs from the EP is undoubtedly the electropop anthem that is “X-RAY!” Breaking down the magnetism of adrenaline-filled, but ultimately unhealthy, relationships, the song truly gives us a look into Izza’s headspace like never before while also showcasing her ability to turn the deepest pains of life into something triumphant and refreshing for her fans to enjoy.
“‘X-RAY’ is probably my most personal song on my EP, STARGIRL,” Izza tells TREMG. “Because it’s not just a song about heartbreak, but about trying to understand toxic patterns in relationships within myself and others.”
Warning: The music video below contains flashing images – viewer discretion is advised for people with photosensitivity.
From the first track of STARGIRL, the bouncily confident “Coup d’état,” it’s clear that Izza knows exactly who she is as an artist and how to play to her strengths. Her shimmering personality comes through immediately and her energy is simply infectious, making you want to “dance to the beat of [her] drum” and follow along for the electrifying ride. Between her narratives and aesthetics, STARGIRL feels more like a cinematic universe than an EP, bringing you right into Izza’s world and beyond.
“Writing music feels like the most natural thing to me,” Izza shares. “I had the idea for ‘X-RAY’ right before I was going to bed and I knew I had to get up and go to my computer to start writing. Whenever I have a creative idea, I always try to write immediately because that’s when my inspiration is the freshest. I wrote the song in 20 minutes and I’m so happy I went to bed a little later that night. “
Izza is the kind of artist who only comes around once in a neon blue moon, standing firm in who she is while also being unafraid to push the envelope and boundaries to create dynamic songs to soundtrack your best and worst nights. “Got a lotta dreams and goals,” she beams on closing track “Going Rogue,” providing listeners with a healthy dose of motivation to reach their ambitions while also sharing her thesis statement for her own work. STARGIRL sees Izza not only striving for her dreams, but also unapologetically living in them, breaking the mold and delivering fresh pop you won’t be able to forget.
“I’ve grown so much!” Izza says. “I feel really proud of my journey as an artist from my songwriting to my videos. I love being able to push the boundaries sonically and visually with my music and I feel like I did that with my latest EP, STARGIRL. Everything is space themed, so it was fun to tap into different visuals like The Matrix for my song ‘Going Rogue’ and outer space for my song ‘Galaxy.'”
You can find STARGIRL on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know Izza on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter! Keep reading for more from our conversation with this soon-to-be superstar.
Hi Izza, congrats on your latest single, “X-RAY!” What has it been like for you to share the song with the world and see how fans are reacting?
It’s been so great! Seeing everyone’s reaction to the song and the music video has been so rewarding. I put a lot of heart into the song and the visuals, so I’m happy it is resonating with people.
The energy on “X-RAY” is so unique, mixing fun electropop production with thought-provoking lyrics about toxic relationship dynamics. What does the song mean to you?
“X-RAY” is probably my most personal song on my EP, STARGIRL, because it’s not just a song about heartbreak, but about trying to understand toxic patterns in relationships within myself and others.
“X-RAY” has so many creative lyrics, with one of our favorites being “I blame it on my Libra moon and Virgo sun.” Is there a certain line you’re especially proud of?
Thank you so much! I love that lyric, too. My other favorite lyric is “Hide me from the doctors before they take an X-RAY” because I think that we all face moments of relapse when we want to change our bad habits. I thought that was a clever way of depicting that struggle.
You said on Instagram that you wrote “X-RAY” while looking back at how a lot of your relationships have followed a similar toxic pattern. Is it hard for you to be this vulnerable in your music, or does it feel therapeutic?
Writing music feels like the most natural thing to me. I had the idea for “X-RAY” right before I was going to bed and I knew I had to get up and go to my computer to start writing. Whenever I have a creative idea, I always try to write immediately because that’s when my inspiration is the freshest. I wrote the song in 20 minutes and I’m so happy I went to bed a little later that night.
You also released a stunning music video for “X-RAY,” with bold colors and flashing lights that mirror the energy of the song. What inspired the video concept, and what was it like on set?
The “X-RAY” video is probably my favorite music video I have ever made! I worked with my friends Sean and Stefan at Somethin’ Good and they killed the visuals. We collaborated on a mood board and added blue, X-RAY-like visuals and the video came out even better than the references. My favorite visual was this photo we saw of a woman with lights around her body. We recreated that in the video, but used this long blue LED light strip and wrapped it around my neck and wrists. We shot for two days and my favorite part was singing with the leaf blower in my face because it was so chaotic and fun.
If someone went to “take an X-Ray” of your brain right now, what would they see?
I’m really happy right now! I just released my EP, STARGIRL, and I am enjoying being able to put out more music and perform my songs live. My mental health is great and I’m proud of how far I’ve come personally and professionally.
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since releasing your I Say This With Love EP last year?
I’ve grown so much! I feel really proud of my journey as an artist from my songwriting to my videos. I love being able to push the boundaries sonically and visually with my music and I feel like I did that with my latest EP, STARGIRL. Everything is space themed, so it was fun to tap into different visuals like The Matrix for my song “Going Rogue” and outer space for my song “Galaxy.”
Warning: The music video below contains flashing images – viewer discretion is advised for people with photosensitivity.
We at TREMG love getting to know new artists who haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. Who are some of your favorite emerging artists at the moment?
I love discovering new artists because I’m such a fan of music. Here are some artists and songs I’ve been listening to on repeat:
Sid Mason – “break the line”
teo’ma – “vino.”
VITA – “BADBADBAD.”
What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2023?
I’m looking forward to playing more live shows and releasing more music!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
Go listen to my new EP, STARGIRL, and follow me @izzaroze to be updated on all of my new releases!
By Madison Murray
Featured Image: Courtesy of Emily Blair Media
1 thought on “Interview: Izza Is A ‘STARGIRL’ On The Rise”