Izza – Because I’m Blonde

By starrymag | October 15, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I grew up listening to late 2000s pop artists like Gwen Stefani and Fergie and loved how they worked with hip-hop driven producers like Pharrell Williams and will.i.am. That is an era of music I will always go back to and want to emulate in a 2024 way. I think the combination of upbeat pop dance music and strong and confident hip-hop inspired cadences and lyricism is the recipe for my sound.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Sweat.”

 

A) “Sweat” is an upbeat and sexy song that sets the tone for the rest of the EP by creating an image of a “fun blonde.” When I think about the early stages of a relationship or the start of summer, I think of being blonde and having care-free fun.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think fans love the catchy and danceable beat that “Sweat” embodies. You can’t help but move when you hear the song because the sound is so infectious.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I wanted to make a dance music video because “Sweat” is such an upbeat club song. Growing up I used to take dance classes, so I want to incorporate more dancing into my videos going forward because I love it so much.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I usually start with a song title when I’m working on a song. From there, I will make a beat that represents the vibe of the title and start writing lyrics simultaneously.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I write and produce all of my music! I love the song creation process so much and it brings me so much joy that people sing the songs I write in my bedroom.

 

Q) Your upcoming EP is called Because I’m Blonde. I have to ask, do blondes have more fun and how does this hair color play into the themes of the music feature?

 

A) My new EP Because I’m Blonde explores my identity as a blonde woman navigating relationships, self-confidence and meaning in a world full of stereotypes. While being blonde makes me feel confident and sexy at times, I also can feel like I’m not taken seriously when it comes to dating. The insecurities of being labeled as the “fun blonde” or the girl that’s only wanted for a “good time” has made me question my appearance and its connotations. Ultimately, writing and producing this EP has taught me to celebrate my blondeness and use it as a strength.

 

Q) Which track(s) on the EP challenged you the most creatively? 

 

A) I created a song called “Imperfections” that I started writing on piano when I was sixteen years old and hated myself. Every time I looked in the mirror and saw my reflection, I saw flaws, imperfections, and features that were not considered beautiful by society. These thoughts consumed every second of my day. I felt trapped inside of my skin. When I revisited this song, I felt so much sadness for the girl who thought she wasn’t good enough for anyone. When I finished the song for the EP, I felt like I was able to turn the pain I had as a young girl into hope and create an uplifting song for my fans.

 

Q) Are there some specific songs you are looking forward to performing live off Because I’m Blonde?

 

A) I can’t wait to perform “Sweat” because I know it will get the crowd dancing and I love to bring high energy to my shows.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I recently went on tour in the UK/EU and loved playing in Germany. I had the best time performing there and the crowds were so fun.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would love to collaborate with Pharrell Williams. He has been a huge inspiration to me since I was a teenager, and I really respect him as a producer and an artist.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Noga Erez is an artist I’ve been listening to a lot lately. I love her song “End of the Road” and her cover of “Industry Baby.”

 

Q) You’re also known for your viral videos. Do you tend to sit down and brainstorm ideas for these popular features or does something in your life and you turn it into something relatable?

 

A) Whenever I’m making content, I just do what comes naturally. I love to share my real-life experiences while adding light-hearted humor and inspirational messages.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I love all of my fans, and I am so grateful for their support. It means the world to me that I can connect with people over the music I make. I can’t thank them enough.

 

 

Watch The Video For “Sweat”