Like many singers before her, Isis Rose first started singing in church. Her voice is as silky as it is raw, and depending on the situation she can sound like Ani DiFranco one moment and Cat Power the next. In recent months she's been working on a solo EP as well as some collaborative projects with Iowa Rockwell, Ill Legit (of The Gent$) and Monster Mash. It's anybody's guess where this budding songstress will land in the next few months, so Centerstage caught up with her to see if we can get a heads up on how she got started and where she hopes to find herself by year's end.
Where were you born and how did you get interested in singing?
I was born and raised here in Chicago and love this city. I've always been interested in music since I can barely remember. It was always something that piqued my interest. My uncle had a piano in his house and I remember learning how to play and sing whole songs by ear once he taught me the basics. I just continued on since then. I was in choir throughout school and picked up the guitar in high school.
Can you take me back to the first time you performed live?
I've been on stage since a young age, but the very first time I performed my own music was at a church youth event as a teen. I had a 20-minute set with a whole band and all original songs. It was very liberating.
Do you have any singers that you draw inspiration from?
I don't have one particular group of singers that inspire me. I think it's more the way a song is structured musically and lyrically, and if it makes me feel like I need to step my game up then that's inspiration in and of itself. It's because I draw inspiration from many genres and many artists, and inspiration from life itself.
Chicago has its own resume of legendary soul-singers. What about the city inspires you?
I love the way the city comes to life on warm summer nights. There is always something to do for everyone in Chicago. I think that inspires me the most. Plus it's such a diverse city. If I want to be cultured in something, I can just go to that neighborhood and learn. It's like going to a different country in a minute way.
I've heard a lot of people sound off on haters, your thoughts?
They're fans in disguise. I say haters are just people who watch and listen enough to have an opinion. If you have haters, you know that people are paying attention. Of course it would be easier if it was constructive, but we all know that's never the case.
You've worked with The Gent$, most recently with Ill Legit. How did you link up with them?
It was all pretty much a domino effect that I got to work with them. I met artists and musicians that introduced me to other artists and musicians. I collaborated with a couple of them, and wound up at a show that Ill Legit was performing at. We exchanged some great musical ideas and began to collaborate very easily. It was through him that I formally was introduced to Pugz Atomz and Wes Restless. All three are very talented. And the rest is history.
What projects do you have coming up?
Other than singles, I'm working on two EPs right now. One with solo music that will be out by the end of the year and one with myself and Ill Legit that we're releasing very soon. Look out for them both.
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