Feature: Isabel Pless
Words by Isabelle Turner
Infectiously vulnerable and authentic Isabel Pless has claimed a beautifully melodic sound that has become addictive. For fans of emotional performers with endless depth, Pless is quickly dominating the field. I had the opportunity to chat with Pless regarding her recent release, “Call My Own” and the success on the track thus far.
While music has always been a part of Pless’ life, she came into the music scene through TikTok during Quarantine. With excess time, and being forced to slow down, Pless started experimenting.
Photo by Liz Pelletier
“I was virtual for all of my junior year and I was at home in Vermont, doing school in my bedroom. I have always been a musician, it was always on the side. I did a little bit of performing but I mostly just have been writing songs for a long time. When I was doing online school, I started posting on TikTok because I was under-stimulated and wanted to see what would happen. Things started to pick up and the videos started to do well, which was really exciting because I didn’t expect it”
Since her 2021 single “Bechdel Test”, Pless’ career has grown dynamically and her latest, “Call My Own” fits perfectly into her discography. Inspired by artists such as Noah Kahan, Henry Jamison, and Taylor Swift, Pless’ sound is soulful, melodic and sweet. Her unique and beautifully developed sound is enhanced by her vulnerable and authentic lyrics. Pulling from experience and current events, Pless’ new song is perfectly relatable.
“I started writing it in July 2021 when Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk went to space and it was this whole big competition… and I was thinking a lot about ownership and how you can own so much on earth and go to space and own more. I’m 21 and I really don’t own that much, and I can’t go to space. It’s a song about the discrepancies of being a 21-year old living in your parents house and watching the world pass you by”
Photo by Liz Pelletier
The production of “Call My Own” is polished, clean, and glides beautifully into Pless’ romantic vocals. The production of “Call My Own” glides smoothly over the track as a whole and is just as enticing as it is purposeful.
“Call My Own” was produced by a woman, Georgia Parker. I think that women are still underrepresented in the music industry. We see us often as artists but not so often as songwriters, producers, and managers. It’s something I’m really passionate about.” - Isabel Pless for Tongue Tied Mag
Not only does Pless carry endless depth in both her lyrics, and her vocals, but she continues to intoxicate listeners with her nostalgic yet powerful messages. Following Pless’ latest release, it is clear that she is an unstoppable force that will continue to take the indie-pop scene by storm.
“Connecting with people through my music is hard for me to wrap my head around sometimes. I never thought it would happen but when people send me super sweet messages about my music and I get to connect with people over stuff I’ve written means so much to me”
Be sure to stream Isabel Pless’ new song, “Call My Own” on Spotify and Apple Music. You can follow Pless on Instagram and TikTok for her upcoming releases.
