Rising artist Izabellah Rae Diez is quickly carving out a space for herself in the music world, delivering raw, relatable honesty that cuts through the noise. Her new single, “[STRANGERS AGAIN],” is an intimate exploration of regret and hope, capturing the complex emotions that often follow a broken connection.
In an exclusive interview, the 17-year-old singer/songwriter opens up about why she creates music to embrace the full spectrum of emotions, finding strength in vulnerability, and how her influences, from Billie Eilish to Frank Ocean, inspire her authentic storytelling process.
Embracing the Full Spectrum of Emotion
For Diez, authenticity means acknowledging the messy reality of human feeling—that joy and sorrow often coexist. She shares that her mission is “to remind everyone that love and pain can coexist,” a crucial element in her music.
“For me, this is crucial because at 17, I’m still on a journey of self-discovery,” she explains. “I’ve come to realize that love and pain often exist side by side. By incorporating both emotions into my music, I feel like I’m being genuine. I believe that my peers can resonate with this authenticity rather than the facade of a perfect life.”
This commitment to honesty extends to her songwriting, which she says is driven by vulnerability. While it can be daunting to share her personal struggles, or her “scars,” she finds strength in the connection it creates. “I draw strength from the understanding that vulnerability is what makes my music truly relatable,” Diez notes. “If my openness helps someone feel seen or validated, then it’s absolutely worth it.”
The Art of Authentic Storytelling
Diez’s songwriting process is fluid, often starting with the emotional core of an idea. “I usually begin with an emotion, which then sparks a melody or a lyric,” she says. “Sometimes it’s a fleeting phrase that comes to mind, and other times, I’ll play around with a chord progression. I simply follow whatever feels the most authentic in that moment.”
Her approach to storytelling is heavily influenced by artists who master the art of personal yet universal narratives.
- Key Influences: “I find inspiration in artists who embrace vulnerability, like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Frank Ocean,” Diez shares. “Their ability to weave personal yet relatable stories captivates me. I admire how they use subtle details to convey profound emotions, reminding me that honesty is what makes a story truly impactful.”
Furthermore, her background in acting plays a role in channeling different emotional depths into her songs. “Acting allows me to immerse myself in various emotions and perspectives, which I channel into my lyrics,” she explains, adding that this experience “enriches the music with layers of authenticity.”
The Lesson of “[STRANGERS AGAIN]”
Having released three previous songs, Diez has already learned a critical lesson about navigating the music world. “The most significant lesson I’ve learned is to trust my own voice and instincts,” she emphasizes. “The music industry can be quite daunting, but remaining true to my style and being consistent has shown me that authenticity resonates far more than trying to conform to expectations.”
With “[STRANGERS AGAIN],” she hopes to offer listeners a path forward from regret. For those who connect deeply with the song’s themes, she wants them to know: “It’s never too late to reflect on their mistakes and strive to make amends.”
Ultimately, Diez aspires for “[STRANGERS AGAIN]” to leave a long-term legacy of honesty and courage.
“I want listeners to feel inspired to grow from their experiences and approach their relationships with greater understanding and compassion,” she concludes.
The new single is a powerful invitation to face mistakes head-on, learn from the past, and approach every new beginning with hope.
Find the Listen Link for STRANGERS AGAIN here: https://nfan.link/izabellah-rae AND Izabellah’s Socials: Instagram: @izabellahraediez // TikTok: @izabellahdiez // YouTube: @izabellahrae
