Hailing from Sunderland in the north of the UK, Isabel Maria has quickly made a name for herself as a talented singer-songwriter whose passionate and meaningful lyricism has struck a chord with thousands of listeners across the globe. At just 17, Isabel’s pop-focused folk songs capture the complexities of mental health, human relationships and social injustices, themes that have endeared her to a growing fan base.
Influenced by artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Joni Mitchell and Phoebe Bridgers, Isabel’s music carries a pure honesty that’s relatable and deeply moving. She first began her musical journey at the age of eleven, writing songs that would eventually lead to her official debut in 2021 with the single “Catharsis.” Supported by Sunderland’s Young Musicians Project, the track secured extensive local radio and press attention and earned Isabel a finalist spot in the UK Songwriting Contest for two consecutive years.
This early success set the stage for an impressive 2023, during which Isabel was awarded a Northern Writers Award and received support from organisations such as We Make Culture, PRS and Generator through their Next Steps programme. Her live performances, often accompanied by her evolving live band, have seen her play venues across the UK. Her talent was further recognised when she won the prestigious Alan Hull Award in 2024, confirming her status as a rising star in the music scene.
Isabel’s debut EP, The Melodramatic Milers Club, released late last year, saw her continue to win over fans and critics alike. The EP’s release show in Sunderland sold out, showcasing the strong local support and growing anticipation for her music. Following a live version of her debut EP, Isabel now presents her latest single, “Holy Smokes!,” a track that marks a subtle yet significant shift in her musical direction.
Produced at Newcastle’s Blank Studios with Josh Ingledew, “Holy Smokes!” is the first of three singles funded by the Alan Hull Award. Brought in by Isabel’s soft vocals and the delicate warmth of piano notes, echoes of airy synth flutters and intricate instrumental flourishes add dashes of colour to the arrangement as she spins a truly enchanting indie folk ballad.
With smooth ebb and flow, the song gradually swells to an epic crescendo of smouldering vocals riding a folk rock-tinged sound with rhythms accented by the punch of drums, resulting in an enthralling musical ride that showcases the songwriting talent and performance panache of Isabel Maria. Still in the early stages of her musical adventure, this thrilling new talent is sure to go from strength to strength for years to come and we can’t wait to see what she’s got lined up for the future.
Commenting on the single, she shares, “Holy Smokes! is a song I wrote after about six months of terrible writers block and it felt like a breakthrough in terms of opening up that creative part of me again. A wise person once told me that anger is like fire – it only burns you if you hold it – so I suppose this song was my way of trying to let that fire go.”
Listen to Holy Smokes below
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