Maturing with Music: Alex Isley on Her Grammy Nomination, Motherhood, and Plans for New Music
The first time I listened to Alex Isley's "La Brea," I found myself stuck in my zone, listening to the song repeatedly while I floated across my house. Then "Good & Plenty" came out, and I became addicted to her voice and the way she effortlessly sang the softest melodies that echoed in my ear. It was one of those rare moments when a song transports you to another place, and Alex's music has that effect. Born in New Jersey and raised in Los Angeles, Alex's sound is rooted in musical legacy; as the daughter of Ernie Isley, a member of the Isley Brothers, we got to delve into the influence and music that influenced Alex.
In this digital issue, we're thrilled to spotlight Alex Isley as she continues to shape and redefine what it means to be a millennial artist. From her early experiences performing at the age of six to her Grammy-nominated collaborations with artists like Robert Glasper and SiR, Alex's journey is a testament to growth, creativity, and the power of staying true to oneself, even as she embraces motherhood. As millennials continue to navigate the evolving landscape of music and culture, Alex Isley exemplifies how maturity can be a grounding force with more awareness, acceptance, and willingness to continue to grow.
Read the full interview below!
Mature: Alex, your musical journey started at a very young age. How did your early experiences performing at the age of six shape your approach to music today?
Alex Isley: Performing that young was the beginning of realizing how much I LOVE connecting with an audience. It was the beginning of doing something that's always felt so second nature to me.
Mature: With a rich musical heritage, including your father's involvement in The Isley Brothers, your sound is a blend of influences. How have these elements shaped your music?
Alex: The Isley Brothers are my foundation. Growing up in the '90s and on the West Coast, I'm heavily influenced by all the '90s R&B girls (Brandy, Monica, Aaliyah, SWV, and so on). Then, growing up on the West Coast adds a whole other layer of hip-hop influence. Then, I fell in love with jazz in high school. All of that combined is who I am as a musician.
Mature: Your grandmother, an opera singer, played a significant role in your musical development. Could you share more about how her influence has shaped your artistry?
Alex: Her classical background and experience were invaluable; she taught me the importance of proper technique, which is more about breathing than anything else. I developed my habits as a singer with her, especially any vocal warmups I do before performing.
Mature: After graduating from UCLA's Ethnomusicology (Jazz Studies) program, you embarked as an independent artist. What challenges did you face during this time, and how did they contribute to your growth as an artist?
Alex: When I graduated, I saw the shift happening; YouTube was rising, and Twitter had launched just a few months before. With more social media platforms and artists releasing mixtapes without any middleman, everything was becoming more DIY. I felt lost trying to build a buzz on my own, but I started playing around on Garage Band and telling myself to get my music out however I could.
Mature: How has your music evolved since The Love/Art Memoirs, and how have collaborations with artists like Masego and Lucky Daye influenced your creative process and the direction of your sound?
Alex: My music has evolved tremendously since my first EP. I was doing everything on my own, writing, producing, engineering, and arranging, and I was proud of myself when I got it done, but also critical. I'm grateful to be in a space where I'm collaborating, and there's not as much pressure on me to handle every part alone. With collaboration, such a powerful exchange and natural cross-influence always happens. Working together to create is one of my favorite spaces; a level of trust and humility is necessary, too. I loved working with Masego and Lucky; I admire how both of them write and approach something new; it's definitely influenced me to stay open to any and all ideas that come to mind whenever I create.
Mature: 2020 was a pivotal year for many artists due to the pandemic. Despite the challenges, you thrived during this time, even participating in NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concert series. How did the pandemic impact your artistry and perspective on music?
Alex: More than anything, the pandemic taught me to allow myself to rest and to be ok with not being productive every single day if I don't feel it. I've leaned into creating when I naturally feel it and taking a step back if needed.
Mature: You've recently earned Grammy nominations, including for your collaboration on "Back To Love" with Robert Glasper and SiR. How does it feel to receive such recognition, and how has it impacted your approach to your craft?
Alex: I'm so incredibly grateful. Being a part of that world and celebrating my peers, friends, and artists I greatly admire is one of the greatest feelings. I've been reminded why I do what I do because I love it. The love and respect I have for music outweigh everything else.
Mature: As an artist and a mother, how do you balance these roles, and how have they influenced each other? Has motherhood changed how you create or experience music?
Alex: Motherhood has taught me the importance of taking care of myself first. It's taught me to be present and practice living intentionally. I'm more mindful of my breathing and of the beauty all around me in everyday nature, and that's all because motherhood has taught me and reminded me to appreciate what I have. I'm more intentional with my time while I'm creating. I love to travel, but I also cherish the moments with my daughter when I'm at home.
Mature: Talk to us about what's next for you.
Alex: I've been in such a creative space for the last couple of years, and I'm working on sharing new music within the next month!
Mature: What does 'Mature' mean to you as an artist and in your personal life as you continue to evolve?
Alex: To me, Mature means more awareness, more acceptance, and more willingness to continue to grow.
Team Credits:
Photographer: Jon Dailey @jondailey_
Stylist: Oliver Brown @olvrbrwn
Hair: Michael Boyd II @mkeb2
Makeup: Tiolomai Hill @tilomai.hill
Photography Assistant: @geraldomalaval
Wardobe Assistant: India Young-Johnson @msindiayoungj
Cover Edit: Liam Jenkins @liamjenkins.retoucher