We always heard the saying that there is more to a person than what meets the eye— Singer-Songwriter Isabelle Fries is living proof of that.
At 23 years old, her passion as a young artist is unparalleled. As she is growing through the ranks of rising stars with her dynamic, bold, and soulful voice. She reminds you of a young Miley Cyrus during her Disney heydays with her bubbly disposition and eclectic style.
Musically, Isabelle’s songcraft speaks boldly about unraveling emotions through heartfelt compositions that speak from the heart which comes with a jazzy approach to pop topped off with an edgy alternative tune.
Her award-winning tracks have won a series of acclaim by independently gaining a total of 6 million streams on social media and music platforms.
Isabelle’s single “Fight For Me” has been praised as a lyrical masterpiece that speaks volumes and inspires all.
Her 2021 single “Shine Through The Rain” shows how much she has musically evolved by the use of tense piano chords and raw emotive vocal power.
But beyond her blossoming musical career, Isabelle’s zest for creativity and giving back resonates with her other lives: as a school teacher and notable humanitarian who gives out her 100% in all that she does for everyone who is in need, whether it’s her students or desolate communities around the world.
Lapalme Magazine sits down with the songstress for the youth, Isabelle Fries, as we talk about music, giving back, and her life goals for the future.
What are you most passionate about?
My passions in life are a mixture of different things that sometimes feel as if they are all over the place. I love the music and the creative process. I also love to swim as I was a serious competitive swimmer for 12 years. Water and water safety is very important to me. Another great big love of mine is traveling and learning more about different cultures.
How do you personally love to give back?
I love to give back in many ways. Being a part of something that is larger than yourself is an amazing feeling. While it is different for everyone, for myself it’s about the impact and being a part of that first-hand especially when it is coming from the realm of sustainability and community-run projects.
What has been your most incredible experience while giving back?
The most incredible experience I had is the moment I realized my path was heading towards education, whether that be on the international, nonprofit or local level. This took place on my first trip to Uganda, building relationships with the teachers and educators there that I got the privilege to work alongside them for the day in their classroom.
The rain was coming down hard and in any other environment, things could have been falling apart. But this was different and there was an abundance of joy —joy for learning.
Rural communities and schools have a lot to offer in this world and its nonprofits — which is driven by people with passion and open minds.
This is just a long-winded way of saying that it opened my eyes to a new way of giving back. It’s not just about giving, it’s about collaboration and listening.
What is it about music that lifts your spirit the most?
I always say that music has a way of making people feel things that they didn’t know they could feel or needed to feel. It does that for me every day.
Music meets you where you are emotionally and helps you find out where you need to go.
Do you have a project that you are particularly excited about?
Actually, I do, I recently met the founder of Adopt the Arts, which is an incredible organization that helps public schools with funding for music courses due to budget cuts. The organization was founded by Abby Berman, Matt Sorum and Jane Lynch. Abby and I are currently talking about some amazing collaborations like creating a “We are the world” type song with up and coming and seasoned singers and also a “Lilith Fair/festival” tour, which will all be under the umbrella of different causes. I think now more than ever music and art need to have a cause behind it. A lot of people are hurting at the moment and we have to do our part to help.
How do you see music healing people when they are suffering?
Music heals in unique ways. Humans all feel universal feelings but to each person they are unique, I would say that music is the same.
It can help us all feel together in a healthy way. But it can also help us understand that what we feel is okay. Sometimes in our world, we are told not to feel or not to break down and be human, but music helps us to remember that we can. That suffering is not a process that we have to endure alone.
What are your life goals?
My goals are all over the place for now! at 23 years of age, I can’t fully say I know what my end goal is as life changes every day. What I do know is that I want to create something that incorporates education, specifically special-ed, with music.
I know that’s broad but there is so much to it and so much that could come from a collaboration like this. My other goals are education policy and international education. That is where my love for nonprofits and education comes from. I feel like a part of me needs to work on the international level as well.
What is the legacy you want to leave behind in this world?
This is a daunting question and something that I do actually think about a lot. The legacy that I want to leave on this world is not one of fame or fortune but one of impact. If I can impact and see a change in one person, that’s enough of a legacy for me.
Written by Cyan Leigh Dacasin
Photographed by Grace Fries
Hair and makeup by Joel SebastianCreative
Direction by Derek Warburton
Retouch by Alexander Silkin
Videography by Miguel Felix
Special thank you to Jorge Perez
Shot on location at Yamashiro restaurant in Hollywood. Yamashirohollywood.com
