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FM Interviews: Izza On Her New Single, Music Career, And Mental Health

Many up-and-coming talents are striving to achieve some level of success. A recent interview with FMHipHop featured pop singer, songwriter, and producer Izza discussing the release of her new single “POPSTAR,” which was released on Oct 26, as well as her upcoming career in music.

The Rise of Izza

With her hit songs “Love Bracelets” and “Nintendo B*tch,” the Los Angeles native has recently become a trendsetter on TikTok.

As an artist who employs a style that combines high-energy beats with positive messages, Izza prides herself on creating music that can be used as medicine for those who need it the most. According to Genius, “Not many can do so with the same effortlessly confident feel and focus on playful fun as Izza.”

The power and effectiveness of music make it an effective alternative to many treatment methods. In addition to its therapeutic properties, music can also be motivating, educational, a mood changer, etc.

Furthermore, Izza’s lyrics provide a framework for cultivating self-esteem, fostering openness, and motivating listeners to strive for new things and live their dreams. In addition to performing her new songs at 320 Festival with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Elohim, and Social House, the former USC Music School grad advocates mental health.

Music Has Inspired Her Throughout Her Life

Music was always part of Izza’s life from a young age. It was a passion for her parents, who would take her to concerts throughout LA. “I grew up as a dancer and eventually started playing instruments like piano and guitar,” she said. Her first exposure to songwriting came when she joined a rock band in elementary school, which inspired her to write her own material.

This experience ultimately led her to graduate from USC’s Thornton School of Music with a degree in the Music Industry. “I learned so much about the industry during my time in college,” said the emerging artist. “It allowed me to hon my songwriting and production skills as I developed my sound and image as an artist.”

According to Izza, she always knew that she wanted to become an entertainer, which inspired her to pursue a career in music. “Growing up, I took dance classes, played piano, and loved singing,” Izza replied. “There was no greater feeling of happiness I had than when I listened to music.”

izza
Izza. Image source: Wonderland Magazine.

Yet it was only when the songwriter was 13 that she discovered songwriting and decided to pursue music as a career. “When I’m writing a song or performing on stage, I feel the happiest. If there’s one thing in life I want is to be happy, and for me, that’s achieved when making music.”

‘POPSTAR’: What Is The Concept Behind It?

Moreover, Izza enjoys making music not only because it puts her in a happy state of mind but also because it is a means of expressing oneself. “POPSTAR,” her latest single, symbolizes her appreciation of her favorite pop singers and her desire to become a pop star one day.

“When I released my debut EP, “I Say This With Love” in July, I had a moment of reflection where I realized that I was finally making my dreams of becoming a pop star a reality,” said the pop songstress.

Izza’s EP marked a milestone in her career and prompted her to look at the artists who initially inspired her to pursue music. Hence, Izza wrote “POPSTAR” as an homage to her favorite pop singers as she attempted to establish herself in the industry.

Izza Aspires To Collaborate With Whom?

It is one thing to mention your favorite artists in a song, but collaborating with them is an entirely different experience.

The “Drop Dead” singer dreams of working with producers like Pharell Williams, Timberland, and Mike Dean. “They have worked with some of my favorite artists, and their production inspires so much of the music I write,” she explained.

Not only does Izza have favorite producers and artists, but she also has a favorite song from her discography. “My favorite song is actually a holiday song I’m releasing on Nov 30 called “Naughty or Nice!” It never occurred to her to do a Christmas song. However, she is pleased that she did because she considers it one of her favorite songs lyrically and musically. “The cover art is also one of my favorites,” Izza said.

Have Fans Appreciated Her Music?

When I asked Izza about her fans’ reaction to her music, she stated that she was overwhelmed by the number of messages and comments of support she received. “It’s insane that people are listening and singing the lyrics I wrote.”

Having a positive impact on others during a difficult time or boosting their self-confidence is the best feeling for Izza. Seeing fans’ reactions to “Love Bracelets” and “Nintendo B*tch” and singing these songs is very rewarding for her. “I can’t believe people are singing the lyrics I wrote. It makes me so happy to see people enjoying my music because all I want to do is bring joy to people like music has brought joy to me.”

Mental Health Priorities, Essential Advice

The motivation behind Izza’s advocacy for mental health is pretty transparent. She often mentions her happiness, demonstrating her concern for her well-being and others. “I started songwriting because I had no one to talk to about my struggles,” Izza asserts. “Being able to write about my experiences in songs has helped me overcome difficult periods in my life and has encouraged me to follow my dreams.”

The power of music has positively impacted Izza’s mental health. She hopes to inspire others to find that passion or that thing that makes them happy.

In closing, everyone who aspires to be a successful artist has a mission and a message for other rising artists. Izza’s message is, “stay true to yourself!” She believes establishing your reputation as an artist is challenging when people do not believe in your vision and artistry. However, “I think by staying true to myself and my art, I have been able to overcome feelings of doubt because I have a greater purpose of inspiring others to be themselves through my songs,” said Izza.

For those inquiring about future performances, Izza hopes to have more in 2023. Stay up to date on all her new projects by following her on social media.

Izza’s Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music

The interview is brought by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | Instagram

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FM Interviews: Lil Dallas On Incarceration, Life Changes, And Rap Career

A person’s life can change for the better when they make good choices. On Oct 7, FMHipHop interviewed upcoming rapper Dallas Roquemore, better known as Lil Dallas, on incarceration, life transformation, mixtape, and more.

Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Dallas grew up alongside rapper Mozzy. Growing up in the same neighborhood, the two were extremely close and often rapped together.

The Imprisonment Of Lil Dallas

During his time in custody at Salinas Valley State Prison, Roquemore was 16 years of age. Upon being asked whether he would mind sharing the decisions that led to his imprisonment, he provided an answer that would open the eyes of anyone.

“I was being chased by someone, and I defended myself by shooting at him,” the rapper said. “The police happened to be parked across the street and caught everything on camera.”

Furthermore, during his time in prison, he realized that the only reason he and his community engaged in gang conflict was that that was what they were raised to do. There was a normalization of gangs and drugs and easy access to them.

Nevertheless, Dallas was fortunate to experience one good thing while incarcerated. He met his wife, and they married each other in the facility. That moment must have felt uplifted his spirit, considering the experiences he has faced in his life.

Enhancing One’s Quality Of Life

As Lil Dallas took time to reflect on himself, he realized that all his bad decisions were due to being under the influence. In addition, he decided to put his faith in his passions and family members.

As soon as he was released from prison, the Sacramento native began working with Healthy Life Recovery to share his experience to inspire others to make better choices.

“I am a manager of business development for the greater Sacramento area. A lot of people can relate to my story, and my goal is to help give people confidence to get properly diagnosed and receive the help they deserve and need.”

His involvement with the institution continues to this day.

Personal experience holds a great deal of significance. Through the storytelling, Dallas reaches out to adults and children who grew up in gang-ridden and drug-infested environments.

Taking The Rap Career Path

Apart from his role as a manager, Roquemore is also pursuing a career in rap. His interest in rapping began at an early age. “I started rapping when I was 10 years old, but I started taking it seriously when I got incarcerated,” he said.

Furthermore, Dallas would likely have achieved stardom alongside his childhood friend Mozzy had he not gone to prison. However, the good news is that it is not too late. In Dallas’s life, Mozzy is an inspiration, and he anticipates collaborating with him on an album shortly.

Meanwhile, on Sep 16, Lil Dallas released his debut mixtape, Finally Free. The meaning behind this project resonates with his realization of freedom in his daily life. “I was incarcerated for 11 years, and all I can think about is I’m finally free!! So I decided to name my project that.”

lil dallas
Lil Dallas’s debut mixtape, “Finally Free.” Credit: Spotify

In response to the question of whether Roquemore had any performance opportunities, he said he was about to go on tour with Mozzy. Unfortunately, due to Lil Dallas’ parole status, he could not go.

Lil Dallas Has One Artist In Mind With Whom He Is Eager To Collaborate

Undoubtedly, most emerging artists would like to collaborate with established artists at some point in their careers. Besides being exciting, it also enhances your public image.

“I would like to collab with EST.GEE,” Lil Dallas said. “He is the hottest out right now, and I think we would make a hit together.”

As a result of his experiences since he was a child, Dallas would tell young people currently involved in gang activity, “It ain’t worth it! Stop while you’re ahead and enjoy life.”

Lil Dallas’ new mixtape, “Finally Free,” is available on “all digital platforms.” Click the links below to listen to them. Nikiya Biggs interviewed Lil Dallas.

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music | Tidal

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Instagram: @ngv6236 | Twitter: @BiggsNikiya

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