THE BACKSTORY:
With a soundscape reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers and lyricism that brings to mind early Taylor Swift tunes, TikTok sensation Isabel Pless is already proving herself to be one to watch. The Vermont native shot to stardom by posting clips of her original music online and has amassed a fiercely loyal fanbase thanks to her relatable yet raw lyricism. Combining whimsical guitar melodies with velvety vocals, the 21-year-old college student perfectly captures being on the cusp of adulthood in tracks such as ‘Eldest Daughter’, which deals with the desire to be needed, and the equally melancholy ‘Twenty-Two’. Her songwriting is best described as an act of catharsis, both for the starlet and for the listener, with the tunes injecting intensity into everyday situations.
Pless is continuing to make waves in the indie music scene and has so far performed some intimate gigs in her home state. With a growing audience of over 100k on TikTok, it won’t be long until she’s seen on a bigger stage.
KEY TRACK: ‘Bechdel Test’ – one of the rising star’s best tunes, a clip from this track went viral on TikTok before the full song was released. The song wouldn’t feel out of place in an A24 coming-of-age film, and is perhaps the most polished of the singer’s releases, with crisp vocals laced over building guitar riffs.
FOR FANS OF: Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift, Maggie Rogers
Photo: Karl Ortegon