Ears Wide Open: Isabella

0
Isabella (Photo by Amaury Nessaibia)

Isabella Perschardt — just Isabella when she’s releasing music — makes entrancing alt-R&B that’s a notable for what isn’t there (preening production gimmicks) as what is (her direct, sinuous vocals).

Reared in Los Angeles as the daughter of an Ethiopian mother and Danish father, Isabella spent her early childhood as a model before moving into music at age 16. She released her first single, “Three,” in 2018. She worked with an array of songwriters and producers, notably, Timmy Manson Jr. and Mike Barney, on her 2019 debut album, “12 Angels” and the ensuing singles, which flip between R&B and rap with substantial poise. Chill is the operative word.

Now 24, Isabella is introducing a new EP, “Human,” due in July. The first single “Everywhere I Go” keeps things minimal as well thanks to the production of Kendrick Lamar collaborator Zacari. “Since the day I met Zacari I’ve been so transfixed with the music he creates,” Isabella says. “The night we made this I heard the beat and knew we needed to hop on it immediately. We were able to make magic that night and I’m excited and honored to have collaborated together.”

As for Zacari, he makes it sound like NBD. “I remember when I pulled up to the studio, she was working on something else so I went to my car and played some guitar and voice memo, recorded it to start the beat in my headphones,” he says. “This song came together so organically.”

||| Stream: “Everywhere I Go”