Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Izzy Thomas

Yorkshire’s Izzy Thomas is introducing the world to a new age of rock ‘n’ roll with her signature blend of blues vocals, hip hop beats, and pop sound. Her new single, “Trouble (Pull that Trigger)”, is an empowering anthem about self-worth and self-respect. Narrating the frustrations that many female artists face in the industry, the track has struck a chord with audiences around the world. Pop Culturalist spoke with Izzy about “Trouble (Pull that Trigger)”.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Izzy: When I was in school, I used to write a lot of poems. Those poems became songs as I started playing guitar and taking singing lessons at school. I was big on rock, punk, and grunge stuff. I just wanted to make noise and let go!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Izzy: Wow! Erm, that’s a tough one. I would say all of the artists—underground and signed—I’ve discovered along the way. Most importantly though, my parents, for having faith in me and pushing me when I showed them this is what I was going to do in life.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Trouble (Pull that Trigger)”. What inspired the track?
Izzy: The song is about so many artists’ journeys, including mine, that I’ve witnessed. A lot of them being female. Things like being paid less for gigs, being talked over, being sent dick pictures by seedy promoters. It’s unbelievable, and that’s just the half of it. However, although it came from that particular place for me, a lot of guys have said it’s empowered them to stand up to the b.s. they face, which I’m really happy about, as I want it to be for everybody.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? How has it evolved throughout the years?
Izzy: I love co-writing, as well as writing on my own when a little spark ignites in my brain! I like to keep it fresh and write in different ways. In the past, producers have sent me instrumentals or “beats” that I’ve written to, or toplined on. Other times, I’ll think of a chord structure and then fit lyrics to it, or vice versa.

PC: Can fans expect more singles this year? Possibly another EP or album?
Izzy: Yes! My next single “MAD” will be out on a few months. I have a few more singles and I’ll be releasing an EP, I promise!

PC: You’re an advocate for Autism Awareness. Have you always known you wanted to use your platform to spread the word?
Izzy: To be honest, no! It was a good friend of mine that suggested fusing my music, and campaigning together in one speech/performance set. I’ve been telling him that I wanted to do something in honor of my brother, Jason, who has Aspergers Syndrome, but I didn’t know how I’d fit it around my music. I didn’t want to be neglectful either, so I listened to my friend, and now I do this pretty much every month!

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Izzy: Be patient, expect bumps along the ride, embrace them, and be strong.

PC: As we look ahead in 2019, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Izzy: Festivals, more single releases, weird music videos, a new EP, and some bad ass shows.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Izzy: First Dates

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Izzy: Shaun of the Dead

PC: Favorite book?
Izzy: The Power of Habit

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Izzy: Cats!

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Izzy: Celine Dion

PC: First album you bought?
Izzy: I think it was Destiny’s Child.

PC: First concert you attended?
Izzy: Fall Out Boy

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Izzy: Royal Albert Hall

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Izzy: Christina Aguilera’s Stripped! It’s so real, and well-written. There are so many great songs.

To keep up with Izzy, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Trouble (Pull that Trigger)” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.