The music scene is set to welcome a fresh release from 18-year-old Isabel LaRosa. On March 24, LaRosa, a name that has been gradually making waves in the pop genre, will release her new EP, “YOU FEAR THE GOD THAT LOVES YOU,” under the RCA/Sony Music Canada label. This announcement comes amid her current national tour, where she shares the stage with fellow artist Nessa Barrett.
LaRosa’s journey in music, marked by her distinctive take on moody and infectious pop, showcases her ability to blend emotional depth with a wide-ranging versatility. Her recent singles, “i’m yours” and “i’m watching you,” have already carved a niche for her in the music industry. “i’m yours,” in particular, has achieved significant success with over 150 million streams and substantial views across various video platforms. This traction is further amplified by notable influencers such as Nessa Barrett and Huddy, who have used the song in their content.
Born in Annapolis, MD, Isabel LaRosa’s musical roots run deep. Influenced by her jazz musician father, she spent her formative years immersed in the world of music, often performing at jazz clubs during open mic nights. Collaborating with her brother and producer, Thomas, since elementary school, the siblings have developed a unique creative partnership. Their songwriting and production, done in their childhood home, aim to evoke specific moods and scenes. This approach is also reflected in the visual aspect of LaRosa’s work, drawing inspiration from thriller and horror genres, evident in references to TV shows and movies like “Stranger Things” and “Get Out.”
The artist recently began playing some of these songs live for the first time. She told Montreal Rocks about the reaction.
“It’s just so incredible. The crowds have been so amazing, honestly. I think I’ve grown up performing, but I think when we got to the first show, I was like, ‘Oh, this is a completely different animal. Holy shit.’ It’s such a surreal experience. It’s like, how do you even… as I said, I’m starting to process it now, but it’s just crazy. I’m grateful that people even show up.
I would open my nights and we’d do small little festivals where I grew up. I’ve done a lot of those and I’ve performed a lot. But then, the first crowd was even, it was the smallest, it was like 500 people. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m so nervous. That is a lot of people.’ It’s like there are people there for that show. It’s not people just in passing or they don’t know who you are. They do. It was just a different, it felt like a lot more pressure, but then when it goes well and they’re super, super supportive, it’s like a million times more fun.”
I asked if she remembers the first time she came up with the title, “YOU FEAR THE GOD THAT LOVES YOU.”
“I do. I was in Miami with Thomas. Thomas is my brother and he’s my producer and we write everything together. But we were in Miami. I think we were doing some writing there and then we were just seeing family. We would take walks at night and I was like, ‘We have to turn in the EP title.’ I had an idea of what I wanted it to be, but I wasn’t sure. It sounds so bad. We were searching up Bible quotes and we were like, ‘Okay, what?’ We just needed phrases to take inspiration from, and then we were like, ‘Oh, fear,’ and then God. Then it just happened. I was like, ‘You Feel a God Who Loves You.’ It holds a specific meaning for me. It just came about in a random way.”
LaRosa’s approach to her artistry extends beyond mere sound; it’s a holistic creation of atmosphere and narrative. Her music, often themed around personal experiences and emotions, resonates with a wide audience, especially among younger listeners. Her style, though youthful, carries a maturity that belies her age, reflecting an artist deeply in tune with her creative voice.
With “YOU FEAR THE GOD THAT LOVES YOU,” LaRosa is poised to further establish her presence in the music industry. The anticipation for this EP is high, given her track record and the intriguing title. As the release date approaches, fans and critics alike are eager to see how Isabel LaRosa will continue to evolve and make her mark in the world of music.
Watch the full interview below:
