In this issue, Taylor Kelsaw (Instagram: @taylor_kelsaw_management) spoke with the young and talented American singer/songwriter Isaiah Grass based in Chicago. Isaiah has been singing and performing for a little over 7 years now. He has also modeled, acted, and will return to more of that later this year.
Taylor:
Hello Isaiah, it is a pleasure to speak with you today. The world might not be familiar with your name yet, but they are with the television iconic name of “American Idol” where you auditioned two seasons ago. Tell me what was that whole experience like?
Isaiah:
Hello Taylor, thank you for asking to interview me. I was flattered the talent scouts from American Idol reached out to me on social media and asked me to audition for the executive producers. Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan stood up to sing along with me during my audition, plus I was interviewed by Ryan Seacrest. Although the show did not portray me for who I really am, I am still grateful for the national exposure it brought into my life, and the ability to share my music with the world.
Taylor:
The recording and performance world have changed a bit. I have many relatives in the music business, and they have shared with me some their challenges. What are some of those challenges you have faced or still face?
Isaiah:
Pursing a career in the music industry is daring, but also rewarding. You need a mindset to succeed, the desire to entertain, and very thick skin. In 2020, I was unfortunately hacked on social media, and I lost 7+ years of content/fans on my verified accounts. This has been a huge challenge in my career, as I am now having to rebuild, rebrand, and reconnect. After being hacked I wrote my song “More Than Friends” to encourage people to be careful of who they trust online and stop hackers and online predators from hurting others.
My goal is to move forward regardless and focus on the positive things in my life.
Taylor:
You have a voice that has been heard by millions and you now have a great following. I know there’s a new single about to drop, let’s chat about that and how it came to be, and what inspired you?
Isaiah:
This year in 2021, I released my second album “DANCE IN LOVE” which features (9) high-energy dance remixes to my new/old songs in collaboration with DJs worldwide. During the pandemic, I have not been able to perform it live, so I am grateful to all the TV networks, and radio stations that have been featuring it on their shows. This album is perfect to enjoy when you want to exercise or dance, drive in the car, clean your house, or just have fun! You can download the full digital album on my website or add it to your Spotify playlists. Additionally, I am in the process of releasing a new single this year titled: “I Need You”, so stay tuned!
Taylor:
Let’s talk about the void that interrupted touring life and hitting the musical road to gigs because of Covid. Have you thought about writing that into your music somehow and are you happy that you can return to the road soon now that a vaccination is in place?
Isaiah:
During this pandemic, I’ve been writing, taking online courses, and trying to rebuild my social media that was hacked in 2020. Many events I was booked for did get canceled, so just like every other musician, I’m hoping for the best, and preparing for any new opportunity. There are so many people who have been affected mentally, financially, and physically. In hopes to help others, I created a song titled: “Wherever You Are” which is about going through hardships in life but knowing God, or a loved one is always there by your side. You are never alone.
Taylor:
You started as a model and you were in NY for a while. Recently you mentioned your return to it. What makes you think it’s time to give it another try?
Isaiah:
After graduating from a performing arts high school, I was discovered by modeling agencies in New York and encouraged to pursue it as a career. This helped me to build self-confidence and develop thick skin. It has opened many doors which has allowed me to travel, collaborate with people, and be featured in advertisements, etc. My focus is to build my brand and to inspire others to never give up on their aspirations in life.
Taylor:
Acting is also an interest of yours that you want to pursue more of. What excites you about acting and the experiences you have had and those that you would like to work on?
Isaiah:
Over the years, I have been cast in a variety of commercials, short films, and PSA’s. I have been told I have a charismatic personality, and a memorable look. Acting to me is about envisioning myself as the character and then I just transform. I like to think of myself like a chameleon, lol.
Taylor:
What’s next for Isaiah?
Isaiah:
Currently I am promoting my new album “Dance in Love” to radio/media. Additionally, I am working on new collaborations with clients. Hopefully soon I can get back to performing live and reconnect with people. My goal is to continue making music and spread love to others. If anyone wants to see my latest updates, they can check out my website and social media.
Thank you very much Isaiah for a great chat
To find out more about Isaiah Grass, and hear his music go online at:
Website – IsaiahGrassMusic.com
Instagram – @isaiahgmusic
Facebook – @IsaiahGrass
Tik Tok – @IsaiahGrass
Spotify – @IsaiahGrass
YouTube – @IsaiahGrass
Photo credtis: @sandra_rust_photo
