CREDIT: Sophia Matinazad
Isadora Petra is crafting the narrative of modern music, weaving her personal journey from heartbreak into captivating melodies.
Isadora Petra, hailing from Santiago, Chile, and shaped by her upbringing in Lexington, Kentucky, emerges as a captivating new voice in today’s music scene. Her debut single, “Algo Más,” unveils a soul-stirring piano pop ballad characterized by ethereal vocals that resonate deeply with listeners.
This week, we explore Isadora Petra’s artistic journey, delving into the essence of her creative path. Join us as we uncover the passion and vision behind her compelling melodies, gaining insights into the stories she tells through her music and discovering the influences that have shaped her unique sound.
Singular Culture: How did your journey into music begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a music artist?
Isadora Petra: My pursuit of music began with a creative awakening during the COVID lockdown in 2020, a deeply introspective period for me. Being home for so long acted as a cocoon, allowing me to heal and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Despite having little musical background beyond childhood piano lessons and sporadic participation in my school’s choir, I’ve always been a lifelong music lover. During lockdown, I found solace in music and singing, using them as therapeutic outlets to release emotional weight.
In the fall of 2021, I experienced an intense heartbreak that drove me to poetry. I shared my poems with a friend who happened to be a music producer. He suggested we collaborate on a song, something I never thought myself capable of, but our session proved incredibly fruitful. This sparked a surge of creativity in me, inspiring me to conceptualize an entire album. By the time I pitched the project to Joshua, my producer friend, I had already envisioned a sonic and visual universe for it that I was eager to bring to life. I was thrilled when he agreed to work on the album with me, and we began in early 2022.
This venture marked a complete pivot from my previous path—I was in my final semester of college, pursuing a degree in Environmental Sustainability Sciences. Yet, I felt a deep conviction about the project’s potential and the universe I aimed to create, prompting me to take a leap of faith.
Could you tell us why you chose “Algo Más” to kickstart your music career?
“Algo Más” was chosen as the debut single because it serves as a perfect introduction to the album both thematically and musically. It sets the stage for the central situationship explored in the album’s narrative and encapsulates the dreamy, romantic bedroom pop sound that defines its essence.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have influenced “Algo Más” or your music in general?
Some of my biggest influences are ROSALÍA, Kali Uchis, and November Ultra. ROSALÍA’s depth of artistry is incredibly inspiring to me, and Kali Uchis also channels her Hispanic American background in a beautiful way. November Ultra, my most recent discovery among the three, captivates me with her wistfully tender sound that seamlessly combines French, Spanish, and English.
CREDIT: Sophia Matinazad
“Algo Más” seems to capture very personal emotions. Was there a particular experience or moment that inspired you to write this song?
“Algo Más” definitely captures some intimate thoughts. I wrote it about an experience of unrequited love and the heartbreak of feeling hope for something more, even as I knew it was an impossible desire. As I’m sure many people can relate to, that kind of disappointment and longing can wreak a lot of havoc in you. For me, the song represents an internal dialogue where I’m trying to reconcile my emotions with the knowledge that I am bound to be left empty-handed by that person.
Could you share more about your writing process for “Algo Más,” including any memorable moments or challenges you faced?
“Algo Más” was the first song we wrote for the project, and it underwent significant transformation from start to finish. It represents the learning curve Joshua and I navigated together during the creative process, shaping the sound of the record. Along the way, we made several changes—adjusting the key, chords, chorus, and drums, which resulted in a completely different end product. We recorded vocals multiple times until they felt just right. I’m thrilled with how it turned out; it truly captures the original intent I envisioned for the song.
The bilingual lyrics in “Algo Más” create a unique dynamic. How does singing in both Spanish and English help convey the emotions and themes of the song? Was there a specific intention behind using both languages?
I feel that the bilingual lyrics contribute to the theme of tension in the song; they serve to communicate that there aren’t enough words in one language to capture what I’m feeling, as well as the lament of feeling isolated and not understood. While my English is stronger than my Spanish, I frequently turn to writing in Spanish because it better captures potent emotions.
The music video for “Algo Más” has received positive attention for its aesthetic appeal. Could you elaborate on the inspiration behind its visual style and direction?
I had already written a video treatment for the song before meeting Sophia Matinazad, the project’s creative director. I envisioned dreamy and dramatic visuals, and Sophia Matinazad transformed my ideas into a well-executed concept. I’m grateful that the original intent was honored in the final product and for the chance to work with a team that supported the vision so effectively.
What plans do you have following the release of “Algo Más”? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?
“Algo Más” marks just the beginning of my journey as Isadora Petra. I’m thrilled about what’s to come—there are more singles on the horizon, each offering a new dimension to the project. I am over the moon about everything and I can’t wait to share everything with the world!
Embark on a journey through Isadora Petra’s evocative melodies and immerse yourself in the passion and creativity woven into every note. She recently released her second single, “La Culpa,” so be sure to check it out. Experience Isadora Petra’s unique voice and narrative, and let her music transport you to captivating new musical landscapes.