For today's episode, my guest is Anna Mērnieks-Duffield, the lead singer of Toronto sextet Beams. Anna joins me to discuss the new Beams album 'Requiem for a Planet,' out May 3, working with trees as a consulting arborist, remaining hopeful for a better future, and more. ✨ MORE ABOUT BEAMS ✨ Beams is a Toronto based art rock band consisting of Mart…

For today's episode, I'm joined by writer Grace Robins-Somerville to peel back the very nuanced layers of performing femininity online, the victories (and setbacks) of the boygenius renaissance, and why her favorite writers are the people who blend criticism with deeply personal reflections. ✨ MORE ABOUT GRACE ROBINS-SOMERVILLE ✨Grace Robins-Somerv…

In today's episode I'm joined by writer, essayist, and poet Danielle Chelosky to discuss her brilliant new book 'Pregaming Grief,' a provocative and deeply engaging confessional about falling in love during the plague, fast cars, loss, and heartbreak. We also talk about the innovative brilliance of the Tumblr era and of course, Joyce Manor. ✨ MORE …

For today's episode, I am joined by Jeni Magaña to discuss everything from touring with Mitski to her current solo project, Magana. We also discuss her decision to plan the release of her brand new album 'Teeth' on the night of the worm moon's peak illumination. ✨ MORE ABOUT MAGANA ✨ Magana is the solo indie rock project of LA-based singer/songwrit…

For today's episode, I'm joined by psychedelic pop rock outfit Strawberry Launch to discuss their sophomore EP 'Emily' and pitch my persistent campaign to get them to cover The OC theme song in the style of ABBA. ✨ MORE ABOUT STRAWBERRY LAUNCH ✨ Strawberry Launch is an indie pop rock band based in New York. They released their debut EP in 2021 to w…

For today's episode, I am joined by award-winning author, photographer, and musician Ali Smith to discuss her thrilling new memoir 'The Ballad of a Speedball Baby.' We discuss her early stages of creativity, playing in an art-punk band in the '90s and her goal to always prioritize women's stories and the female gaze in her work. ✨ MORE ABOUT ALI SM…

For today's episode, I'm joined by independent pop sensation and queer Gen Z icon, girli, to discuss her upcoming album 'Matriarchy' and the beauty of radical emotional honesty. Digressions include: the genius of Rihanna, Saltburn, and the boring redundancy of year-end wrap-ups. ✨ MORE ABOUT GIRLI girli, is a pop singer-songwriter from London, Engl…

For today's episode, I am joined by Dublin-based singer-songwriter Kate Dineen to discuss her unique approach to crafting a song and the inspiring story of how she built her career from the ground up as an artist without connections or resources. ✨ MORE ABOUT KATE DINEEN ✨ Kate is an indie singer-songwriter who grew up in the rural village of Kerry…

For today's episode, I am joined by independent rising synthpop star Ariana and the Rose to discuss her love of vintage synthesizers, the rapturous euphoria of partying and nightlife, and her relatable "piano chat" TikToks—we also nerd out about the granular science of pop songwriting and the genius of Max Martin. ✨ MORE ABOUT ARIANA AND THE ROSE ✨…

It's EPISODE 100 folks!!! I couldn't be prouder to have stuck with a project this long to reach such a milestone. To celebrate, we vibe, rant, and listen to five beautiful songs. My guest today is Lisa Machac, who runs Little City Sounds and Omni Sound Project. Lisa joins me to discuss the latest industry developments and news, the neurological sci…

For today's episode, I'm joined by Ashrita Kumar from Pinkshift to discuss their wild career trajectory over the past four years, from studying medicine at Johns Hopkins University to touring all over the country opening for acts like Mannequin Pussy, PUP, and L.S. Dunes. Other topics of discussion include our shared obsession with No Doubt, findin…

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of generational trauma and suicide. For today's episode, I'm joined by one of my current favorite modern essayists and cultural critics Matt Mitchell (Paste, Pitchfork, MTV, Altpress) to discuss how identity, pop culture, and personal grief are fundamental elements of their work. Additiona…

For today's episode, I chat with alternative country artist Brennan Wedl. We delve into their latest single "2 Dollar Pistol," their pivotal role in co-founding the iconic viral cult queercore band Dazey and the Scouts, the valuable lessons they've drawn from living across various regions in the country, and bidding farewell to Nashville. ✨ MORE AB…

For today's episode, Blair Howerton from Why Bonnie joins me to dig deep into the writing process behind her debut album '90 in November,' her pensive nostalgia for her hometown in Texas, and the one Taylor Swift song she wishes she wrote. ✨ MORE ABOUT WHY BONNIE ✨ Why Bonnie is a five-piece indie rock outfit based in Brooklyn, New York whose wistf…

Today I sit down with Brandon MacDonald and Tilley Komorny from Home Is Where to discuss their monumentally acclaimed sophomore album the whaler, a brazenly cathartic reaction to the end of the world... and how it's taking forever. Digressions include our hypothetical cast for a Ken Burns emo documentary, the surprising amount of people who fall in…

Today I sit down with Andrea Walker and Solange Igoa from Portland-based queer indie folk-rock band Glitterfox. We discuss their experience living in a van, how their lived experiences drive the creative direction of their art, Solane's love of puppets, and their dedication to representing the most authentic versions of themselves with their art, b…

Today's episode is a chat with the high-energy post-punk outfit Mary Shelley. They tell me all about their upcoming single "She's a Star," and wild tour stories involving some of the big-name indie bands they've become really close with – and also the ones they haven't. Digressions include LCD Soundsystem making us cry, songs that have no business …

For today's episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Andrea Silva from Loyal Lobos, Silva's bilingual indie reggaeton/pop project. We discuss her fascination with the myth of La Loba - the wolf woman -the liberation of getting in touch with the more primitive side of femininity, singing at funerals, and how her latest project LOBA: Vol I, marks a…

For today's episode, I am joined by Linying to discuss her upcoming project 'House Mouse,' first memories, meditating on longing, intense emotions, and how any place can be made into a home. ✨ MORE ABOUT LINYING ✨ Linying is an electronic dream pop artist from Singapore who first got her start in the biz as a topliner for artists like DJ Felix and …

For today's episode, I am joined by Australian indie rock duo and wives, Hope and Rachel from This Empty City. We discuss their rich history in the 90s riot grrrl scene across the pond, their unspoken synchronicity in lyric and melody writing, and more. ✨ LISTEN TO THIS EMPTY CITY ✨ Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6gWl0qfdZlbs9Q1rMgLymL?si=D_GnhD2…

For today's episode I am joined by Kristen Ford to talk about signing to Ani DiFranco's label Righteous Babe Records, learning instruments from the Millington sisters during her childhood in Northampton Massachusetts, DIYing in a corporate world, and more! ✨ MORE ABOUT KRISTEN FORD ✨ Kristen Ford is a folk rock singer-songwriter and activist based …

Powerhouse drummer Rosie Slater (TORRES, Elvis Costello, Stevie Van Zandt) joins me to discuss growing up in a musical family, embracing confrontation and standing up for herself in tough situations, and how she ended up accidentally playing on Frank Ocean's Endless album. ✨ KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ROSIE SLATER ✨ Website: itsrosieslater.com/ Instagram…

The title pretty much says it all?? Today I'm joined by Ellie Stokes of dark cabaret pop outfit Grooblen to talk about writing struggles, Fiona Apple, and everyone's favorite celebrity-endorsed product nobody knew existed, Korn Coffee! ✨ MORE ABOUT GROOBLEN ✨ Channeling psychedelic cabaret dreampunk into her performance alter-ego, Grooblen, Ellie S…

For today's episode, I welcome essayist, zine maker, and founder of Wendy House Press Miranda Reinert, to discuss the music that's defined the most pivotal moments of her life, the importance of physical media, and why she believes objectivity is killing art. ✨ MORE ABOUT MIRANDA REINERT ✨ Miranda Reinert is a writer, zine maker, podcast host, and …

For today's episode, I chatted with Brit Luna, lead singer of the critically-acclaimed Philly ska band Catbite. We discuss her background as a jazz singer, her Latin-American roots, the ska revival, and the duty to protect individuals in our local communities from harm. ✨ MORE ABOUT CATBITE ✨ Catbite are ska champions. Combining the jumping energy …

Today I review the Amazon/Coda Collection documentary on the pioneering and irreverent rock and roll magazine CREEM. I share what I thought were the strongest points in the film, as well as the parts where I felt there was room for improvement. I also go in-depth into the origins, rise, collapse, and eventual return of CREEM magazine, and the tragi…

For today's episode, I chat with German electropop artist Luna Morgenstern about teaching herself how to produce, quitting her full-time job to pursue a career in music, and how nostalgia for her old CD collections inspired her latest EP 'Dance Dance (Don't Go).' ✨ MORE ABOUT LUNA MORGENSTERN ✨ Luna Morgenstern is a German DIY synthpop artist mergi…

For today's episode, I am joined by San Francisco-based soul singer-songwriter Ela Ozturk to discuss the process behind her latest single "Healing," growing up in a Turkish-American household, her background in fashion, and the calculated genius of Lady Gaga. ✨ MORE ABOUT ELA OZTURK ✨ Ela Ozturk is a Turkish-American singer-songwriter whose powerfu…

For today's episode, I am joined by Melissa "Melly" Denizard, a Brooklyn-based cultural worker and musician. Melly and I discuss her party protest movement Dirty Girl, speaking at colleges and universities across the country, the odd paradox of working in the music industry while also being a cultural worker, cleansing herself from social media, an…

For today's episode, I am joined by self-proclaimed "neurodivergent pop star" CLAY (She/They), a singer-songwriter, mental health advocate, and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. CLAY and I discuss their latest album 'holy silence 'fore the spring,' celebrating pride, and why she enjoys performing at concerts over attending them. ✨ MORE ABOUT …

For today's episode, I am joined by Grammy-winning songwriter Delacey who is here to talk about her new album 'The Girl Has a Dream.' We discuss her experience escaping into the woods during the pandemic to write her latest album, the awkwardness of hosting songwriting sessions over Zoom, and our biggest childhood comfort records. ✨ MORE ABOUT DELA…

For today's episode, I am joined by author and label CEO Tiffanie DeBartolo. DeBartolo is the founder of California-based independent label Bright Antenna Records, which has quarterbacked the careers of several successful bands like The Wombats, Wilderado, and In The Valley Below. Tiffanie joins me to discuss the inception of her record label, how …

For today's episode, I am joined by singer-songwriter Alicia Walter to discuss carving out a niche for herself in the Chicago and New York music scenes and traveling to a plethora of U.S. states to play with a variety of bands on her latest album 'Right Noise' (out June 23). We also discuss our mutual love of American Football and transcending genr…

For today's episode, I am joined by Chicago math rock duo OK Cool to discuss their latest project "fawn," our mutual love of Midwest emo, and their personal experiences in the DIY live music community in Chicago. ✨ MORE ABOUT OK COOL ✨ Chicago duo OK Cool delivers a mesmerizing blend of math rock and dream pop. Their latest EP, "fawn," showcases th…

For today's inaugural Pride Month episode, I am joined by musicians and life partners Naomi Scott and Krystal Grow of the queer punk rock two-piece Basic Bitches. We get into the making of Basic Bitches' new album It Doesn't Matter of It's Cool and reminisce on each of our gateway favorite bands. We also discuss the effect working in the music indu…

For today's episode, I am joined by dream pop songstress and New York underground it-girl May Rio to talk about her upcoming debut album French Bath, emerging from pandemic-induced solitude, and feeling renewed and ready to turn a new leaf. We also discuss her unforgettable experience recording background vocals on The Dare's mega-hit "Girls" and t…

Listen to my appearance on GRRRL Music's podcast, "Bops and Bangers!" open.spotify.com/episode/3R1ZevmWNQTx0qkxi8FV3d For today's episode, I am joined by Kelsey Kahla and Ashley Durreegs, the founders of GRRRL Music. GRRRL Music is a blog and music-discovery community dedicated to boosting positive energy and brightening up everyday life via music.…

For today's episode, I chat with Laura B. Regan, the founder of The Footlight Underground, a live music community space owned and operated by queer women and genderfluid folks. Laura and I discuss the origins of Footlight and her mission to spotlight the best of New York underground music. We also discuss The Footlight's packed Pride programming th…

For today's episode, I chat with internet guru and powerful pop star manager Helen Chatham Showalter about the fandom-to-artist manager pipeline, Supernatural fanfiction, crying to 'Amost Famous,' and the tireless work ethic that goes into creating culture on the internet. We also discuss Helen's grievances with problematic music industry politics,…

Driely S. Carter is one of the art world's most original and highly sought-after photographers, boasting an impressive roster of clients like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Pharrell, Neil Young, Jim Jarmusch, and Stella McCartney. But underneath her impressive portfolio and deep love and appreciation for art lies an unbreakable spirit that's helped her th…

For today's episode, I welcome indie soul-pop artist, verse poet, and teaching artist Raegan Sealy to the studio to discuss her award-winning work in the creative non-profit space, our unironic love of cheesy retro pop hits, the endless rabbit hole of completely different songs that sound exactly the same, and how art can save lives. ✨ MORE ABOUT R…

For this incredibly thrilling premiere episode of Season 5, I am joined by Marissa Paternoster, the frontwoman of the legendary New Jersey punk band Screaming Females. Marissa and I talked in depth about her band's steadfast DIY ethics, recording the latest Screaming Females album in the now infamous Pachyderm Studios where Nirvana, The Wedding Pre…

For today's episode, I will be joined by indie electronic pop artist Jackie Mendoza to discuss her debut full-length album 'Galaxia de Emociones,' her upbringing as a first-generation Mexican-American queer girl in Chula Vista, the time she spent in New York as a budding musician, and her artistic growth over the years. ✨ MORE ABOUT JACKIE MENDOZA …

Today, I am taking some time off while I recover from a recent illness and continue to sift through edits for the Season 4 Finale of the podcast. In the meantime, enjoy this bonus episode from my Patreon film review series where I review 'Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist' with special guest Mia Day. ✨ MORE ABOUT MIA DAY ✨ Inspired by the vivid im…

Today's guest is musician and entrepreneur Xylo Aria, the founder of the online learning platform Music Production for Women. Xylo and I discuss the appalling gender disparity in production and music technology, how unconscious bias is harmful to everyone, and why removing the fear factor is crucial in order to encourage more women to enter the fie…

Today I chat with singer-songwriter Hannah Judson about her unique audio-visual output, fusing folk rock, jazz, and projected images to create an immersive live experience. Other topics of discussion include releasing new music after quarantine, her all-women art festival MUSEfest, her affection for Annie Lennox, and more! Discover bonus eps, playl…

In the early aughts, Manhattan became a breeding ground for the post-punk revival when bands like The Strokes, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol ushered in a new era of indie rock. On today's episode of "Sounding Out with Izzy," I am joined by my good friend Hollye Bynum, the lead singer of Razor Braids, to revisit this iconic era of rock and roll …

For today's episode, I am joined by Long Island-based indie pop singer-songwriter Xondra to discuss their latest project 'Tedious & Brief,' a concept EP and horror-musical short film that plunges into the underworld of surviving abuse and learning to shout your truth in a room full of hushed voices. Topics discussed include Xondra's humble beginnin…

For today's episode, I am joined by Lalena and Annika Fisher, the mother-daughter duo who make up Austin, Texas art-punk outfit The Mothermold. We discuss the unique dynamic of playing in a band with your immediate family, playing a Harry Styles pre-show with Girls Rock Austin, and the culmination of their 2022 debut album 'Flesh of My Flesh.' Disc…

Brooklyn DIY-pop legend Softee is on the podcast! Topics of discussion include Softee's new single, "Come Home," astrology, her acting background, collaborating with a series of esteemed actors and filmmakers on their music videos, including Eliza Scanlen and her fiancée Machel Ross, and more! Discover bonus eps, playlists, and more on Patreon: htt…