In Conversation…
Interview By: Emily Morgan
Words BY: Libby Matthews
In an island above the Netherlands, Isabel Van Gelder takes a quiet moment to unwind after embarking on her sold-out European tour. Soaking up the balanced weather of both sunshine and rain, reflective of the balance between her bubbly personality and deeply emotional lyrics that her many followers and attentive listeners have grown to naturally adore.
For many artists, creative instincts tend to shine through from a young age and for Isabel she is no exception: “as a kid I was always very creative...I actually used to draw a lot”. Starting a career in being the camera’s subject, she was able to give herself early stability through modelling that allowed her time to find the path that would eventually change her, and evidently her listener’s, lives.
Throughout High School and alongside modelling, Isabel found passion in the art of songwriting as a teen in the sanctuary of her room, later realising that a career as a singer would be able to give her something that she could “show a little bit more of myself within, and feels more personal to me”. A creature of many interests, when it finally came to graduating and the ever-looming decision of picking your chosen career, Isabel had fallen so deeply in love with songwriting and says, “there was nothing that made me feel the way that music did”, thus starting her journey of reaching out to people and going into studio sessions.
“I don’t think I really keep anything to myself to be honest”, says Isabel as she explains her thoughts on writing lyrics that can be deeply personal, when does it or does it ever become too exposing? Apparently never. Inspired by the artists Olivia Rodrigo and Thom Yorke who master unalike genres but are united in their songwriting approaches of capturing the raw, unfiltered and above all relatable moments of human life. Isabel takes a similar approach to her music, feeling that “I personally always think that those types of songs are the ones that people relate to the most”, whilst being aware of protecting the identities of the muses behind her songs. Making a conscious decision to release songs that yes, may feel vulnerable in sharing her experiences, but also have the immeasurable power to give listener’s a moment of resonance. After all, the songs that spotlight the ugly and awkward moments of human life that we try to cover up ourselves, helps to remind us that imperfection is in fact ordinary and even our idolised artists feel it too.
The sad-girl persona of her up-to-date music is contrasted with her bouncy personality unveiled through her online presence, as her followers have grown to know: “if you follow me on social media, you probably get a feel that okay, maybe this girl might not be as down bad she sounds in her songs”. With her earlier music being of a more melodic tone of topics laced with emotions of
sadness, Isabel begins to give the mic to her upbeat nature in the upcoming songs ‘Kissing you Away’ and ‘Heartless’ on recently released ‘Lovesick EP’. Creating a wonderful sense of balance in the ability to perfectly capture the turbulent experience of romance and the imprint it can leave, but also shining a light onto the blissful parts of herself.
The earlier released song ‘Die for You’ was written by Isabel’s former teenage self enduring the ever-relatable trials and tribulations of heartbreak. Though she personally felt underwhelmed by the song and not particularly interested in putting it out, the encouragement of her Mum and Manager to release it led to an unexpected response of profound connection: “it was a happy accident and it’s incredible that people connect to it so much, but I didn’t necessarily expect it”. Isabel has naturally become a big sister energy to girls and women across the world who are encountering heartbreak, she says “when you experience heartbreak for the first time, it feels like your world is going to end and then you get older and maybe realise that you will be fine”. Unknowingly giving comfort that joy and sadness can coexist.
At the beginning of her performances, the very notion of performing live brought with it an early case of stage fright. With the implemented coping mechanisms of vocal warmups, the empowering energy of Rihanna and Beyoncé whilst getting ready, breathing techniques, the occasional wine on a special show substituted with ginger tea on tour and a quiet moment of affirmation with the band backstage, Isabel’s stage fright has seemingly evaporated. “I remember the first year of me performing live, I was so terrified, I’m finally at a point where performing live is just the most fun thing ever” she says.
The songs ‘Kissing You Away’ and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ carry the highest energies and allow moments for each band member to have their centre stage moment, becoming personal favourites of both Isabel’s and the bands to play live. “I have a couple of hits on my guitar, and I feel super cool and like such a rockstar just by playing like one chord”, she humorously admits. Moving into future projects, her songwriting perspective has shifted from “does this sound beautiful?” to “will I be able to give it my all when I’m performing?”, giving fresh angles to write from and moving into her next chapter beyond teen heartbreak.
Songwriting to performing live are crafts of their own entirety. The writing process becomes about connecting intently with an inner voice and often requires quiet moments of reflection. Opposed with the skill of live performance: “when I’m on stage, I can just have a party, I’m connecting with all of this energy of all these people that are in a room”, both becoming integral and above all gratifying processes.
For Isabel, the shows have become a moment of connecting with her fans and breaking the barrier between artist and listener, often hanging around the
merch following a show to try and meet fans, noticing the community that her music brings. “It happens really often that if someone came by themselves, they met someone else and became friends. I think that’s such a wonderful thing about music in general and especially live performances, going to events like this you get this feeling of community, and I hope they have a wonderful night and that they enjoy it.”
When asked what Isabel Van Gelder would say if she were able to sit down with the younger version of herself writing songs secretly in her bedroom, dreaming of one day becoming an artist, she replied “stay fearless. As a kid I was quite loud, ADHD and at times I felt as a girl I had to be sweeter and shyer. I would say stay loud and do your thing girl”. Leaving us with an empowering encouragement to take up space and not compromise on your identities.
ISABEL VAN GELDER RELEASES NEW EP “LOVESICK”
MUSIC VIDEO FOR “HEARTLESS” OUT NOW
There’s something about Isabel van Gelder that makes even the most personal moments feel universal. With a voice that sounds impressively mature yet vulnerable, and a songwriting style that never shies away from saying exactly what she feels, the Amsterdam-based artist has a rare ability to make heartbreak sound intimate, honest and, at times, unexpectedly fun. Now, Isabel unites these different facets on her new EP, Lovesick, arriving October 16, 2026, accompanied by a stunning and cinematic one-take music video for the focus track Heartless, filmed entirely on analog film.
