Isabel Wood

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I’m based on the Sunshine Coast, QLD at the moment and the music scene isn’t bad at all. It’s definitely been improving and will get a big boost when NightQuarter opens up later this year.

How did you first start playing music?

I remember being dragged along to family guitar lessons when I was about 8 and thought it was just so boring. Then throughout primary and high school I played violin, clarinet and saxophone in school bands until I eventually came full circle and realised how cool guitar actually was, so I taught myself from there!

What’s been happening recently?

I’ve been doing a lot of songwriting (like a lot) and recording.

Your new single ‘Sunburn’ was released on August 22, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

Well the main idea behind Sunburn came after I got badly sunburnt and realised the similarities between that and heartbreak and thought hmmm this could make a cool song!

How did you go about writing Sunburn?

The melody was actually inspired by pop punk music – probably because I was listening to All Time Low non-stop at the time #guiltypleasure. I wrote the chorus first and then kind of worked backwards to write the bridge and verses around it, which is the order I follow for most songs I write.

Where and when did you record?

I recorded Sunburn in May at a home studio in Sydney. It’s a fairly new song so it was really cool to see it finished so soon after writing it.

What programs/instruments did you use?

There’s a mix of programmed instruments, synths and electric guitar.

Xavier Dunn produced Sunburn, how did you come to work with Xavier?

I slid into his Instagram DMs of course! But I had previously heard some other tracks he’s worked on and loved the vibe so I thought why not reach out.

What was it like working alongside Xavier? Please describe the experience:

Let’s just say it didn’t take me long to realise he was a musical genius. Like whoa, that man knows how to turn a chill song into a banger! We had so much fun working on Sunburn together and I know I’ve made a life-long friend and can’t wait to work with him again.

What do you have planned for Sunburn?

The plan is to get as many people as possible to hear it and, fingers crossed, love it!

What do you like to do away from music?

So many things! I really love playing tennis and I’m also in an oztag team with some friends which is super fun. I’ve recently started getting my own amateur cook book together with vegetarian and vegan recipes so that’s something I like doing in my free time.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve been listening to Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ album non-stop lately. Sooooo good.

If you could spend a day with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

That’s a tough question but I would probably have to say David Tennant. I have an unhealthy obsession with Doctor Who so I’d love to hang out with him and pretend I’m the Doctor’s companion for the day.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2019 going into 2020?

Just releasing some new music and playing more shows. I’m playing at Caloundra Music Festival in October so that should be really fun!

Any secrets that you care to share?

Hmmm well let’s just say if you like Sunburn then stick around because there’s plenty more new songs coming soon.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Judge me all you want but my favourite food is, and always has been, olives. There’s usually a jar wrapped up under the Christmas tree for me and it’s just the best thing ever.

To make this answer even worse, my favourite place to hang out is probably my house. It’s got food, Netflix, and my music gear – what else could you ask for?