An Artist You’ll Wish You’ve Heard of Sooner: Isobel.

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This piece is particularly meaningful to me, as it’s not just about an artist, but about a friend who I’ve come to know and admire. I met Isobel through her music so it feels kind of full circle to be writing this piece about her as a full-fledged artist and not just a girl making beats in her bedroom. Watching her grow as an artist over the years has been such a privilege, and it's surreal to see her stepping into the spotlight she so clearly deserves. I hope this piece gives you a glimpse into just how incredibly talented she is, and above all, I hope it helps you discover your new favorite artist.

With Warmth,

Andi x

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ALL PHOTOS CREDITED TO ISOBEL VAN KUIKEN

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There’s something magnetic about discovering an artist before the rest of the world catches on—someone whose work feels like a secret meant just for you. That’s exactly the feeling you get when you stumble upon Isobel. As we move into a world that is becoming so heavily reliant on connections made via the internet, it is no surprise emerging artists like Isobel are the ones we gravitate towards the most. Isobel embodies the kind of artistry that feels both deeply relatable and entirely singular—a musician whose raw talent and authenticity make her impossible to ignore. 

At just 21 years old, Isobel is carving out a space in music that is as intimate, as it is bold. Her self-described “lesbian indie rock” sound isn’t just a genre—it’s an extension of who she is. Her songs are layered with emotion, introspection, storytelling, and those small, unassuming moments that say everything. “I realized I can’t live life without creating and making music,” she says about her decision to pursue music full-time, and it’s clear in every note that this isn’t just a career for her—it’s a necessity.

Raised on curiosity and determination, Isobel taught herself to play guitar, bass, and keyboard, even dabbling in drums along the way. While her solo music-making is entirely self-taught, her foundation began in choir. “Choir taught me the fundamentals of music theory and trained my voice and ear,” she says. She sang mostly alto, a part that relies heavily on being able to hear harmonies well. This finely tuned skill is evident in many of the covers she shares, such as her rendition of I Know You by Faye Webster (click here), and her cover of Break by Alex G (click here). Still, much of her growth as a musician has come from her own exploration. “The internet is my dictionary,” she adds, summing up her DIY approach to learning—a reflection of a generation raised on YouTube tutorials and endless internet searches.

Her songwriting process reflects that same sense of exploration. Isobel often begins with melodies and chords, singing, as she puts it, “gibberish” until the words start to form. It’s an organic process, one that lets the subconscious do the heavy lifting. “A lot of my songs come out subconsciously, and they end up being super true to my life,” she explains. Whether she’s writing about her girlfriend, her best friend, or something as universal as a teenage crush on Aubrey Plaza, her lyrics always seem to carry an unmistakable intimacy. That kind of emotional honesty is rare, but it’s exactly what makes Isobel’s music so compelling. 

There’s also something striking about the way Isobel approaches her craft with such independence. Not only does she write and play her music, but she also produces tracks herself—a journey that began when she realized how few women are represented in music production. “I kind of felt like I needed to make a difference,” she says. Now, her self-produced work is as much a part of her identity as the stories she tells through her lyrics.

Even outside her music, Isobel’s DIY ethos shines. She coded her very own website, creating a space that reflects her personality and provides a direct connection to her and her work. It’s the kind of thing that feels rare in a world where artists are often filtered through teams and algorithms. Isobel’s site feels like her: personal, unfiltered, and full of heart.

Listening to Isobel feels like listening to a friend—someone who isn’t afraid to share their quietest, most vulnerable moments. She’s an artist on the brink of something big, but for now, she’s still in that magical space where it feels like she’s singing just for you. If you’re someone who loves discovering music that feels raw, real, and unapologetically authentic, Isobel is someone you’ll want to get in tune with now, before the rest of the world inevitably catches on.

Isobel’s debut single, Laundry, drops on January 7th, but you can catch her in the meantime on Instagram, TikTok, and her website, Isobel’s Web, sharing original song snippets, writing blog posts, and covering songs from artists like Elliott Smith, Adrianne Lenker, and Radiohead—all with a guitar in hand, straight from her bedroom.