Q & A with indigenous singer Isaiah Firebrace

For everyone who knows me, knows that my heart belongs to Australia. So it´s a pleasure an honour for me to have a Q & A with the talented Isaiah Firebrace, who just released his Single “Know me better” @sonymusicaustralia

Not only that we have this Q & A , noooo - we also have a fashion story captured by Julian Rinaldi @julianrrinaldi and styled by Zakk Allan @zazakk - Clothes by Designer Jennyfer Raquel Alonzo Aguirre @jraacode

A big big thank you to Benji Hart @the.benjihart and the.mgmt @the.mgmt who made this possible.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I’m a 20-year-old indigenous singer who loves music, family, nature, travelling, spirituality and cooking. I come from a big family, and I am the second youngest. I grew up in Moama NSW currently live in Melbourne, Australia. 

Who inspired you to make music? 

My biggest inspiration has been myself since the start. Changing my circumstance when I was young was a huge inspiration for me to be successful. 

How would you describe your music? 

Honest, soulful and fun. 

Who are your main musical influences? 

Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, Usher.

What is your creative process like? 

There are many processes into creating a song. It could spur from an inspirational idea appearing in my head, a creative songwriting session or writing about my own personal experiences or somebody else’s. I could write a song to a pre-made beat, or I could sit down and write one from scratch with a piano or someone who plays and instrument. There are many ways to approach being creative with music. 

What’s an average day like for you? 

Meetings, brainstorming new ideas, content creation, jamming, covering songs, recording new original songs. If not, hanging out with the family to keep me grounded. 

Which famous musicians/singers do you admire? 

Mariah Carey’s songwriting and vocal ability, Chris Browns RNB Vocals and harmonies stage presence and performance. Michael Jackson and Prince for their looks, style and energy on and off stage. Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande are two huge pop inspirations to me. They have really great music and are fantastic performers. 

Who would you most like to collaborate with? 

There are so many artists who I love for their music and vocal ability. But I think it would be amazing to work with producing greats such as Max Martin, Babyface, Quincy Jones and songwriters like Dianne Warren would be a dream. 

With all the Covid-19 restrictions at the moment, how difficult is it to be an artist and promote your work? 

In this time I’ve used it to actually co-write and record my brand new single that’s coming out next month. With the absence from actually performing live and being out on stage performing it’s been a great time for me to reflect on the past few years and take the time to be grateful and realise what incredible past few years I’ve had. As an artist, this has been inevitable, and I’m glad it’s happened now as it has shifted my perspective, and I now have new goals. 

How important is social media for your career? 

Super important. It’s the way we promote and advertise our music, so it’s super important. And a way to connect with fans on a personal level. 

Do you enjoy more playing in small clubs or on big stages? 

Both, it just depends on the energy of the environment I’m in, but I try and make the most of. Although nothing is worse than a dead audience. 

Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety? 

Yes, for sure. I have struggled with this so much in the past. It’s been a journey for me, and I still get really nervous in certain situations but I know how to control those feelings now, and I know myself and my voice more too. I love being on stage tho. It does my favourite place to be. I’m just glad I’m getting much more confident as I get to know myself as an artist more. 

What is your favourite part about being an artist? Your least favourite? Why? 

Sometimes the pressure can be a lot. Stressful performances, work trips. Meeting deadlines. Knowing that other people BHS are watching my every move. But that’s why I love the connection I have with family and friends who keep me grounded and an escape from my crazy work life. An evening with them can take all stress away. My favourite part of being an artist is doing what I absolutely love and have a passion for on a daily basis and having the opportunity to get on stage and share that with people who support me. To also have a job that is a creative outlet is amazing to me. I also love that connectedness and the special place I sing from when I’m pouring my heart out on stage in front of an audience. 

If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist? 

Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown. A huge presence of 90s RNB and HipHop including rappers like Nelly and Ja Rule. Some current artists I enjoy are Khalid, Ella Mai, Jacquees, Charlie Puth, Kehlani, Ty Dolla Sign, Cardi B, Drake, Eric Bellinger, Sam Smith and The Weeknd. 

What are your top five favourite songs of all time? Why those songs? 

Have You Ever Seen The Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival. 

When You Believe - Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey. 

Halo - Beyoncé. 

A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke. 

Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson. 

(My favourites always change lol) 

Do you have any hidden talents? 

Pretty Good in the kitchen, eye for interior design, thrill-seeking daredevil. I also am modeling at the moment and have done multiple fashion shoots and completed my first runway last year. Can play piano guitar and drums at an intermediate level. A lot of people call me a great dancer, but I don’t think so haha. I also really enjoy track and field and would compete at state level championships in long jump and 4 x 100m Relay.  

What childish thing do you still enjoy doing? 

I love Watching Cartoons and Animation movies! 

What movie do you wish life was more like? 

Coraline. 

Who are some people you only met once but they left a big impression on you? 

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman. Super down to earth and so friendly. 

What are two things you’ll never spend money on? 

Lingerie and Sex Toys LOL!!!