Interview: Teenage Trailblazer Isaiah Hanna
At just 16 years old, Isaiah Hanna is making a mark in the music industry as a talented singer-songwriter hailing from Sydney, Australia. Through his emotional and heartfelt covers shared on social media, he has garnered a dedicated online following. Isaiah has been compared to notable artists like Ed Sheeran and Louis Capaldi, but it's his genuine style and captivating voice that truly sets him apart. His performances are known to evoke deep emotions in his audience as he draws inspiration from his personal experiences to create meaningful lyrics about love, devotion, heartache, and self-discovery. Through his captivating live shows, Isaiah takes listeners on a journey through the complexities of human emotions, leaving a lasting impact on all who listen.
But how is it to be such a singular young voice amidst a variable sea of people trying to get heard? What sets him apart? We asked Isaiah himself a few questions regarding his budding career and the perspectives he brings to the table and he had this to say:
RIVAL - How important is social media to your career right now?
ISAIAH - Right now, social media is like a best friend to my career as an up-and-coming artist. It's this great stage where I can share my art with people from every corner of the globe. Seeing the wave of support and comments that come my way is such a high.
RIVAL - How were your beginnings in the industry?
ISAIAH - I've been singing forever, seriously. Like, I wrote my first song when I was 13 and performed it at my school showcase. Got scouted right after that, and I've been writing songs non-stop with a ton of support from my family and friends. My music has come a long way since I started.
RIVAL - How has your experience been in the industry as a 16-year-old musician?
ISAIAH - The first time I really dove into the industry was when I flew off to LA to hit the recording studio. Got to work with a bunch of super talented people, and getting to understand how everything works overseas was important for me. Right now, I'm working on some new stuff with this awesome producer I met, and I can't wait to share it soon!
RIVAL - What did you grow up listening to? Who did you grow up admiring?
ISAIAH - When I was a kid, my parents used to play '90s R&B non-stop. Artists like Mario and Ashanti, and especially Boys II Men, were always on. Those songs have stuck with me since I was like five years old. As I got older, my music tastes started to change a lot, depending on my mood. But the one artist I really look up to is Bryan McKnight. The guy's a genius at telling stories through his songs, and his voice? Unreal. He's definitely someone I look up to.
RIVAL - What’s a personal value or characteristic of yours that is helping you and will continue to help you grow as a musician?
ISAIAH - I think the main thing is to stay open to all kinds of songs and respect everyone's craft. Every track tells a story, right? Once you get that, it's way easier to pick up and mix different bits from all genres into my own music.
RIVAL - If you could gather a dream team of legendary musicians, past or present, to share their wisdom with young artists, what valuable advice or life lessons would you like to ask from this extraordinary ensemble?
ISAIAH - I'd pick Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Brian McKnight, Whitney Houston, and David Bowie. I mean, they’re legends. I totally admire them, especially how they pour their heart out on stage. I'd love to just ask them, like, what's going through your head when you're up there singing?
RIVAL - If your music was a passport to a whole new world, how would you describe the captivating atmosphere and the type of musical journey you want to embark on with your listeners?
ISAIAH - I want my music to feel like a rollercoaster ride—packed with ups, downs, and all the feels. I hope people can find a little bit of happiness and peace in it.
RIVAL - Do you have other artistic inclinations?
ISAIAH - I'm totally into fashion and love creating my own unique style with my clothes. I'm all about comfort and color, and I love it when my outfits really pop into a room. Shoes and jewelry are my favorite – they're usually the star of my outfits. I'm always going for shoes that are totally out there.
RIVAL - How do you balance your music career with other aspects of your life, such as school and personal relationships?
ISAIAH - I love how supportive my amazing friends are with my career, there’s always cool little moments when I am out with my friends and they would ask me to sing. Going to a performing arts school has taught me so much as well and it has been such a blessing to have grown through a high school with so many talented musicians.
RIVAL - What artists do you admire right now?
ISAIAH - Right now, I'm really into Brent Faiyaz and Daniel Caesar. Their songs are just different. I've been playing around with similar vibes in my own stuff. It'd be sick to work with them someday!
RIVAL - Three songs that can't be missing from your playlist?
ISAIAH - When it comes to my go-tos, it's got to be "Lately" by Jodeci, "Another You" by Brian McKnight, and "Superstar" by Luther Vandross. Can't get enough of these old-school songs.
RIVAL - What are your plans for 2024?
ISAIAH - I’m excited about what’s to come this year. Working with a lot of cool people to create some masterpieces for you to hear. Follow my socials to be the first to find out!