Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Izzy Mahoubi
Izzy Mahoubi, a singer/songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona, grew up listening to Tom Petty, Taylor Swift, and The Beatles. So it is no surprise that her lyrics are raw, personal, and expressive. Mahoubi talked to NYOTA about her song, “Torn In Two,” creating the music video, and her advice for aspiring singers.
Growing up in Arizona were you surrounded by a lot of music and creative people?
Honestly, no. I have my parents to thank for introducing me to classic rock singers and songwriters at a young age that I considered “old people music” but now I view as the standard of great music. Phoenix birthed some of the greats like Stevie Nicks and Linda Ronstadt but I never really thought of Phoenix as a music city. When I was 11 I started guitar and voice lessons at a mom-and-pop music store and quickly joined a classic rock cover band. After visiting Nashville over spring break in middle school, I really started taking my songwriting seriously and haven’t looked back since.
Has writing been a way for you to express yourself since you were young?
I started songwriting when I was eleven as a fun thing for me to do, not even considering that I could be a songwriter. It wasn’t until highschool that I took the title of “Artist” and “Poet” as who I was. I realized writing was my truest form; the thing I offer that is completely authentic and true to myself (as cheesy as that sounds).
Tell our readers about your song “Torn In Two.” Was it a very personal song to write?
I wrote “Torn In Two” at the end of my senior year of highschool. It was a hard one to write. The main concept of people growing up and growing apart was something I wasn’t ready to accept. Inspired by the likes of John Mayer and Norah Jones, I wrote the jazzy guitar melody, and the first line, months before I actually sat down and let the rest of the song form.
The grief you can feel from losing friendships can sometimes be more painful than a romantic relationship ending. Is that something you tried to convey through “Torn In Two?”
Yes! I’m not one for change and sometimes that can be a real deterrent for your own growth. I think any relationship that ends when it’s no one’s fault, but rather just growing apart and moving on, is really difficult. At the same time, I think it’s really cool to look back and see the seasons of our lives that different people were a part of.
The music video is very cinematic and almost felt like it could have been something out of a coming of age film. Was that intentional? How involved were you in the creative process for the video?
That’s like the best compliment ever, thank you. I had the idea of the video being filmed in an overly eclectic bedroom with band posters, art work, and any old memories everywhere. Almost everything in the set is a combination of mine and my best friend’s old records, magazines, books, plants and everything in between. A set designer and I spent a few hours intricately setting up the room from old hand written poems, to photos of Patti Smith and The Beatles I framed. I’m so proud of how the video captured the nostalgic tone of “Torn In Two.”
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
Once you start believing that your unique voice and songs have a place in the world, literally nothing can stop you. Write every day, perform at every empty bar and coffee shop, and make every mistake. And be nice to everyone!