Isaac Dunbar Takes Our Pop Quiz
office gave Isaac an impromptu pop quiz where there are no wrong answers... except, of course, the wrong ones.
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office gave Isaac an impromptu pop quiz where there are no wrong answers... except, of course, the wrong ones.
How are you?
I’m actually doing really well. I love my friends and my therapist.
When did you first get into music?
My first instrument was the drums when I was 8.
How did you discover your sound?
I feel like everything I’ve ever been exposed to has informed my sound and I hope it only continues to develop as I live and breathe and all that. I loved musicals growing up so maybe that’s partly where I fell in love with storytelling in songs.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs?
People and my relationships with them. It’s such a joke because I’ve written some of my favorite ones based on literal minute-long interactions with people I know nothing about. I think I’m just a very romantic person, unfortunately.
How have the past two years been for you creatively?
Two years ago it was tough and as of November I’ve felt like myself again. I feel back in my body and I think therefore I actually connect to the words I’m writing. It’s a relief in a way I can’t even describe to you.
You’re going on tour with Olivia Rodrigo, that’s so exciting! What are you doing to get ready for tour?
I know, it’s gonna feel like a month long slumber party. Or like sleep away camp. We were talking about it this morning, being like, “thank god…” It’ll just be nice having each other on the road, I think. Touring is bizarre and incredible but also sometimes just disorienting schedule wise, so to get ready for it I’ve just been reminding myself that I’ve got her there with me.
What is your favorite part of touring and performing in general?
Oh my god. I mean, it’s all of it. Half of it is confronting the fear of performing I grew up with and then the other half is just being in such disbelief I get to meet new people every single night and feeling so immediately connected to all of them. Every show feels like a family reunion. And then it’s the joy of being in cities I’ve never gone to before, exploring when we have time off, all that.
How does it feel to be prepping to be back on stage after this pandemic?
Touring is obviously a complete 180 from our lives in quarantine. It’s daunting, but I’m constantly pinching myself because it’s such a dream to get to do it.
What is going to be next for you after the tour is over?
Writing always.
Styling Credits
1st look - Vintage dress and Vivienne Westwood top from Aralda Vintage, Miu Miu shoes
2nd look - Miu Miu top, skirt, socks and shoes
3rd look - Vintage Betsey Johnson bodysuit and skirt, Mondo Mondo necklace
4th look - Shushu/Tong top and skirt, Mondo Mondo earrings
And now, humming into a new month, February lingers, with the sting of a fresh bite mark on a warm back. If you didn’t turn back to see it, you might forget it was there. You might convince yourself it never was.
Here are the songs we'll remember it by.
Flip Phones - Sjowgren
I spent February listening to fun, airy pop music. Songs reminiscent of the springtime. It made walking around New York City on the coldest days easier.
I’m Going Wild - Dejima
Recently, I’ve been chasing after any music that encapsulates a hot summer day to escape the brutal winter. This track is a hidden gem that blasts you into an atmospheric ambiance of vibrant colored hues and fuzzy nostalgia. The choice of instrumentals coupled with the artist's mellow voice propels me into a tranquil state of mind. In short, it’s the perfect escape from my grim surroundings and I’ve been playing it on repeat.
Whisper - Martin Rev
I spent February dancing with a memory; realizing I was holding myself; squeezing a little tighter; spinning…spinning again.
Cry - The Sundays
Can we normalize crying? February saw the optimism of a new year fade and the days settle back into a perpetual blur, but this song was like a warm hug during the inevitable winter transition. Also, my cat died so I’m just sad.
Rootin for My Baby - Miley Cyrus
I guess I’m back on my Bangerz era BS. But we can’t act like this album wasn’t musical genius at its finest! Miley was before her time with this entire album and I revisited it this month only to find it still hits. Maybe the February love in the air made me more of a hopeless romantic than usual, but I think this song is the perfect modern take on a love song — things aren’t perfect all the time, but she’s still rooting for her baby anyway.
Sexy Villan - Remi Wolf
I’m in my villain era but, I don’t mean that in a bad way! I’ve been going through lots of changes and I’ve been transforming into someone who I really like. This song just makes me feel good and makes me want to do more for myself. February is all about love and I definitely am loving myself with this song.
Drama (Babyfather Meditation Mix) - Babyfather/Gaika Remixes
This fraction of a month was all about drama. It’s hard to escape it, so accept it?
Super Stars - Yves Tumor
This month I wished for nothing but rest and warm weather! This song reminds me of the restful and playful summer I had in LA and Paris with my closest loved ones.
Don’t You Know - Berend Intelmann
I’ve been on a serotonin rollercoaster.
Thuggish Ruggish Bone - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
February was my birth month, yes, month. This song captures the essence of what entering my 24th year felt like. And I am still loving it.
In addition to devotee fans and music aficionados, the festival brought out some of the best-dressed in the city. With influences from high and low, the festival-goers' fashion serves as a delightful reflection of the ever-changing aesthetics of consumers of independent music in all its various forms.
Explore photos of Azealia Banks’ performance as well as chic looks from attendees below.