Isabelle Gitlin’s ‘For Tonight’ Unveils a Unique Blend of Indie and Pop Influences

In this Q&A interview, we delve into the musical landscape of Isabelle Gitlin and her debut single, For Tonight. This track signifies the beginning of a creative journey marked by a fusion of personal experiences and artistic exploration.

Gitlin’s music blends indie pop, bedroom pop, and pop ballads, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists including Beyoncé, SZA, and Chloe x Halle. This eclectic mix not only defines her unique sound but also reflects her distinctive artistic vision, providing listeners with a rich, emotionally engaging experience.

What 1st drew you to music?

I was first drawn to music just based on the way it made me feel. I always felt heard, seen, and understood when I listened to music and overtime it became an outlet where I could express things I would be too shy or nervous to actually say.

Congratulations on the release of “For Tonight”! What was the initial inspiration behind this debut single, and how did it come to life?

Thank you! The initial inspiration behind it was just plunking around on the piano and coming up with the chorus melody. I thought it was quite sad-sounding and cinematic, and I was able to build the rest of the song structure from there.

I’d say that the lyrical content is half imagined and half based on my experiences which gave me place to start writing but also the freedom to take the story where I wanted it to go.

Can you describe the journey of bringing “For Tonight” from concept to completion? What were some key milestones or challenges you faced along the way?

The journey of bringing this song to life was a year and a half long. I had written songs before, recorded them, and then abandoned them because they didn’t feel like me.

When working on For Tonight,I recorded a few versions of it with different lyrics, production, and harmonies. I think that the biggest challenge I faced was being able to bring to the life the version of the song that I had playing in my head.

It was difficult for me at first to work somebody else and explain what sounds I wanted and the vibe I wanted because I had always worked alone. I quickly realized that people obviously can’t read your mind so you have to be specific and open about what you like and don’t like, and really just be assertive which is absolutely something I struggled with.

What is the central theme or message of “For Tonight,” and how do you hope it resonates with your listeners?

To me, the central theme of For Tonightis unrequited love, and just wanting to be with somebody despite knowing it would mean nothing to them and everything to you.

I honestly hope that with this piece listeners are able to feel less alone in their heartbreak because it’s a very painful thing to feel unwanted, yet it’s a real part of life that everybody encounters in one way or another.

How did your background in music business from Berklee College of Music influence the production and promotion of your debut single?

My background from Berklee didn’t necessarily influence the promotion or production but I did have a teacher that always emphasized the notion of “purpose over product” throughout an entrepreneurial course I was taking and that always stuck with me because products can change and evolve over time but longevity is established through maintaining that initial purpose. I always felt my purpose was to help people feel seen and heard which was ultimately what my goal was with this song.

Did you collaborate with any producers, musicians, or other industry professionals on this single? If so, how did their input shape the final sound of the song?

I did collaborate on this single! I had many different versions of the song and worked with various musicians/producers throughout and I’m very thankful for every musician that took their time to work on this song.

I did though work with a producer, on this final version, that understood immediately what I wanted the atmosphere of the song to be and definitely enhanced the sound of the track from its original composition.

I initially just had piano and strings in mind but he added some electronic elements, percussion, and other intricate sounds/details that bring the track to life and truly make it what it is.

What was it like transitioning from your educational experience to the real-world music industry? Did anything surprise you during this process?

So throughout my educational experience I was lucky enough to be gaining real-world music industry experience from spending time working with outside producers, learning about their entrepreneurial ventures and companies. It was nice to have that happening alongside my education and I absolutely saw some parallels from the classroom within the real world.

However, I can honestly say that I’ve learned much more outside of school about the industry because it’s one of those things I had to experience to really understand and I personally always learn best by doing.

Do you create music primarily for your own personal expression, or with your listeners in mind?

I originally start with my own personal expression in mind because music always was a creative outlet for me and I never really had much of an audience for most of my life.

However, I do think about what my music sounds like to an outside listener and how certain lyrics and musical elements would make them feel. I think it’s hard not to think about the listeners because you really hope that people will connect with and enjoy the art you’re putting out, but I think for it to get that point for me, it does start from within.

Do you, or would you like to, perform live?

I do perform live and I always enjoy any opportunity that I get to perform!

What song, any song, do you think would be fun to perform live?

I think “HEATED” by Beyonce would be so fun to perform live especially the last section, there’s just such an amazing energy about the song (and that whole album). It’s a great song to be an audience member for too!

What would be your ideal press headline, either now or in the future?

So for background I’ve always been inspired by entrepreneurs and building something from the ground up. My ideal press headline for the future would probably be regarding, at some point, being able to launch my own female-centered music and film production company.

So something like: Isabelle Gitlin launches her female-centered production company focusing on female artists, directors, and creatives.

How do you connect with your fans, and what role does social media play in your interaction with them?

It means so much when people take the time to listen to my projects. Social media is huge especially nowadays for artists, there’s a lot more opportunity to get feedback and interact with people about your work which I appreciate. I love to reply to people’s messages and comments, and am always thankful when anybody feels connected to the music I put out.

IG : @isabellegitlin

What are your plans for future music releases or projects? Are there any new directions or themes you’re excited to explore in your upcoming work?

I do have music lined up for sure! I am currently working on another project that is somewhat thematically similar but sonically different from For Tonight which I’m excited for.

Right now, I have a little trilogy of songs that deal with the same general theme but through different perspectives. However, in terms of a new direction, I’m always looking to push myself out of my comfort zone, I want to explore different sounds, I want to write about things that don’t come naturally to me but in an authentic way, I definitely get bored with the same formula so I’m always looking to try something new.

How do you see your music evolving over the next few years? What are your long-term goals and aspirations as a singer-songwriter?

I see my music evolving as I continue to grow and experience life as a singer, songwriter, and person. I want to explore different genres, various sounds, topics, and themes; I want to be well-rounded as an artist because that’s what I’ve always enjoyed as a listener and viewer.

I’m hoping to branch out into visual media eventually too, I just love that medium and how intertwined visuals and music are. My dream is to be able to continuing making music and art, and I just hope people feel connected to it and enjoy it as much as I love making it.

Originally published at https://vocal.media.