Rising artist Izabellah Rae Diez opens up about her musical journey, creative
inspirations, and the powerful message behind her new single, “Mirror Says.” In this
exclusive interview, Diez shares how personal experiences and a desire for connection
fuel her songwriting, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped her path and the hopes
she has for her listeners.

1.    What first inspired you to pursue a career in music?
One of my primary inspirations for pursuing music was the opportunity to express my
emotions and personal story through song. Additionally, I am motivated by the
possibility that others may find resonance and connection with my work.

2.    Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your life when you realized music was
your calling?
I realized that music was my true calling when I witnessed how others connected with
and responded to my songs, as well as the fulfillment I experienced while creating them.

3.    Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Some of my biggest musical influences in terms of sound have been Rihanna and SZA.
However, when it comes to songwriting, I am particularly inspired by Taylor Swift’s ability
to craft compelling narratives drawn from her personal experiences.

4.    How has your music evolved from when you first started to where you are now?
I believe my music has evolved both in the depth of emotion I convey in my songs and
in the way I structure and arrange them.

Creative Process
5.    Can you walk us through your creative process when writing a new song?

My writing process really depends on the song and the experiences that inspired it. For
some of my most recent songs, I’ve started by jotting down pieces of my story and
moments from my life. Once I have those fragments, I begin to weave them together
with a melody, and from there, the song starts to take shape naturally.

6.    Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or a concept when creating a new track?
When I start working on a new track, I usually begin with a concept or an idea that I
want to explore. Once I have that foundation, I start building out the lyrics and melodies
to bring the concept to life. This approach helps me stay focused on the story or
emotion I want to convey throughout the song.

7.    How do you handle creative blocks or moments when inspiration is hard to find?
When I hit a creative block or can’t find the right words, I usually replay the events in my
head to see if any new ideas or perspectives come up. If that doesn’t work, I give myself
a break and let my mind reboot for a bit. Sometimes stepping away helps the right
words or melodies come to me naturally.

8.    What do you want listeners to feel or take away from your music?
When I write music, one of my main goals is for my listeners to really understand and
relate to what I’m sharing. I want them to take away the message that it’s never the end
of your story—no matter what you’re going through, there’s always hope and a way
forward. If my songs can help someone feel seen or remind them that things can get
better, then I feel like I’ve done my job as an artist.

Specific Work & Collaborations
9.    What’s the story behind your latest single/album?
The story behind my latest single, “Mirror Say,” is really special to me. The director of
my latest movie “Mi Loca Quinceanera,” actually asked if I could write a song for a
scene of the movie, where my mom and myself are talking. The song ended up being
about self-love and realizing that when something doesn’t work out, it’s often because
there’s something better waiting for you on the other side. It’s about trusting that when
one door closes, another one will open, and learning to love yourself through all of life’s
ups and downs.

10.  Do you have any memorable moments from working with other artists or
producers?
Some of my most memorable moments from working with other artists come from the
inspiration we spark in each other. There’s something special about writing together and
suddenly landing on a really good hook or verse—it’s like everything just clicks. Those
moments of creative synergy not only make the song better, but also make the whole
process more fun and meaningful. Collaborating helps me see things from new
perspectives and pushes me to grow as an artist. 
11.  If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist, it would have to be Rihanna. I really admire the
message she’s sharing right now about family and personal growth, and how she
balances her artistry with her life. Plus, her vibe and the style of her music are so unique
and inspiring. I think working with her would be an amazing experience, both creatively
and personally.

Performance & Fans
12.  What has been your most memorable performance or tour experience so far?
One of my most memorable performances so far has definitely been the one at The
Mint. What made it so special was having all my friends there—we were all singing,
cheering each other on, and just creating this amazing, supportive vibe. It felt less like a
show and more like a celebration with people I care about. Moments like that remind me
why I love performing and making music.

13.  How do you connect with your audience during live shows or through your music
I feel like the main way I connect with people—whether it’s in the audience or through
my music—is through the stories I tell. So many people can relate to the experiences I
sing about, either in their lives right now or from their past. Sharing those real, honest
moments helps create a bond with listeners, and I love knowing that my music can
make someone feel seen or understood.

14.  What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being a music artist? 

For me, the most rewarding part of being a music artist so far has been seeing how
people connect with my music and react to it—whether that’s through comments and
messages on my socials or seeing the plays and feedback on Spotify. Knowing that
something I created can reach people and make an impact, even in small ways, really
motivates me to keep going and keep sharing my music.

15.  Has fan feedback ever influenced the direction of your music?
Absolutely, fan feedback has definitely influenced my music. Hearing what people
think—whether it’s about my style or my singing—really makes me reflect on what I’m
doing and where I want to go next. Sometimes it’s helped me decide if I should try
something new or stick with what’s working. Knowing that people are listening and care
enough to share their thoughts means a lot, and it definitely shapes how I approach my
music.

Challenges & Growth
16.  What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career, and
how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges for me has been the fear that people won’t like my music
or that no one will relate to what I’m sharing. It can be tough to put yourself out there
and be vulnerable. But I’ve learned to overcome those doubts by focusing on writing
what I truly feel. When I’m honest in my music, it feels more authentic, and I’ve realized
that even if just one person connects with it, that’s enough. Staying true to myself has
helped me push past those fears and keep creating.

17.  How do you balance staying true to your artistry while adapting to trends in the
music industry?
Honestly, I don’t really follow most of the trends in the industry. I don’t want to have to
change who I am or the type of music I write just to please other people. For me, it’s
important to stay true to myself and my own sound, even if it’s different from what’s
popular right now. I believe that being authentic is what really connects with listeners in
the end.

18.  Is there a particular song or project that pushed you outside your comfort zone
creatively?

Some of the songs that really pushed me out of my comfort zone were my country ones.
I’ve always loved country music and how relatable it is, but honestly, I never thought I’d
actually be singing it myself. Stepping into that genre was a bit intimidating at first, but it
ended up being a really fun and rewarding experience. It taught me a lot about myself
as an artist and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.

Personal Reflections
19.  What message or legacy do you want to leave behind with your music?
The message I want to leave with people is that no matter what happens, you will get
through it with time, and you’re not alone. Life can be tough, but things do get better,
and there’s always someone out there who understands what you’re going through. I
hope my music can be a reminder of that and offer a little comfort and hope to anyone
who needs it.

20.  Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next 5 years?
In five years, I see myself still writing songs, traveling around to perform, meeting new
people, and sharing my story. I want to keep connecting with others through my music
and hopefully inspire them along the way. No matter where my journey takes me, I hope
I’m still doing what I love and staying true to myself.

21.  How do you stay motivated and passionate about creating new music?
I stay motivated by tuning out the negativity around me and focusing on the people I
love and trust—those who truly want the best for me. Whenever things get tough, I lean
on my support system and remind myself why I started this journey in the first place.
Surrounding myself