In a new interview with Angie Martinez, singer Alex Isley reflected on the experiences that have shaped both her music and her life.
While proud of her family's legendary musical legacy, Isley shared that she truly found her artistic identity while attending UCLA. She revealed that her songwriting took off after her first real heartbreak, using music as a way to process emotions and heal.
That vulnerability remains at the center of her work today.
"Everything is rooted in love," Isley said, whether she's writing about heartbreak, hope, relationships, or personal growth. She described herself as someone who remains optimistic about love, while admitting she's learned lessons from "falling in love with potential."
Those themes are woven throughout her latest project, When the City Sleeps, which embraces a nighttime, introspective energy. The album's signature blue aesthetic represents calmness, stillness, water, and the night. Fans are even encouraged to wear blue to her performances.
Isley also shared that she has synesthesia, a condition that causes her to associate music with colors. For example, "C major = yellow" and "E minor = a shade of blue." The unique ability often influences her creative decisions, including changing a song's key to match the color and feeling she wants to express.
Outside of music, Isley spoke about becoming a mother, calling it the purest form of love she's ever experienced. She now focuses on being more intentional with her time while balancing motherhood and her career.
The singer also reflected on her journey from working as a background vocalist for Meghan Trainor to headlining her own shows, including recent performances at Irving Plaza.
When asked about her dream collaborator, Isley immediately named Stevie Wonder. One of her favorite career memories was singing "Happy Birthday" to the music icon and receiving encouragement from someone she considers one of the greatest artists of all time.
The interview showcased an artist who is thoughtful, authentic, and committed to creating music that reflects real life experiences, all while continuing to carve out her own path.