From Berry Good to a rising solo artist, get to know ISHA as she shares the inspiration behind "Call Me" and her evolving musical identity.
ISHA, a talented singer-songwriter, is carving her own path in the music world with her soulful voice and captivating melodies. Formerly known as Gowoon, the main vocalist of the girl group Berry Good, ISHA embarked on her solo journey in 2021 with the release of her digital single "City Lights." Since then, she has consistently charmed listeners with her R&B-infused sound and heartfelt lyrics, showcased in the single album Dear Lovers and digital tracks like "Now I’m Okay" and "See." ISHA's musical prowess extends beyond her solo work, as she has also collaborated with artists like E.SO and lent her vocals to various OSTs, further solidifying her position as a versatile artist.
With each new release, ISHA continues to evolve and showcase her artistic growth, captivating fans with her unique blend of R&B sensibilities and emotional depth. Her latest single, "Call Me," released on August 5th, 2024, is no exception. The track invites listeners into a world of summer night vibes, further demonstrating ISHA's ability to create music that resonates with the soul.
In this exclusive interview, we delve deeper into the inspiration behind "Call Me," ISHA's creative process, and her aspirations for the future. Join us as we explore the artistry and passion that drive this talented artist.
Welcome, ISHA! For those who might be new to your music, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your journey as a singer-songwriter?
ISHA: Hello everyone, I'm ISHA, who has concluded her activities as the main vocalist 'Gowoon' in the girl group Berry Good and is now spending happy days doing the music I want to do!
Congratulations on your latest single, "Call Me," released on August 5! How would you describe the overall vibe and mood of this track?
ISHA: The song "Call Me" is an R&B classic that is perfect for summer nights. It was self-composed and has lovely lyrics like, "Hurry up and call me."
Can you share a memorable moment from the recording process of "Call Me"?
ISHA: The recording took about a day in the studio, and I remember trying to rap in various ways because I really wanted to include rap in the song. I tried putting in laughter and calling out to someone, but it didn't fit at all, so I ended up taking it out. But I remember having fun recording alone without feeling lonely at all.
If you had to describe the essence of "Call Me" in three words, what would they be?
ISHA: R&B, Night, Purple.
Looking at your discography from "City Lights" to "Call Me," how would you describe your artistic growth and the development of your personal style?
ISHA: Of course, I like all the songs I've worked on before, but I think I've developed a little more professionally in terms of sound and equipment. I still love the feeling of the night, so more than 90% of the songs that have been released have a night vibe. I haven't studied harmony in depth, but I think I've improved a lot in terms of chorus and ad-libs through my experience.
What inspired you to choose the stage name "ISHA"? Is there a particular meaning behind it?
ISHA: As I mentioned earlier, my original stage name was 'Gowoon', but since my solo music genres are mainly R&B, I changed it to the easy-to-pronounce 'ISHA' for overseas expansion and to convey the feeling of my work through my name.
Can you describe your songwriting process? Where do you typically find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?
ISHA: I'm a bit embarrassed to say this, but I've been studying video directing lately, so when I'm making a song, I usually work while picturing videos or images in my head. For this song, I imagined myself riding a motorcycle across London Bridge and excitedly calling someone I like. It's a bit embarrassing, but please look at it cutely.
Are there specific emotions or themes you find yourself frequently exploring in your music?
ISHA: My hobby is listening to music while driving, so I try to work with the idea of listening to it outdoors as much as possible. When choosing a theme, I tend to write lyrics based on the moment I experienced and the atmosphere of that moment. I try to choose a theme that is as specific as possible from my experiences and connect the rest abstractly.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound? Are there any non-musical influences that have shaped your artistry?
ISHA: Among overseas artists, I really like Ariana Grande and Doja Cat. I'm active as an artist, but I'm also establishing myself as a songwriter, so if I were a singer I liked, for example, 'If I were Ariana Grande, what notes would I use here, what ad-libs would I use?' I think like that.
Is there a particular song in your discography that holds special significance for you? Can you tell us why?
ISHA: I think the song "Me and My Day," which was released as a B-side track for the first time when I was active in the group Berry Good, is the most memorable for me. It was my first time, and it was the result of a friend who played the piano at the time and worked on it playfully, but even now, it's quite touching, and I like it.
What are some of your goals or aspirations? Are there any genres or musical styles you'd like to experiment with in the future?
ISHA: Autumn is coming soon, so I'm preparing a song that's more suitable for autumn with a slower tempo and sentimental lyrics rather than a fun genre that makes you want to dance. The genres I want to experiment with are house or trap, which I thought were far from me.
Outside of music, what are some of your passions or interests that help you recharge and find balance?
ISHA: I usually get inspiration for songs based on my real-life experiences, so meeting friends, acquaintances, or people in the music industry, talking, and having a good time has a positive influence on me.
Lastly, do you have a special message you'd like to share with your fans who are reading this interview?
ISHA: It seems like you don't think that someone who was an idol would do various genres like hip-hop, R&B, and Afro, but I'm still trying a lot in terms of genres. I hope you'll recognize it and enjoy it with me. Please show a lot of love for my new song "Call Me" that was just released.
I will become an artist, 'ISHA,' who consistently brings comfort, empathy, and freshness to others. Thank you.
Listen to her discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
*Special thanks to ISHA for this exclusive interview.