Q&A: Izzy Spears Gives A 10 With New EP ‘BLOOD, SWEAT AND DAMNATION’
COMMANDEERING BODY AND MIND LIKE NO OTHER — Izzy Spears immerses listeners in an honest, energizing tale with new EP BLOOD, SWEAT AND DAMNATION, simultaneously claiming sonic euphoria and meditation, and developing as fluidly as life itself.
Spears’ latest release toes emotional experimentation between the now-expected “rage bait,” and a smoother rhythm-focused flair. BLOOD, SWEAT AND DAMNATION is a siren song for willful high-rollers in need of their next big break, spanning elements of vaporware, punk, and neo-soul-derived eclecticism.
Izzy Spears’ level of drive requires a certain level of decisiveness in listeners. Looking inward isn’t always so effortlessly accompanied by such admirable levels of confidence — think of a training session with a coach who’s pushing you because they know you’re capable of more or the demand of audacious and sweet abandon.
If this is your first introduction, pay attention: Izzy Spears is going everywhere. Read on to see what you’ve been missing, from the value in genuine expression, entertaining risk, and Canadian tuxedos ripped to shreds.
LUNA: Do you find yourself repeating relationship patterns?
SPEARS: Never. It's the friendship patterns I seem to repeat. I'm really particular about who I'm dating and the qualities and morals I look for. I learn from past experiences for sure. Big reason why I've only been in 2 relationships. One for 3 years and the last for 5.
LUNA: There’s a marked shift in tone from start to finish on BLOOD, SWEAT AND DAMNATION — a more pounding and electronically commanding open catapults into a blooming sense of contemplation on the final three tracks. How did you choose the structure and flow of this EP?
SPEARS: The project itself is just a story of my journey so far. I literally just wrote about the experiences I've faced and aligned them in the way they happened. People will take what they want from the music but there are underlying messages that are totally personal to me.
I feel the pounding rage bait songs are what people are used to and what they know, but the contemplation songs are an introduction for the fans to get to know who I'm becoming now on this journey to…wherever it is I'm going.
LUNA: When do you feel most connected with yourself? What’s the value in sharing parts of ourselves with others?
SPEARS: I feel it's more about the genuine expression for my own sake and mental health. Music making is a process like talking to a therapist. It's more about me needing to get it out in this productive, non destructive way than it is wanting to share or connect with strangers. If it happens to reach someone who can relate or it touches someone that's just a plus. I'm grateful for that.
LUNA: Are you a fan of an all-denim outfit?
SPEARS: Yeah, if it's ripped to shreds and we can see a little skin.
LUNA: Is genre a guide or a restriction?
SPEARS: Restriction for sure. Everyone always wants to box artists in so they can better understand them or attach them to whatever fits their own narrative. You can't tame an artist's expression. That's when it starts to get boring and corny.
LUNA: Do you think artists today take enough risks? Why or why not? How might this compare to the 90s, for example?
SPEARS: Music artists def aren't taking enough risks in my opinion, but that's just my opinion. Maybe appealing to everyone and keeping cute is art to some people. Not for me. In the 90s, I felt there was more reason to be an individual. People were fighting for their lane but now in this age of technology people are on copy/paste. Culture is being spoon-fed to the masses by the mainstream. That sounds so Rage Against the Machine of me, but it's still true and it's even worse now. Risk is the mother of REAL change.
LUNA: Describe the energy of performing live in ten words or less.
SPEARS: Antagonistic SEXY *** here to confuse the trade.
LUNA: When someone listens to your music for the first time, how do you want them to feel? What do you want them to tell their friends?
SPEARS: I guess I'd say, if you're listening to the lyrics and can resonate with them on a [personal level,] then take that feeling and investigate it. I don't wanna tell anyone how to feel. ‘Cause I can feel totally shit in the song but it could make someone feel like rioting. Music is received differently by everyone. Tell your friends to LISTEN!!
LUNA: What started your relationship with the fashion industry? What is your favorite house?
SPEARS: Of course my Muthas house. I am my Muthas daughter. Shayne Oliver Group/Anonymous Club. My relationship with fashion is complicated. I wouldn't say I'm an industry doll, I just have personal relationships. I'm really obsessed with being naked right now.
LUNA: Especially on these later tracks, I’m reminded of more modern artists like Choker, Solange, and Blood Orange, and the first half feels more similar to songs like “Doorman” by Mura Masa and Slowthai. Is it ever frustrating discussing possible similarities or intersections with present musicians? Do any comparisons of your music feel more accurate than others?
SPEARS: 9 times out of 10 times I don't know the artist people compare me to. No shade. I fear I'm under a rock when it comes to what's new, but I'm almost never offended by it. I’ve gotten basic comparisons like Tyler [the Creator] but I'm geeked off that. He clearly did things really, really right.
LUNA: Are there any podcasts you like to listen to?
SPEARS: Not really.
LUNA: Where do you stand on PDA?
SPEARS: I like to mark my territory. If you're mine, I wanna show you off and maybe make some straight people uncomfortable. If we ain’t fr fr then don't touch me in public lol there could be better options around.
LUNA: How would you describe your relationship to music before age 12 and between ages 15-20?
SPEARS: Before age 12, foundational. 12-20, transformative. Music has changed me on several occasions. I listen to the words so it has been really impactful in life.
LUNA: What’s your most coveted vinyl record?
SPEARS: The Fugees - The Score
LUNA: What makes you different from other current electronic-leaning artists? How are you similar?
SPEARS: I’m me. I’m honest… I don't really even listen to current music aside from the current pop girly of the time lol. The inner *** in me needs that. I guess the only similarity I can think of is the hustle in general. We all tryna make it. Wherever it is to whoever.
LUNA: Do you like driving? Why or why not?
SPEARS: I love driving. I zone out on the road and really get into a record. I be SANGIN.
LUNA: What reality TV show would you star on and why?
SPEARS: First 48 hahaha. I'm not really into reality tv but if I was it’d be this show for a reason I don't yet know.
LUNA: Does it feel different creating in LA than in Atlanta? How so?
SPEARS: I think LA is a place where people come from all over to achieve their dreams — to achieve ANY dream. People are more willing to collaborate because they worked their whole life for these moments of creation. In Atlanta, especially in music, things feel a little gatekept. Knowledge and access: all gatekept. Doesn't feel good.
LUNA: How would you compare your headspace from the creation and release of M*A*D and MONSTAR to now?
SPEARS: I feel more prepared and I have a better understanding of who I am today. I've been through a lot during the making of Izzy Spears and I feel way more seasoned, if that makes sense. I already know what I want and I know what I want to convey. It comes easier when you learn to articulate your experience and lessons into words.
LUNA: Who could benefit most from listening to BLOOD, SWEAT AND DAMNATION?
SPEARS: There's a benefit for everyone here. There's something for everyone. But this project is especially dedicated to the doomed and the damned.
BLOOD, SWEAT AND DAMNATION is out now.
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