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Imamura is a rising star in New York City’s indie pop scene, known for her soulful songwriting and compelling presence on stage and screen. Her acclaimed EP, “On the Playground” (May 2024), showcases Izzy’s signature sound rooted in her early passion for musical theatre and honed at NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts (BFA, Drama). Izzy’s infectious singles, including “Anything at All,” “If I Loved You,” and her forthcoming track “Shade of Green” (out August 15th with an official music video), have cemented her as one to watch.
As an actress, Izzy starred in the feature film “Strangers to Strangers” and delivered a standout performance as Ilse in “Spring Awakening” at Tisch New Theater. Vents had the pleasure of interviewing this amazing singer/songwriter about her upcoming single and what’s next for her career.
1. Thank you for taking time for this interview! You are gearing up for the release of your new single called “Shade of Green”. What can you tell us about this song?
Thank you so much for having me! I wrote this song a few years ago when I was processing my first real break up. Or more so the middle ground feeling of almost being completely over someone, emphasis on “almost”. It’s that moment when enough time has passed after a break up where you’re not thinking about them anymore, and you almost forget the impact they had on you. That is until you are reminded of them again, and that sting of emotion comes back in little ways.
2. Your sound is so pure and authentic. Do you find it cathartic to write such personal music for the world to hear or is it difficult to bare your soul?
Oh, thank you. I really do find songwriting to be the most cathartic experience. It’s how I not only feel my emotions but also process them. Sometimes I’ll be writing a song and it will take a turn and reveal something new to me that I didn’t even realize I was feeling. I love when that happens. It can be a little nerve-wracking sharing my inner thoughts with the world, for sure. Especially since I write from my own personal experiences. And it’s especially scary when it’s about real people in my life. I always wonder what they will think about it, but I try to remember that even if I write about a negative experience I have with someone, it is truly the remembrance of one specific moment in time with them. It doesn’t mean that I will feel that way about them forever. In reality, usually by the time the song comes out, I no longer feel that way about that person. I find it pretty funny when that happens. Though it can be hard to share my music at times, it’s always worth it to me because I know so many people will relate or connect to it. That’s all I really care about in the end.
3. What message do you hope your fans take away from this new single?
I hope people feel touched by the song. I think it’s a really relatable experience that can be very confusing to process. You always think you are completely healed from someone until you are reminded of them. Especially in this song, the heartbreak from it floods back through when seeing that they are with someone new. And even though you want them to be happy, there’s a part of you that misses them, though you can’t pinpoint what exactly that is. Like I said, confusing times, but a very relatable feeling.
4. Where do you find the inspiration for your songwriting?
Everyday life honestly. Most of my songs are drawn from my own personal experiences, or just from what I see around me. I love people watching, it’s one of my favorite activities. There is so much around you everyday to spark inspiration. I try to just always be writing stuff down cause I never know what’s going to really hit me to want to write a song about it.
5. What is your songwriting process? Do you find the words first or the music?
My best songs are when I can sit and word vomit on a page. The second I start to overthink anything is when it sounds superficial, like I’m trying too hard to express something. That’s why I never plan my writing sessions. I just wait for inspiration to hit and hope that I have a pen and paper around to write it all down. Then later, I’ll grab my guitar and bust out some chords and a melody line. And voila, I’m either left with musical Shakespeare or kindergarten potty time rhymes. But a song nonetheless!
6. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I honestly don’t even think I am worthy to write with this person, but it would definitely be Joni Mitchell. She is by far my number one when it comes to female role models in songwriting. She writes completely from her heart and in her own way. There is no one that sounds like her and I absolutely love that. I hope that one day I’ll at least have the honor of meeting her, though I think I will pass out.
7. What’s next for you musically as an artist?
Well, once “Shade of Green” comes out, then the music video will follow, which I’m super excited about! It’s my first of many so stay tuned! I’m really just gigging around the city with my band right now and writing. I have some singles lined up for the next few months that I’m really excited about!
8. Where can we follow you on social media?
You can follow me on instagram using my name @izzyimamura. You can also find me on TikTok @izzy.imamura. I also have a website you can go check out – izzimamura.com. Thank you so much for having me!
