Ismena is a melancholic indie artist located in the Netherlands. With dreamy, melancholic songs treating death, society and the point of our existence, she tries to hold a mirror to the audience and make them think.
She writes and performs a lot on her own but also has a band with whom she has released her debut album ‘Until We Part’. She’s currently working on a solo album which she will release in September 2023. Some of her inspirations are Emma Ruth Rundle, Chelsea Wolfe and Big Thief.
What first got you into music?
I was always singing as a child. When I was 6 years old, I joined the school choir. This was when I started taking music more seriously. After a while, I took clarinet lessons and a few years later I picked up the guitar and started writing songs. I had my first solo show when I was 16 and have been performing ever since.
What is your creative process like?
It depends. Sometimes I need a lot of time to get inspired and to form an idea. And sometimes I get an idea and immediately write a song. I have learned to trust that no matter how long it takes, the song will eventually come. The natural process always starts with an idea and then I sit down with my guitar or piano and start playing what I heard in my head. But sometimes I want to write a song and I might not feel inspired. Then I just try to write something and sometimes the inspiration comes, and a song arises.
What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?
As a child, I always had a lot of dreams about what I wanted to be when I grow up. My biggest dream was to be a musician so I’m glad that I pursued that. But my other options were becoming a veterinarian, an archaeologist, or an astronaut.
What is your favorite song to perform?
My favorite song to perform is called ‘I Don’t Think I’ll See You Again’. It’s the first single that I released in anticipation of my new album. It’s a song about the ending of my last relationship and I like that I was able to process this through my music.
What are your ambitions as a songwriter and musician from here?
My biggest goal at the moment is to perform as much as possible. It’s going quite well but I want more. I would also love to plan a tour and see more of the world.
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?
I don’t have him at home right now, but I used to have a bunny that I always had with me. He’s called Flappie. Sometimes I miss him so I might pick him up sometime.
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
Pizza is always good.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
I’m watching a show called ‘The Outsider’. It’s based on a story written by Stephen King. His stories never disappoint, and I feel like this show really has succeeded to capture the creepy vibe that I always get from reading his books.
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
I have a lot of things I found in nature like rocks and shells that feel like lucky items to me. I have spread them around the house. I feel like it looks nice, and they make my house feel more like a home.
Do you have any superstitions?
It’s not necessarily a superstition, but I believe that life is a lot easier if you’re kind to people. There are a lot of bad people who still have a good life, so I don’t think I believe in karma. But I just believe that your life will always be better if you try to be good.
‘Damage’ is about how some experiences can change you in a bad way. You can try to do better but some wounds may never heal.
It’s the second of three singles from Ismena’s solo album called ‘This Time’, which will be released on September 15th.
Stream Damage here https://song.link/q8rm9mpqxtnft
The album will also be released on vinyl by Electric Spark Records.
Pre-order it here: https://www.electricsparkrecords.com/products/ismena-this-time
Follow Ismena on Facebook and/or Instagram for updates! She also has some merch on Bandcamp.