In this interview, we talk with Isabella Paris, a Boston-based singer-songwriter who’s all about building emotional connection through music. She opens up about wanting to create a space where listeners feel heard, seen, and understood—especially during the moments that feel most isolating. With a focus on community, vulnerability, and emotional honesty, she shares how songwriting became her way of offering comfort and building something meaningful with others.
How did you get started with music, and what sparked your interest in songwriting and performance?
I got started when I was around six years old. I began taking piano lessons, and I’ve always just loved to sing. I started songwriting when I was about 12 or 13, and that’s when I began making my own music. What really inspired me was the desire to personalize my relationship with music. I loved listening to artists, going to concerts, and seeing live shows, but there was something about taking how I was feeling and turning that into music that really drew me in. Seeing that in other artists inspired me to do it myself. So, yeah, that’s pretty much how it all started.
Which artists inspire you? What kind of music do you think has had the most influence on your songwriting?
I really love lyrically heavy music. Around the time I started writing, I was listening to a lot of Twenty One Pilots—I’m a big fan. I also really love Sabrina Claudio, and I was listening to a lot of Melanie Martinez as well. She was pretty big around that time. Honestly, it was all the alternative and emo artists from around 2006–2008 that really made an impact on me. I liked the storytelling, the things they were talking about. That’s when I realized that I could do this too.
You’re currently studying at Berklee. How has your education there influenced your music and your approach to songwriting?
I’d say it’s not so much the formal education, like the courses themselves, but more the people I’ve met. I’ve learned a lot of logistical stuff: engineering, the business side of music, things like that. But I’m not actually studying songwriting at Berklee, because I’ve always loved writing songs, and it already feels like my strong suit. What’s really influenced my writing here is the collaboration. Co-writing with others, taking on songwriting jobs and projects—it’s helped me branch out. I’ve always written very stripped-back, acoustic music, but now I’m experimenting more: adding strings, drums, and being more open to trying new things. I’ve also started thinking more about where I want my music to go, like getting into sync licensing, writing music for film and TV. That’s definitely been sparked by my time at Berklee and the classes I’ve taken. So yeah, I’d say it’s the people more than anything that have inspired me.
How long have you been at Berklee, and what do you hope to do after you graduate?
I’m currently in my sixth semester, so I’m heading into my final year. After that, I definitely want to move to a city that’s a music hub. I might stay in Boston, or maybe move to Miami or even Chicago—somewhere with a strong music scene. I really want to record music and get it placed in sync. That’s my goal: to have my music in film and TV, 100%. I want to submit music for indie films, big projects—whatever comes my way. I’ll probably have a day job to keep me stable, of course, but the dream is to be doing music full-time.
What first drew you to Make Music Day, and how did you get involved?
Before Make Music, I actually had really bad performance anxiety. I was trying to push myself to gig more, and I figured, if I’m going to start gigging, it should be back home—North Carolina is a bit more chill than Boston. Boston has so much talent, and it can feel overwhelming. I saw a Facebook post about signing up for this beautiful event—I didn’t even know it existed before I saw that post. It looked fun, so I signed up. They got back to me and let me pick my time and venue. I ended up driving about an hour and a half to Winston-Salem, and it was so worth it. That show was actually my first real gig—it was a huge moment for me.
How was that experience?
It was really chill! One of my performances was at Divine Barrel Brewing, and the other one was at CMPND, which I loved. I definitely want to go back there this summer—it had such a great community vibe. I performed twice that day, once in the afternoon and once in the evening. It was so much fun. I got to sing my original songs, and my family was there to support me. The crowds weren’t huge, which actually helped ease my nerves. It was a perfect way to ease into live performance.
What do you think Make Music Day means for emerging artists like yourself, especially when it comes to building community and reaching new listeners?
For emerging artists like me, it gives a real sense of importance to what we’re doing. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated—making music, posting it, sharing it—especially when you feel like no one’s watching. But during Make Music Day, it felt meaningful. It reminded me that there are so many people out there doing the same thing, trying just as hard. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone. What I bring to the table is important. Just because I’m not a huge artist on a world tour doesn’t mean the music I create doesn’t matter. It really does.
What advice would you give to new musicians just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. I’ve seen so many people come to Berklee with an authentic sound, and then change it to fit the industry, to go more commercial because that’s what’s trending. But I say stick to what makes you you. Even if it feels weird or different. I tell myself that all the time—what I write is kind of weird, and that’s okay. People will recognize your sound, and that’s what will make you stand out. Maybe not to be necessarily “big,” but to be real and relatable. I look up to artists who are unconventional or who write about things other people might find odd. So yeah—don’t change your music for anyone. And never get discouraged by rejection. I’ve gotten so many no’s, and every one of them pushes me to grow and keep going.
So what’s your ultimate goal in music?
I’d say my goal, like a lot of the artists that inspire me, is really just to create community. To have a space where people can listen to my music and feel less alone, like they’re being heard, or like there’s this kind of soothing, comforting feeling that comes from knowing someone else gets it. Just that sense of connection, you know? A space to talk, to vibe, or just to listen. I really want to build something welcoming and loving through my music. 100%.