Telling us a harrowing story which almost ended everything, Isiah & The New People shows us inside Hold On and what happened on that fateful day. This is one of the most emotional interviews we’ve ever done and is one not to miss.
Llewelyn: Hi Isiah & The New People. Thank you for having a chat with us. Firstly, how did you all join together and where can we find you in the world today?
Isiah: Hi Llewelyn, thanks for taking the time to chat as well. Isiah & The New People are just a bunch of musicians from the Wisconsin Great Lakes Region that decided to get together for a jam. We are all from the same city of Appleton, Wisconsin USA.
Llewelyn: Hold On is your new single and this is a deep one. Please let our readers know the story and how is the recovery going?
Isiah: Yeah so Hold On is a new song that came to be after I was involved in a significant car accident. My wife, former bandmate and I were hit by a drunk driver going about 80-90mph. My friend, who I was playing drums with before this recording, was killed. My wife suffered a traumatic brain injury and I broke a bunch of bones and my stomach was dislodged into my chest. The song Hold On in a lot of ways is about managing pain as well as surrendering to the universe and allowing life to unfold as it needs to. Sometimes it’s hard to understand why things happen in life but there is always something to learn in every experience we have.
As far as recovery goes, my wife is on the trajectory to make a full recovery and I am completely healed. Thanks for asking.
Llewelyn: What genre would you describe your music as being inside if you were asked the question by a fan?
Isiah: I’d have to say Western Psychedelic Folk. I grew up listening to a lot of Pink Floyd, Neil Young and Nanci Griffith so it makes sense.
Llewelyn: Life has changed for you. What do you wish to achieve now and do you feel more grateful for each moment in your life more than before?
Isiah: Yeah, I definitely feel more grateful. It’s easier to let things go. I see no point in holding a grudge to the grave. None of us know when we are going to die so it’s best to let things go and find ways to enjoy one another while we can. As far as what I would like to achieve I’d say I have a few things. Outside of just establishing an inner peace and calm state of being, I have a couple projects I’m working on. I want to tour. See the world. Meet different people. Make all sorts of music. I love creating. I like acting and writing and would love to make some comedy sketches. All sorts of stuff but ultimately I wish to achieve a lifestyle that affords me to do these things.
Llewelyn: What does it feel like to make music and does it make your soul happy?
Isiah: Making music is beautiful. Through life we have these traumatic experiences that get stored in our bodies and music has this incredible way of allowing ourselves to release these energies. Music makes my soul happy for sure. It also makes me sad and angry and everything in between. It allows me to feel everything I need to feel.
Llewelyn: If you could travel to any country in the world, where would it be and why?
Isiah: I’d really like to spend some time in Australia. I think I would get along with the people down there. I’m curious if they are that crazy or if it’s just the internet. I need to see with my own eyes.
Llewelyn: Last, are there any bands you would love to perform with on the same lineup? Please share with us the ideal festival or event and what the expectations would be?
Isiah: The ideal festival would be somewhere overlooking Lake Superior with wonderful views and fantastic food. Line up would include Dakhabrakha, Paul Simon, Los Super Seven, Tinariwen, Paolo Nutini, Brulé, and Elvis if he is still alive.
See the single come to life on YouTube.
See more on the IG page and follow the journey.
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Interview by Llewelyn Screen