Isabelle Costanzo Channels Emotion Into Songwriting That Feels Lived-In and Unfiltered
- Editorial Board
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
From Berklee stages to gigs, Isabelle Costanzo builds connection through raw feeling and honest storytelling.
Today we have the pleasure to have Isabelle Costanzo here on Goathead.
GHR: What inspired you to start writing music?
Isabelle Costanzo: I have been writing music since I was about 8, so it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what inspired me. I think my biggest source of inspiration was and has been listening to artists who write the music I want to write. My inspirations from a young age have been Taylor Swift, Adele, and Sam Smith, among countless others. I found a deep appreciation for ballads and emotionally written songs at a young age, and I’ve been drawn to them ever since; both listening-wise and in my own writing. As my writing has developed, I have realized that one of the main reasons I write is so that others can feel what I feel when I listen to my favorite songs. It’s a feeling that cannot be described, only felt, and that is why I continue to be inspired to write music.
GHR: Can you tell us more about your experience performing live at gigs and what was the most memorable experience you had?
Isabelle Costanzo: I have performed at many gigs, most often at open mics or restaurants. I love performing for people in and outside of my community. I am about to be a Berklee College of Music graduate, so I can say I have had countless gigs in the last 4 years. I have performed in ensembles, singing covers and original songs, I performed in the Bob Dylan tribute show to a sold out venue, and I have been selected twice to perform an original song at the Songs for Social Change showcase. I have also sung background vocals and harmonies for friends. There are many more gigs I have done at Berklee, however, these are some standouts for me. While I love performing for my fellow musicians and classmates, I’d have to say the most memorable experience I have had performing thus far, was at a restaurant gig in my small town, where these 2 little girls came up to me with the biggest smiles, though clearly shy, and put a tip in my tip jar, their mom smiling and recording them. It was the sweetest thing I have experienced. It reminded me of myself at that age. I make music for those people because I want to make them feel like the artists I listened to at that age made, and continue to make me feel.
GHR: How is your process of songwriting set around?
Isabelle Costanzo: My songwriting process differs from song to song. Most of the time, I have a chord progression, whether one I’ve created on the piano or guitar, or one I’ve found online such as on Splice. I then create a melodic hook, or topline, usually spitting out random lyrics. I record myself doing this then listen back, and most of the time the stuff I come up with on the first take is the stuff I end up using because I didn’t overthink it. Once I over analyze and try to perfect a melody or lyric, it takes away some of the authenticity that goes into songwriting, at least for me. I try to give myself a time limit when writing a new song so that I force myself to finish it, even if I don’t like it. If I don’t start with chords, I’ll start with a lyric or song title that I find intriguing, or I’ll come up with a melody in my head and set it to music.
GHR: What motivates you to create music and bring awareness to different situations through your songs?
Isabelle Costanzo: I am motivated by many things, however, my main motivation for creating music is creating a community of people who I can make feel the way my favorite songs make me feel. I have been through many hard things, which I write about, and I want others to find a sense of peace or comfort in my lyrics. While no one has been through exactly what I have, the feelings I portray such as sadness, anger, and curiosity are what people can relate to. I also write about things happening around me, including social change and the current state of things. Spreading important ideas through music is one of the greatest ways to spread awareness and enact change.
GHR: Could you share some insights into your next projects?
Isabelle Costanzo: I just released my new single called “Unlove You,” and I am working on many new songs to be released soon. I have a new single coming out which I plan to release in May or June. I have also been working with other songwriters and producers on collaborations that will be released soon. After graduating Berklee, I will be moving to Nashville to pursue my dream. I am also very excited to perform this summer at restaurant gigs and open mics
