At just 17 years old Isaac Dunbar is becoming an important figure in the alternative pop music scene. His new EP evil twin is an ambitious project that can be divided into two parts that represent Isaac’s personality: the evil side, his alter ego, which translates into a more conceptual and innovative production and the 'normal' side, where Dunbar returns to pop patterns and softer melodies. evil twin is a delicious portray of his evolution as an artist and as a person during the pandemic’s dark times that you simply can’t miss.
Let’s get to know you a bit first, who is Isaac Dunbar?
I am an artist from Cape Cod in Massachusetts. I’m 17 years old and I make pop music.
Some of the ideas that you want to promote through your songs are about positivity and self-love, and there are lots of young people listening to your music and its message. Do you ever think about the impact of your songs? What exactly do you want people to take from your music?
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine the true impact of my music. I somewhat equate my music to myself, and it’s hard to view yourself from other peoples perspective, so putting myself in the shoes of those who listen to my music is quite difficult. but at the same time, the music I make is for the purpose of healing, all that I wish is for my music to be able to assist people in their journeys, I guess.
Which artists are inspiring you the most right now? What music have you recently discovered that you want to share with us?
As of late, I’ve been very inspired by a lot of disco music. Chic, ABBA, Baccara and also King Krule, Prince and Lady Gaga. I would recommend listening to King Krule’s Man Alive!, it’s an incredible body of work.
Your new EP evil twin is a combination of two personalities: the first half is your evil twin singing and the second half is you, Isaac. How did you manage to fit different sounds in one album and still make it make sense?
Does it even make sense? I never worry about making sense in my projects, as long as there are good songs that I like, that’s all I care about.
You released pink party, intimate moments and love, or the lack of thereof as singles. Why did you choose to release these songs first?
I thought they were good songs and deserved their individual moments.
It seems that you associate a certain colour palette with your songs and sound. For example, evil twin is all about purple and bluish tones. How important is the visual/aesthetic aspect for you?
Visuals are very important to me. There are records that I’ve discovered and enjoyed simply because the artwork drew me in. Even songs that suck, I’ll listen to because the artwork looks nice in my Spotify playlist.
During the pandemic, you have experienced a personal self-improvement journey amidst the struggle of depression and anxiety. Do you think this lockdown has helped you grow as an artist in making evil twin despite all the negative things we all have experienced?
Yes, it has helped me in regards to self-improvement and my music, but I wish I could’ve learned the lessons I’ve learned during quarantine in a different fashion. Personally speaking, I’ve experienced more negatives than positives during this time, and, honestly, I’m still trying to hang in there.
Your first EP, balloons don’t float here, was released in 2019. How do you think your music and lyrics have progressed since then until now?
In my personal life, I am more mature and I believe that’s more apparent in my music. In regards to lyrics and production, I haven’t tried to actively change my style but it just happens naturally.
We are all going through very confusing times due to the pandemic, but what are you working on right now? Do you have any projects for the future?
I’ve been making the coolest music ever. I’m about to move to New York on my 18th birthday and I’m ready to just keep on creating.