Track Of The Day: Greta Isaac – ‘how are you not freaking out?’

Welsh singer-songwriter Greta Isaac has released her expansive new single ‘how are you not freaking out?’, the latest installment to her eagerly anticipated second EP, ‘I Think You’d Hate It Here.’

how are you not freaking out?’ offers a change in pace to the power-pop sounds found on previous tasters to the EP (‘5’1”’, ‘NUH UH’). The song has a soft dream-pop start, with subdued hooks accompanying Greta’s vulnerable vocals -“If you saw it through my eyes… You would hate it here”. As the song builds, it introduces a powerful emotional allure as the vocals become more passionate, and the soaring guitar creates an anthemic energy, allowing us to “see the wood for the trees and they’re on fire…”

Reflecting on the need to suppress feelings or perform to expectations, ‘how are you not freaking out?’ is a truly stirring, yet instantly catchy, alt-pop earworm. 

Greta Isaac’s upcoming EP, I Think You’d Hate It Here, will be released on 6th May. And she headlines Jack Saunders’ Hopscotch club night at Oslo on 8th April. You too will be freaking out if you miss this inspiring up-and-coming artist! 

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

Introducing Interview: Greta Isaac

Innovative Welsh artist Greta Isaac has previously charmed our ears with singles ‘Tied’ and ‘Comfortable’ and is now back with another addictive slice of glitchy electro-pop.

Her project, as a whole, is an exploration into habits and destructive human tendencies. Each song explores and exaggerates a different unhealthy trait from the perspective of a neurotic character, and we can’t get enough of her sweeping soundscapes and soaring vocals.

With new single ‘Undone’ out now, we caught up with Greta to find out more…

Hi Greta, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello! Sure – I’m welsh, 5ft 1 and I enjoy long walks on the beach.

How did you initially start creating music?
I’ve always loved singing, writing and listening to music – my parents are musicians so it was always in the house growing up. I was lucky enough to have an introduction to harmony and songwriting from an early age.

Your new single ‘Undone’ is out now – can you tell us what it’s all about? Are there any themes running throughout?
All my songs are sung from the perspective of various neurotic characters, all exaggerated versions of the fleeting thoughts we often have. ‘Undone’ is the embodiment of narcissism, someone who enjoys the thrill of perusing someone only for the joy of being admired.


You’ve been compared to the likes of Billie Eilish and Maggie Rogers, but who would you say are your main musical influences?

Ah that’s cool! I love Randy Newman’s chords and lyrical concepts, Rufus Wainwright’s theatrical and classical references, Nickel Creek’s percussive bluegrass folk instrumentation and Son Lux’s sparse and genreless production.

How is your local music scene? Do you go to see lots of live music?
The art scene in Cardiff is a humble one – there’s so much going on and so many talented folks doing amazing projects. Art wise – I’m a huge fan of Lucy Dickson, George Manson and Stephen Madoc Pierce – who did all the artwork for my releases. In terms of music, I tend to see a lot in London since I work there often. I’m seeing Yung Blud and my good friend Orla Gartland there this month.

And what can fans expect from your live shows?
Lots of dancing, drum bashing and awkward stage chat.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any new/upcoming bands or artists you’d recommend we check out?
I love Sasha, Hannah Grace, Emma Miller and whyetc.

And how do you feel the music industry is for new artists at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
I think the industry and how music is being listened to is changing rapidly all the time – the thing that’s consistent throughout these changes are originality and a love for songwriting and connecting with an audience. I guess as long as you stay true to those things you can’t really go wrong!

Finally, what does the rest of 2018 have in store for Greta Isaac?
More music, more projects, collaborations, and a music video for ‘Undone’ coming soon.

Huge thanks to Greta for answering our questions!