Introducing... Greta Isaac

This weeks introducing is an incredibly talented young singer/songwriter based in Cardiff. Displaying maturity within her musical abilities way beyond her years, Greta Isaac is a name you’ll be sure to hear a lot of this year.

Blending her acoustic guitar in perfect accord with her sublime, tender vocals, Isaac proves through early demos it’s a sound waiting to captivate hundreds. If you’ve not already had the pleasure, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Daisy Digital: Is it true you only taught yourself to play guitar last year? I guess it's fair to say you're very new to the music scene?

Greta Isaac: Yes I started playing around with the guitar when I was about fifteen. My dad and my brother had always played but I didn't get round to it 'till quite recently... I've been fascinated with it ever since. Whenever I write a song I always show it to my Mum and Dad who are both musicians. They've got good ears and so if they like it, I get the feeling I'm on the right track. I suppose I am quite new to the music scene, but I guess it's so unpredictable and ever changing that musicians come and go to whatever's considered as "good music". I think it's important not to take yourself too seriously and enjoy it while you can.

DD: I have given the demo's a listen and there are some beautifully, accomplished tracks so how would you describe the sound?

G: Thank you. I'm quite often put in the 'folk' category in music, but I think there are other stronger influences in my songs. I really love all types of music and I try to take elements from lots of genres, but I think some influences slip into your music without you even realising so other people can make a judgement on the sound.

DD: How have you found the early response so far?

G: Really great. I think it's important to appreciate it but not to take too much notice so that you keep grounded. I feel so happy when people can relate to something I've written. 

DD: Explain your song writing process?

G: It's never really been a uniformed process. It can start with anything, a lyric, a melody, a chord progression. That's the most exciting part of song writing. You get sudden inspiration out of nothing and the next thing you know, all these wonderful elements come together to create something so personal, that can maybe make other people feel sad or happy or angry. It's quite interesting. 

DD: I think it's fair to say you've been noticeably inspired/influenced by the likes of Laura Marling and Feist, so what it is about these artists and their music that influences your music? 

G: I think Laura Marling's attitude towards music and her lyrics are really inspiring to many people. I think her music's strongly influenced by raw, traditional folk, as well more modern artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Young, you can clearly see the similarities between her and them. But I'd like to think that my songs are more Americana/Country based in some ways... I'm not sure. I've heard that comparison many times and it's really hard to make a judgement of it!

Feist's voice and how easy it is to listen to her songs is what's influenced me the most, I think. She's got a smooth and delicate tone to her voice, that's had a massive influence of todays singers. I think the best comparison would be Elena Tonra from 'Daughter'. Their voices are so similar and beautiful and pure, their like little cups of hot chocolate. That's the sort of feeling I'd like to give to my listeners. 

DD: Talking of which, how was the festival season and did you manage to catch Feist at Green Man?

G: Brilliant. I managed to play a small set at Greenman and Lattitude Festival with my buddies The People The Poet which was a wonderful experience. They're both beautiful festivals. Feist was lovely, as expected... we stood on top of a little hill in our wellies with painted faces and a cup of tea to keep us warm. Everyone around us were completely relaxed. It was heavenly!

DD: I think I was on that very hill watching too! Anyway, How have you found the tracks to be going down with a live crowd? 

Pretty well I think. Almost every gig I've done there's been silence (which a musician will always appreciate). Singing songs is like telling a story, and so having people listening while also enjoying it (hopefully!) is how you'll get your message across. I'm very grateful to have such intent listeners! 

- Finally what is next for you? 

Well, lots more writing and lots more recording and LOTS more gigging. It's the only way to improve and to develop, which is the most important thing for musicians, I think. There aren't any major plans so far, but I'll be sure to take everything head on with a smile on my face the whole time. 

Thanks so much Gret.