Isabel Unveils Haunting New Single ‘Ghost’: Exclusive Interview

Alt-pop singer, songwriter, and visual artist Isabel shares her compelling new single ‘Ghost’, out everywhere. Building on the momentum of her breakout track Bonita, the London-based artist returns with a haunting, synth-laced exploration of emotional ambiguity, female vulnerability, and strength. Co-written and co-produced with long-time collaborator Russ Chimes, ‘Ghost’ blends intimate storytelling with sleek, nostalgic production – a signature sound Isabel continues to make uniquely her own.

Isabel, Ghost is such a soft gut-punch — subtle, slow-burning, but devastating. What was the first image or moment that led you to write it?

My life has definitely been shaped by the people who were a part of the past but are no longer with me now, whether that’s through relationship/ friendship breakdowns, death, or simply life moving in a new direction. I guess ‘Ghost’ was trying to visualise that feeling, being ‘haunted’ by those who are no longer physically here but yet still come alive in moments.

You describe the song as about “emotional ambiguity.” How do you navigate that space as both a person and an artist?

It’s uncomfortable for sure, I used to find unhealthy habits or patterns to try and numb any feelings of uncertainty, but what I’m starting to learn as an artist is that life is very much the ‘grey area’. I think if you can learn to navigate that space and sit with those feelings of ambiguity, then life becomes a lot more available to you and in turn you become more available to life.

Your vocals are instantly recognizable — intimate, breathy, almost like a secret. How intentional is that tone, and what feeling do you want it to leave behind?

That’s a really lovely description, thank you. A girl came up to me once at a gig years ago and said It sounded a tiny bird was singing to them! The process of recording my vocal has always felt quite intimate. I don’t know if it’s always been so intentional, but I love the idea that I can create a closeness with the audience through my voice.

There’s such strength in how softly Ghost lands. How do you balance emotional weight with musical lightness?

I always try to tread carefully with the emotional depth, it’s a fine line and sometimes you can find yourself giving in like ‘hmm does this need some strings, should we ham up the pain here?’ but the best emotive songs for me are often moody bangers that don’t indulge too much.

You’ve said the track was born from dating discomfort. Was there a moment where it turned from personal pain into something you felt others needed to hear?

I just know as a girl that I carry a lot of my experiences of being a woman in this world into my intimate relationships. I can only talk from my experiences here, dating men by the way… There are whole other complexities that other LGBTQI+people must have to navigate. But I think shared, collective experiences definitely find ways to integrate into my own songs.

What was it like working with Russ Chimes again on this track? How does that long-time collaboration shape your sound?

About 10 years ago, Russ’s then-girlfriend Claire (now wife) and my sister sat next to each other at work, so we were kinda musically ‘blind dated’-- when you work with someone long term, I think the best thing is that you’re not afraid to tell each other when something is dog shit.

The loveliest thing, though, is that after all the time, we still get so gassed when we stumble on something that works.

Until that wains, I can’t imagine we won’t find a space to collaborate.

Ghost captures that liminal space between being seen and being forgotten. How do you personally stay grounded in a culture that often celebrates emotional detachment?

I’ve learnt to say no. I try to surround myself with people who make my nervous system feel settled.

Clash Magazine called Bonita “a perfectly formed pop song.” Do you think Ghost continues that arc — or deliberately breaks away from it?

It’s a lovely compliment, but the key to making pop music that works for me is to never strive too hard for perfection. Even my favourite pop artists write pop songs that trail off on their own journey, and that’s where the magic lies.

You draw inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey and Mitski. What have you learned from them about storytelling, especially from a woman’s perspective?

Lana Del Ray is so unique, she’s created a whole world in which her music, her character and even her audience exist when you listen. It’s so hypnotic– and that ability she has to bring you into that sphere has always been a real inspiration for me.
When I make music, I can often see colours and visuals, and I think my femininity has definitely impacted the character behind my vocal and how the world around my music is shaped and formed.

Last one: Ghost is the first in a string of releases. What truths are you ready to share next — and what are you still holding close for now?

The world has changed a lot in the last 20 months, and it would be difficult to ignore the political climate in what I want to write and say from here. I feel so grateful I have a space to create besides the chaos of everything, so I’m looking forward to collecting all the pieces and seeing what comes up.

With ‘Ghost’, Isabel continues carving out a distinct place in the alt-pop landscape — one where softness is strength and emotional depth is celebrated. Her unflinching honesty, whispered intensity, and cinematic soundscapes speak to a generation seeking meaning in the in-between.

This release marks just the beginning of what promises to be a landmark year for Isabel, with more new music on the horizon.

For fans of: Lana Del Rey, Mitski, FKA Twigs, Gracie Abrams
RIYL: Atmospheric pop, vulnerable songwriting, sleek '90s R&B-infused production.

Stay tuned – Isabel has more stories to tell.