Isobel Beardshaw aka Izzy Bizu, from southwest London, oozes cool. With a distinctive voice that ranges from Diana Ross-infused pop to smooth-like-butter soul, a face made for magazine shoots, and her twisted tomboy style, it’s no surprise the 21-year-old’s Spotify followers are already in the millions. Music insiders from Jools Holland to Sam Smith are singing her praises all over Twitter, and she was shortlisted for the Brits Critics’ Choice Awards 2016.
FILE NEXT TO: Jessie Ware, Janelle Monáe, Lauryn Hill
STANDOUT TRACK: White Tiger
LISTEN TO IT: In a candlelit bath
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IZZY
1. We covet her playlist.
‘I really like Jamie Woon’s new stuff. Marvin Gaye, Amy Winehouse, Minnie Riperton and Billie Holiday are all there. I’m hooked on jazz bars at the moment; there’s one by Finsbury Park, north London, where you’ll find me most evenings.’
2. Her mum is her style icon.
‘My mum dresses on point. She’s got a mini Afro and wears big earrings and colourful clothes. I’m always borrowing her stuff.’
3. She loves riding around London on her skateboard.
‘I love skating at the skate parks in Brixton and Southbank [in London]. I fall over a lot, hence all my ripped jeans, but it’s fun.’
4. She’d like Rosario Dawson to play her in a film.
‘I’ve been told I look a little bit like her. She’s obviously way more attractive, but I’m a huge fan.’
5. Her dream review would say…
‘“She can’t really dance but it’s groovy.” Maybe I wouldn’t like to read that but it’s probably true. All I really hope is that listeners feel enlightened after they’ve heard my songs, and they understand where I’m coming from.’
Izzy’s debut album, A Moment Of Madness, is our July 22 and new single ‘Mad Behaviour’ impacts April 8.
