Iz Divine

Iz Divine has released her new single ‘Who Do You Think You Are’. She kindly chatted to us at JLTT all about it: 

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is performing for anyone who would watch. Family, visitors, basically anyone who walked through the front door were getting a show whether they liked it or not. I would sing and dance my way through songs from Annie, Disney soundtracks, Sheryl Crow’s Soak Up the Sun and Avril Lavigne’s Complicated.

My first concerts were Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers, which I think shaped me and my alter ego more than I realised at the time. But a notable mention has to be standing in line for hours with my dad to be front row at the Black Crowes. As a little girl, that experience of being that close to a live band stayed with me forever.

The Beatles were also a huge part of my musical upbringing and represented the height of music to me as a kid. So recently getting to record at Abbey Road was a very full circle, surreal milestone. Little me would not have believed it.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

Songwriting started early for me, little poems and songs as a kid. I have always had a poetic nature, an inclination toward crafting words and seeing life through that lens. But it was not until college that it became something real and necessary. Life got serious, I was processing some major moments, discovering myself, unravelling everything up until that point, and writing became the only way I could truly make sense of it all. My voice, my words and a piano became the place where I could feel truly free, connect to my soul and come home to myself. There was no other outlet that could do what songwriting could.

 

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) Happiest has to be not only “Who Do You Think You Are” but the anticipation of my next single “Wonder”, dropping later this year. It marks a new chapter for me, something very vibrant and colourful, inspired by classic love songs. It feels like a real turning point.

b) Angriest is probably “Get Yours”, which is all about letting karma take care of the people who have wronged you. There is something very satisfying about that one.

c) Most reflective is my newest single “Who Do You Think You Are”. It is where I step into my most fearless self. That question has always been pointed at me, and this song is about reflecting it back at the world. But it also turns inward, because whoever I think I am is who I become. It is both a declaration and a reckoning.

 

One of your tracks is the new single “Who Do You Think You Are?” What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

It came from a moment where something in me broke open, and I genuinely stopped caring what anyone thought. I decided that I was going to do whatever it took to become the version of myself I had always dreamed of and build the life I know I deserve.

Being a woman in this world and in this industry, you are constantly met with that question as a way to keep you small, and I finally saw it for what it was. There is no virtue in shrinking yourself for other people’s comfort. So this song is my answer. It is me taking the reins of my own life with total unapologetic authority and stopping asking for permission to be who I am.

 

Where did you record the song and who produced it?

The record was recorded in London in November of last year. It was composed by myself and Jonathan Brown, who has already had chart success with his band The Rua, both on Billboard and in the UK and Europe.

The song was produced by Alex O’Keeffe and Jonathan Brown, and mastered by Grammy-nominated Darren Heelis, who has mastered for Liam Payne, Alicia Keys, Sienna Spiro and Sam Smith.

 

Was it a difficult song to write?

This one came about in a flow, which was such a gift. Co-writing with Jonathan and especially writing in the studio was a joy. No labouring over it, no second guessing, it just poured out.

It was so invigoratingly special to step fully into my alter ego in a way I never had before. This song is larger than life and I leaned into that completely. I got to spell it all out in the most petty, bold, dramatic and self-assured way possible. I love to push it to the absolute limits and be completely uninhibited. This song gave me full permission to do that and then some. That was so freeing for me.

 

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2026/2027?

Yes! My next single is called “Wonder”. It was recorded during my last November trip to London and will be released later this year. I could not be more excited for the world to hear it.

“Wonder” was composed with Roseanna Brown of The Rua, who wrote the official theme song for the Michael Bay-produced movie Songbird, and was also co-composed by Grammy-nominated producer and guitarist Nick Veinoglou. It is produced by Alex O’Keeffe and Jonathan Brown and again mastered by Grammy-nominated Darren Heelis.

I have just completed my latest 2026 recording sessions at Abbey Road in London and will be back there later this year to complete my album. These new songs are powerful

anthems. New releases and touring will follow and I am genuinely thrilled about what is planned.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I am from Billings, Montana. And to describe it, really to describe Montana as a whole, I would say: God’s country, big sky, wild, sovereignty, heart.

9. How do you look after your voice?

Vocal training and consistency are really important to me. I want to stay flexible, agile and strong so I can deliver my best every time. Beyond that I keep it fairly simple. Vocal rest when necessary, lots of tea and honey when I am singing and warming up, and vocal steaming when needed. I do not overcomplicate it.

 

Do you have any UK/European dates planned 2026/27?

I will be back in the UK and Europe later this summer to promote my next single and perform. We are setting up dates across the UK, Ireland and Germany at minimum, with more to be announced soon. I have really come to love the UK and Europe during my time recording there and I want to be back as much as I possibly can. Cannot wait to see where the next few months take me.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I want to leave people with an experience that leaves them feeling changed. More alive. Like they could put their struggles and the weight of the world down for a moment and their time with me is an escape, a refuge, an immersive experience where they can step into my world and feel at home. Come home to themselves.

I want people to connect with feeling, with the human experience, and come into contact with a new way of being through my music. I want my heart and soul to translate. All of the greats have done this and nothing less is what I strive for. It is a superpower. To add value and impact to the world, to exchange a moment in time that is sacred. I want people to leave awakened and new.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

For vocals, while recording at Abbey Road I sang into a Neumann U47 microphone running through a Neve desk with a Neve 1073 preamp. That combination in that room was something really special. This is gear that some of the greatest artists in history have used and you can feel that when you are working with it. I am not too particular about gear at this stage of my journey but those are pieces I would absolutely love to work with again in future recordings. There is a reason they are legendary.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Honestly most of my favourite novels have already been adapted, but I have always had a deep love for children’s books and the wonder they carry. So I would love to score one I grew up with.

Stellaluna would be my choice. It is about a little bat who gets separated from her mother, lands in a nest of birds, and has to suppress everything natural to her just to fit in, until she finally finds her way back to herself. I have always loved the story and the illustrations and honestly it feels like a metaphor for my life.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

My biggest all time influences, the ones that truly shaped me, are Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill. Three women who were completely unapologetic, soulful and in a league of their own. Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Lana Del Rey and Adele are also huge for me. And more recently I have been loving Raye, Kali Uchis and Sasha Keable.

 

What makes Iz Divine happy and what makes you unhappy?

Singing, performing and composing make me happy. Having the freedom to create, express myself and share my artistic vision and voice with the world gives me a thrill.

Family gives me the grounding and support necessary to succeed. I have always loved meeting people, traveling, exploring and trying new experiences. It is also endlessly inspiring to be surrounded by people I can make beautiful and impactful work with.

No one is an island, and the music industry is a challenging career. Having an amazing team, business advisor and collaborators that I can deeply trust is not only a necessity but a way of life that enhances and protects me on my journey. These principles allow me to focus on what truly matters.

What makes me unhappy is the opposite of all of that. If I were unable to reach my full potential, reach for the stars, share my voice or express who I truly am, I would be desolate. I believe my life’s path is to evolve, share, empower and be expansive. Anything less is unimaginable.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Wilful and Sullivan Publicity

Iz Divine’s latest single ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ is out now. 

Official Website: https://www.izdivine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheizdivine/