Isabelle Mettle is a North London-born artist, producer, and songwriter whose work traverses the rich landscapes of alternative soul, funk, R&B, and jazz. A self-proclaimed “producer and songwriter, who also just happens to sing,” Isabelle's music combines poetic lyricism with a flair for genre-defying experimentation. Her voice and composition echoes the essence of neo-soul greats such as Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, whilst embracing the bold innovation of artists such as Blood Orange, Imogen Heap and Kate Bush.
BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
Growing up in a music-loving household, Isabelle Mettle was immersed in her parents’ eclectic record collections, which spanned neo-soul, funk, folk, pop, and alternative rock. Her father’s passion for rhythmic, funky, and diverse sounds, combined with her mother’s love of singing and lyric-driven music, laid the foundation for Isabelle’s wide-ranging musical palette.
At nine years old, Isabelle discovered music production software and found an outlet that would quickly shape her future. She began crafting her own songs, burning CDs to share with friends and family, and developed a deep passion for creating. A music scholarship during her school years gave her access to resources that helped her explore songwriting and production further. By her teens, Isabelle had progressed from looping samples to learning piano and guitar, which brought a new depth to her compositions. Performing at school concerts and local theatres provided her first experiences of connecting with an audience, solidifying her desire to pursue music.
At university, Isabelle broadened her creative and technical skills, composing jazz-and folk-infused pieces for orchestras and voice, and producing sound design for film, TV, games, and mixed media. This period of growth also deepened her understanding of music history, particularly the development of jazz, funk, neo-soul, and hip-hop, all of which continue to influence her sound. Venturing into live performance during her studies, Isabelle then began gigging regularly across the UK, challenging herself to experiment with her sound in front of diverse audiences. Her commitment to learning and exploring new musical territories allowed her to excel in her studies and push the boundaries of her own creativity.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Isabelle’s captivating live performances further reflect her love of innovation and intimacy. Often accompanied by a bassist, keys player, and drummer, her setup includes vocal processors and electronic elements that bring her production’s textures to life. Inspired by pioneers like Imogen Heap, she meticulously crafts genre-bending renditions of her originals and covers, ensuring no two performances are the same.
AS OF LATE...
Her eclectic and experimental approach has earned her critical acclaim and exciting opportunities. Tracks like Drama (Have a Think About It) landed on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE, while Jupiter and Mars found repeated airplay on BBC Radio. As a backing vocalist for RAYE, Isabelle has performed at prestigious venues such as Royal Albert Hall (featured on RAYE’s live album) and headlined major festivals, including Reading & Leeds, and the BRIT Awards. A career highlight also includes workshopping her song Drama with Michael League and Bill Laurance of Snarky Puppy—an experience that profoundly influenced her perspective on composition.
Looking ahead, Isabelle is poised to delve even deeper into neo-soul and new wave funk, fusing her signature sound with elements of folk and alternative genres with new music on the horizon. She is unafraid to explore intimate themes of love, loss, and cosmic wonder in her music, inviting listeners into her evolving world. For Isabelle, her music remains indefinable — it is a mosaic of her sonic experiences and a deeply personal letter to her audience.
