Pop singer-songwriter Izabellah Rae Diez delivers a powerful, reflective punch dropping her next single, “STRANGERS AGAIN,” released November 21st. The track is a poignant dive into the complexity of love and loss, exploring the universal wish for a relationship “reset button.” In this exclusive interview, Izabellah shares the driving emotional core behind the song, discussing how the balance of regret and acceptance lends it genuine strength. She opens up about the meaning of a “second chance”—from hoping for a reunion to the internal healing it sparks—and how this mature, vulnerable release marks a significant evolution from her previous work.
Welcome, Izabellah! We’re excited for your new single, “Strangers Again,” which just released on November 21st.
Q: The song is described as a poignant exploration of love and loss. What was the driving emotional core behind choosing this song as your next release?
A: The emotional essence of this song stems from the authentic pain of losing someone you deeply care about. I wanted to share something that resonates with the honesty of love, regret, and the yearning for a second chance. It felt like the story I needed to tell at this moment in my life.
Q: You shared that the inspiration came from observing relationship struggles, noting, “It’s about the universal wish to hit the reset button.” For you, is the “second chance” in the song a literal hope for reunion, or more about internal healing and trying again in life?
A: For me, the concept of a ‘second chance’ encompasses both meanings. On one hand, it reflects the desire to mend things with a loved one. On a deeper level, it’s about the lessons learned from past experiences and evolving into a better version of oneself. Even if the relationship doesn’t rekindle, the growth gained from it remains significant.
Q: The track grapples with deep regret and self-blame, yet ultimately carries a tone of acceptance and resilience. Was it a challenge to balance those contrasting emotions—the pain of “what ifs” with the strength found in moving on—within the same song?
A: Absolutely, it was a challenge because regret and acceptance often pull you in opposing directions. However, this contrast is what lends authenticity to the song—many of us find ourselves caught between wishing we could change the past and the necessity of moving forward. Allowing both emotions to coexist in the track is what gives it its genuine strength.
Q: “Strangers Again” is your fourth official release. How does this track build on or differ from the themes and sounds listeners might recognize from your earlier songs like “Fake Friends” or “Mirror Says”?
A: ‘Strangers Again’ feels more mature than my earlier work because it delves deeper into vulnerability rather than simply reacting to hurt. While ‘Fake Friends’ and ‘Mirror Says’ focused on confronting issues, this new track emphasizes reflection, regret, and personal growth. Musically, it’s softer and more emotionally resonant, showcasing a side of me that listeners haven’t fully encountered yet.
Q: Besides releasing “Strangers Again,” you mentioned you have “several new songs in the pipeline.” Can you give us a small hint about the themes or sound of the music we might hear next?
A: Without revealing too much, the upcoming songs will explore even more personal experiences and emotions that I haven’t fully tapped into yet. Expect a blend of heartfelt lyrics and fresh sounds—still true to my essence but pushing creative boundaries. It’s all about growth, introspection, and exciting experimentation.
Q: You’re also involved in an “exciting new movie project.” How do you manage the demanding schedules of recording and releasing music while simultaneously working on a film set?
A: It can be quite intense, but I’ve learned to prioritize and stay organized to fully dedicate myself to each project. Music and acting creatively inspire one another, so despite the hectic schedules, switching between them is thrilling. I make it a point to carve out time for inspiration, ensuring that my work remains authentic.
Q: Do your acting and singing careers feed into one another? For example, did the experience of being on set inspire any of the music you’ve written recently?
A: Definitely—acting allows me to immerse myself in various emotions and truly embody a character, which translates into my music. My recent time on set inspired me to delve deeper into writing about relationships and personal struggles as I observed genuine human interactions. This enriches my songs, making them feel more layered and authentic.
Q: As an emerging artist, what do you feel is the most challenging, yet rewarding, part of building your brand and audience in the contemporary music landscape?
A: The biggest challenge is standing out in a crowded space where everyone can share their music. However, the most rewarding part comes when someone connects profoundly with my songs and expresses how it made them feel seen or understood. Those moments make all the hard work worthwhile.
Q: Many artists dream of hitting a “reset button” on a project. If you could go back to the beginning of your music journey, what is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
A: I would tell my younger self to trust the process and not rush to conform to trends. It’s important to experiment, make mistakes, and discover your unique sound. Staying true to yourself from the very beginning is what ultimately counts.
Q: Fans are often the first to find strength in an artist’s vulnerability. Is there a specific fan connection or message that has recently reaffirmed your path as a singer-songwriter?
A: Recently, a fan told me that one of my songs helped them through a tough time, and it really resonated with me. Experiences like that remind me why I invest so much of myself into my music. It reassures me that vulnerability isn’t just personal; it can also empower others.
Q: After the release of “Strangers Again,” what are your hopes for how this single will propel your career forward into the new year?
A: I hope ‘Strangers Again’ resonates with more listeners who connect with my music on a deeper level. I want it to open new doors for opportunities to perform, collaborate, and evolve as an artist. Ultimately, I hope it marks the beginning of a year where my songs can create a more significant impact and share even more honest stories.
Q: What are you most “thrilled” about right now—either for the release of “Strangers Again” or for the new projects you have coming up?
A: I’m genuinely excited for people to finally hear ‘Strangers Again’ because it feels like my most authentic song to date. I’m also looking forward to the new projects I’m working on—they’re pushing me creatively in ways I’ve never explored before. It feels like a fresh chapter is unfolding.
Where can fans download your song and connect with you on Social Media?
Strangers Again Pre-save link: https://nfan.link/izabellah-rae
Instagram: @izabellahraediez
TikTok: @izabellahdiez
YouTube: @izabellahrae
