We recently connected with Izzy Potter and have shared our conversation below.
Izzy, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
As an independent artist and full time student, at times it certainly feels as though there little time in the day in which I am able to set aside moments to relax my mind and body. Pursuing a career in music comes with lots of daily pressure to create, promote, and work work work. The idea that if you take a break for a moment someone else is always going to be working harder and doing more than you, is a mindset I had to overcome. Working 24/7 resulted in a decrease in my own mental health. I make sure to set aside time for myself each week to prioritize self-care in order to prevent physical burnout and mental exhaustion. I love meditation and yoga, yoga is my go to for moving my body in a mindful way, connecting the breath and mind to the physical flow. I find it to be incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating. When I am taking a self-care day it often includes time to wind down, taking a nice long shower and putting on my coziest clothes, lighting a candle and curling into bed with a hot cup of tea and watching a show or movie, or reading a good book. I love reading, it is one of my favorite self-care past times. Reading allows me to get lost in another world and step outside my own for a little while. As a songwriter, immersing myself in literature I have found has certainly impacted the quality of my writing. I draw lots of inspiration from books. I found prioritizing self-care aids in the effectiveness of my work flow. By having that time to decompress mentally I can start a fresh song idea or come feeling prepared–mind well rested and at ease- to a band practice or writing session.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Izzy Potter is a singer/songwriter currently based in Nashville, TN with roots in New York. She is an independent artist with universally relatable, poignant, and often personal lyrics. Izzy’s lyrics have depth and insight that is both playful and intriguing, and has been remarked as “spot on” for such a young talent. Her storytelling is invoked with the spirit of acoustic pop/folk style sounds. Her storytelling style is often compared to artists like Taylor Swift, Julia Michaels, Noah Kahn, Fleetwood Mac, and Phoebe Bridgers. She has been songwriting since she was 12 years old and was recognized by NSAI songwriting evaluators as “One to Watch.” In New York, Izzy can be found anywhere around town playing with local bands–such as her Bowery Ballroom NYC debut alongside Long Islands indie-rock band Arcy Drive–playing local venues, bars, restaurants, festivals including the Huntington Paramount Stage, Arlene’s Grocery, and various Breaking Sound events. Izzy is currently studying songwriting at Belmont University, and is excited to continue her love of performing and writing. No doubt her drive, devotion, and passion for writing will destine her for success. Stay tuned for her upcoming releases and show announcements!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As I continue to develop my songwriting craft and evolve as an artist, a skill I have found to benefit me is the ability to communicate. I’ve always been known to be very talkative. I really enjoy chatting and getting to know people. I have found that the ability to talk easily with most people has resulted in the creation of wonderful connections. I think of all the people I wouldn’t have met simply if I hadn’t gone up to them after a show, or if I’d backed out of a conversation in fear of judgement or anxiety, that I wouldn’t have met as many amazing people as I know now. Another skill I found to help me greatly is to always write. Even if I don’t know yet what I wish to say, even if I feel uninspired, just sitting down with my instrument and revisiting old ideas or working off of new one liners I wrote down helps me push through on the days where I am having writers block. The biggest and most impactful piece of advice I can think of is to always be honest, in life and in music, about how you feel, and to remember its okay if things feel impossible and you’re tired! It’s okay to take time to prioritize yourself over the grind. Maintaining that honesty in your lyricism, leaving behind small bits of your emotions, those feelings are what makes a song feel so true and honest. Taking time to sit with yourself and be surrounded by people you love and relaxing is essential to consistent creation and staying motivated 🙂
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I first arrived in Nashville, being surrounded 24/7 by incredible musicians in a city that feels oversaturated with talent left me feeling overwhelmed and a bit insecure. I felt like I couldn’t keep up with the success of my peers. I wanted to release music, write more, write with everyone, do shows constantly, post multiple times a day every day. I heard so many insanely talented songwriters and artists around me and thought how am I ever going to make it? I was also new to this city, trying to get my bearings and adjust to life at Belmont University. I had a songwriting professor my freshman year who gave me a nugget of advice that has always stuck with me. She told me comparison is the thief of joy. There will always be someone writing better songs, having bigger hits, playing more shows, posting more on social media, there will always feel like everyone else around you is doing more than you but that’s not true. You have to celebrate your personal achievements no matter how big or small because those are the stepping stones to greater success. When she said this, it felt like a weight I’d been imposing upon myself had been lifted. There will always be someone else doing what you’re doing, so you have to stay true to yourself and your artistry and create from within. The result will be happiness. That will be enough. You’re here for a reason and you will come into your success when the time is right brilliant things will begin to unfold. Everyone is on their own individual journey. You will always see people around you releasing amazing songs and playing wonderful shows, rather than be consumed by self doubt and jealousy, I practice mindful gratitude that we all get to exist in this world and create art together. There is no comparison, only acknowledgement of greatness and appreciation for others and the beauty we can all make together 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: izzypottermusic.com
- Instagram: izzypottermusic
- Facebook: izzypottermusic
- Youtube: izzypottermusic
- SoundCloud: Izzy Potter
- Other: Tiktok: izzypottermusic
Image Credits
All photo credits to Brooks Bohannon.
