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ISABEL: TRANSFORMATION OF A POPSTAR -Lauren Waterman  Isabel Merjos has been setting records, breaking barriers, and setting examples all around the world. Even though she got off at a mediocre start, nothing about this teen Pop sensation is just average. In fact, the life of Isabel has gone from barely noticeable to one of the top artists in music today. It seems as though the 19 year old is slowly but surely taking over the music world. After belting out hit after hit, she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Recently, she announced her plans to expand not only as an artist, but as a business woman and philanthropist as well by opening up her own clothing line and becoming an ambassador for UNICEF. She made her willingness to work with different and new artists known as well in a past interview with Culture Uncut. The star has earned the respect of some fellow artists and others alike. But with fame there always comes misfortune and controversy. Even with hardships, Izzy remained the classy, beautiful woman she has always been and never once cowered from the spotlight. Today, she is working on her third studio album, preparing for her world wide release of her clothing line, and continuing to shock naysayers. She may be the typical Pop idol to some, but to others she's an extraordinary young woman with nothing short of a bright future ahead. PART ONE: LOOKING BACK So let's start off with a sort of reminiscing time. What was life like back then for Izzy?
"Life was just plain for me. I grew up at home with my parents back in Colombia for a while until they decided to move to California where I've spent most of my life so far. I was just your normal child; I played with the neighborhood kids, I went to school and did great there, I got into trouble sometimes. It was a great, peaceful time when I think about it. I used to spend all my time with Hayden who literally lived 10 minutes away from me. I remember going over there and seeing my uncle who was just always happy and in a good mood no matter what. It was some great times. Then, eventually, that dream came to me of wanting to do something more with my life and I knew I wanted to be famous. I wanted to be known and be someone that could make a change in someone's life. When I was a teenager, I worked in this really small, Mexican style restaurant where I would sometimes perform and I remember I was scared because I was in front of strangers. Now it's like, I can sing in front of anyone and everyone but I still get those butterflies in my belly."
Who would you say was your biggest supporter of your dreams?
"My mom. She really pushed me to achieve my dreams and she wanted me to get the best out of life. My dad was, of course, weary about the idea of me becoming a singer. He thought that I should do something he thought was more reliant and dependable. I wanted to believe he was right because I always looked up to my father but I just knew this is what I wanted to do all my life, nothing else. I wanted to be more than a singer, I wanted to perform, entertain, do whatever I could to make a difference. I used to sing all the time for my family and they loved it. My father loved it too and thought I should just have singing as a backup plan maybe but I always focused on music no matter what."
Did you ever get homesick?
"I did actually, a lot. (Laughs) I moved when I was about 7 so it was tough leaving all my friends behind. My parents wanted to move because they thought there would be a much better life for us in the U.S. than in Colombia. At first, I resented California, I just wanted to go back home. I guess it took me a while to finally get used to being in a new place. I see now that I was actually very happy as a kid when I was little (Smiles). I was always having fun and being spontaneous and wild. I got into a lot of trouble back then with my trusty sidekick Hayden. My parents loved him though so it was all good."
Did you ever have early success with pursuing a career in entertainment?
"Yes I did, kind of funny thinking about it. My mom took me to an audition for the Barney show they were doing and she thought that I would be great for the role and it would give me some experience. I wasn't much of an actor or anything so I was terrified. If it were a singing thing, I would have felt a little more comfortable but I had no experience with acting, I never took an acting class at all. We went to an audition and I guess they liked what they saw because they asked me to come back for another audition and then I got the part. I was soooo happy I just wanted to run around and scream. (Laughs) My parents were proud and so were my friends, It was a great moment. I did the show for 2 seasons and then unfortunately I was let go but no hard feelings. (Smiles) It was hard, I was practicing almost every day for the show and I barely got to be with my friends or family. I think I finally realized how hard I'd have to work in order to do what I ultimately wanted to do, sing."
[Isabel Aged 8 on "Barney"]
Were you treated any differently with that brush of success?
"Well, not particularly. I mean my family still treated me the same. My friends, for the most part, did too. They usually were joking around, saying how they saw me on TV and stuff. I wasn't treated like some star or anything, I was glad too. At that time, as I still do now, I wanted to just be the same person that I was before even getting on television. It wasn't hard after I finished filming the show to adjust either. Everyone just thought it was cool I was almost like a celebrity but it didn't really occur to me just what I had done. I just saw it as a project you know? I was still nervous when I was filming but eventually it went away and I was back to my normal life."
What was it like when you first got signed to Spice Records?
"It was surreal to me because that meant I was one step closer to doing what I had dreamed of. I remember when I got the meeting with them, I was so thankful that they contacted me. I remember everything about that day actually, what I was wearing, what I was feeling. It's one of those special moments in life I won't ever forget. I wanted to impress them as best as I could because I wanted to get signed so badly. After I got signed, I started working immediately. I wanted to record an album that would impress them and keep me signed of course. I worked constantly in the studio for months and made an album, Temptation, we released it and that's where everything happened."
Were you happy with it's performance on the charts?
"I think when anyone works hard on something they think is amazing, if it doesn't meet your or everyone else's expectations, you get disappointed and discouraged. It debuted #18 and at that time I felt like a huge failure. I thought my dreams were over and that I wasn't going to be a singer anymore. I was afraid that Spice Records would drop me because I didn't deliver. That was my main focus was to impress everyone around me no matter what it took and I see that was probably my biggest mistake."
After the failure of your debut album, why the long wait for Perfectly Me?
"There were some problems going on with my family at the time. My father had gotten sick and I wanted to be close to him so that I could help take care of him. I sort of left music behind and all my dreams to be there for my family. I really didn't think about recording that much while I was back home. It was about 2 years before I even really started to think about music again, how much I missed it. When I knew my father was better, I started writing more and ultimately decided to get back into music. I knew it would be hard and that the music scene probably changed a lot but it was nice to get back to what I loved. I got back in the studio, got re-signed and I'm still shocked by the success I've gotten over the year, it's really amazing."
What was it like returning back to music after those 2 years?
"It was really scary. (Laughs) I was afraid people had forgotten me and I'd have to basically start all over again. Luckily, I was remembered but I really had to prove myself and start from the bottom of the ladder. I just worked hard and the hard work is still paying off I guess. I originally just wanted to slowly get back into music by helping out Hannah with choreography and stuff but once I realized how much I missed the business, I was drawn in once again. Everything had changed from when I had first arrived. There was a lot more new talent that I was hearing of and a few artists that were still around when I had first started. I was intimidated all over again, I was scared, but somehow I managed to fit right in. I'm really thankful for the second chance I got and I'm thankful for my fans over the years too."
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
"I think I probably would have written more for myself, like I do now, then trying to impress those around me. I ultimately think that's what the problem with the album and it's failure. I spent more time trying to be something I wasn't and trying to make sure that everyone around me would like what I was putting out that I didn't really give the songs any heart to them like now. I mean they are good songs but they were just me trying to impress everyone and not giving them the attention and time that they seriously needed. Looking back, I realized that the old Izzy wasn't the true Izzy but I've learned and grown which I think has helped me to become the person I am today. If I hadn't made those mistakes, I probably would still be doing things the way I thought they should have been and not how I should be doing them. The Izzy that you see today would probably not be here, she would probably be some wannabe who makes mindless, pointless music with no purpose at all. I'm really glad that I saw the musical light. (Smiles)" PART TWO: LIVING IN THE SPOTLIGHT & PLANS FOR THE FUTURE So what are some of the things that have come out of you being a Popstar now?
"Well lack or privacy is one. (Laughs) But on some terms, I can't really blame the paparazzi or Gossip columns because I think it's no secret what you have to endure when you become famous or a public figure. You lose certain privileges and privacy really. No, I'm not saying that it's okay for people to be exposed or preyed upon but I don't think taking your anger out on the paparazzi or media is very smart either. In the end, they are doing their job and you're doing yours. I'll admit, I'll never get used to a grown man following me around with a camera trying to get pictures of me whenever I do normal things but I won't go up to him and punch him either. I think they should know their boundaries and respect us as we do them."
It's often been said that you are very mature and level-headed for your age. What keeps you this way?
"I suppose I owe that all to my upbringing and parents. They raised me to be a respectable young lady and to always value my morals. I also don't have any interest in being rude or being controversial. We all have our moments when we're silly because I know that I'm definitely one of the silliest people I know, but I know when to be silly and when to be serious. I also know how to act when in public but I'm still a teen so of course I'll screw up or do something not accepted by maturer people but it's all apart of growing up. I don't really get angry because I'm not that kind of person. I can't hold a grudge and I prefer to be happy. I also have a great team beside me that keeps me very calm and laughing all the time. My family and friends, we're almost the same in every way. I try to not let things get to me and if they do then I just find some way to take that negative energy and turn it to positive energy."
Going along with what you said about not having any Privacy, your personal life has seemingly been publicized now. What do you make of that?
"Well, again, it's someone's job to get the scoop on celebrities right? I knew that sooner or later, I wouldn't be safe. I try as best as I can to not make a career out of my personal life because it's personal. I don't like to tell all of my business on Twitter or announce to the world everything in my life. Somethings are just meant to be private and some can be shared with the world. It's natural to want to know about the person you're listening to but unless you're like really close to me, there's no way I'm gonna tell every detail about my life to the public. I just hope that people will not remember me as who I'm dating but by my music."
You're dating the controversial Rock artist Joey Starzzz, which in many eyes seems a very unlikely pair. How did you two come to be in a relationship and what's the future like for you two?
"We get that a lot actually, it was a shocker to people when we started dating. (Laughs) It was after the Celebrity Big Brother. We were both kinda iffy about being on the show in the first place and we kinda just gravitated towards each other when were on there. We talked after the show and we just sort of fell for each other, it was very natural. He was nothing like I thought he was before. I thought he'd be rude and mean but he's nice and sweet, I guess just to me. We've been dating ever since, it's almost been a year now that we've been dating and it's been an up and down adventure but through it all I wouldn't really change anything that's happened. There were or still are rumors that we're breaking up and I'm cheating on him with my ex but I can 100% assure you that those are lies and we're not breaking up anytime soon. We're doing great, we're supporting each other and we're prepared for the rumor mill to hit us hard."
What about the recent issues with ex boyfriend Katriel 'Kato' Comyns?
"Me and Kato have been friends ever since the break up happened really. There was a time when we were sorting things out and he disappeared but since then things have gotten better between us and he's one of my closest friends but we're not secretly dating or anything else. He's venting on the past which is causing all of these rumors to start and it's not really fair for me. I don't think badly of him or anything and we're still friends but it won't turn into anything more, that's a guarantee. I don't date my exes, ever, and I'm pretty secure and happy with my relationship now."
There's another rumor going around that you have a song addressing his song Hurt Me Bad, is that true?
"I did actually, it's not a diss record or anything, but it's a way of me sort of relieving my stress of it and giving my side of the story. I never want to hurt Kato at all and it made me sad that he said I did hurt him which was never my intention but I felt it was necessary since my boyfriend was receiving these nasty Twitter messages from his fans blaming him when it was never his fault at all. Me and Kato broke up long before me and Joey got together. It was a musical, creative way for me. I just felt it was time for all the rumors to stop and the craziness to end."
Even with all the rumors and controversy, you've managed to still be positive and even venture out into different fields. How's that going?
"Everything is going amazingly well. I recently released my new perfume, Magic, which will soon be joined by another from my very own perfume line. I'm also finished with my clothing line and I'll be having a fashion show for it next month and I'll be opening up stores in select locations all around the world. It's very exciting to finally get to do things that I've dreamed of doing for a while now. I'm also apart of UNICEF which is really eye opening and life changing. To be able to help kids in need and travel to see just what life is like in other countries for these kids, it really makes you feel blessed for everything you have and it makes you want to do anything and everything you can for them. I feel honored to be apart of it and hopefully I can change some lives and help make them better. I wish everyone would join and some huge things could be done to help out these kids. When you actually sit down and talk to them they are regular kids like anyone else and they just deserve a chance at a better life so that's why I'm really dedicated to helping them out."
You are quickly becoming one of the hardest working woman in the business right now and you've also announced a new album in the works, can you tell us some more about it and any plans for a headlining tour?
"Yeah, I like being busy though, it really clears my mind sometimes. The album is being recorded as I speak right now. So far it's almost done, there's a few tracks left and probably some extras to be added on. The album will probably be out by either the summer or during the middle of summer, sometime in June or July. I'm really excited about this album because I think it's very diverse and the topics are more than just having fun or being care-free, I actually expanded and worked with some different producers and writers, it's just a different sound than my last album which is what I wanted. I think it's always hard to try and top your last album because you put so much work into each album that it makes it hard for you to top it but I guess that's how you know you're a true artist, when you can get creative and unique and grow with each record. I will be doing a world tour after my album is released. It will most likely be in August and probably last until October, mid-October. It's a pretty busy year for me but it's worth it."
What helps you to not be so overworked?
"I know my limitations and what I'm able to handle. I usually like to take breaks so I don't burn myself out. Most of the time it ranges from just relaxing at the beach to shopping to just hanging out at home with family and friends. I like to have fun and travel places in my spare time. I've found a new hobby in making random videos with friends and putting them on youtube when I also get bored (Smiles) There's nothing better to me though than just sitting at home in some sweatpants and my hair tied up with some junk food and a good show on tv or even just listening to the radio and forgetting that I am so busy and have so much going on. It's one of the best remedies for being stressed."
With all that and more, do you find it hard to find time for your family and friends?
"Sometimes it gets hard but I always make sure I make time for them because they are important to me. I talk to my mom and dad weekly because we're really close. My sister texts me all the time and we talk on video chat a lot. My friends, we tweet, text, anything to stay in touch and we try to hang out with each other as much as our schedules allow us. Sometimes we don't get to see each other as much as we won't but we still try to get in as much time with each other as we can. I've literally been with my family a total of 3 times this year so it gets tough. I really love video chatting these days though, it's so much fun."
F.Y.T used to be a common name last year, are you guys still friends and keeping in touch?
"We really have gotten pulled away but we're still friends with one another. I know I've talked to Jen, Dominic, and of course Hayden frequently. I don't really talk to Mandy as much as I'd like to, she's really the only member that I haven't talked to a lot. It's not a group or anything it's just a term that we called ourselves since we were all friends and breaking into the music scene. It stands for Fly, Young and Talented. We wanted to be the next generation of music really and the idea was started by Dominic, Hayden, and myself. We have 5 original members which are Me, Dominic, Hayden, Cassie Valentine, and Mandy and then we added Ellie and Jen because they are definitely apart of the generation that's changed or is changing music and they are our friends."
Where do you think music is going now?
"I think music is really being taken over by the Dance age, as I'd call it. I don't think it's a bad thing at all, sometimes the sound changes with the times and so far it's just almost Dance music and House everywhere you go. I definitely don't think that it's something to take lightly. You have these artists who are taking music to the next level and doing things that are creative and unique. I think music is being taken over by the newer artists and generation but the legends of music are also reclaiming their thrones, it's like a fight to the finish. (Laughs) Music is really transcending and reaching new heights, breaking new ground, making new sounds. Who knows, Disco might make a comeback?"
What's your goals for the future?
"I want to be doing what I'm doing right now. My goals are to probably take a break first then continue making more music. I will be running my clothing line and doing more for my community and UNICEF. I really want to be a better person than I am this year. Hopefully I'll meet new people and make new friends and just be enjoying life as much as I can. I can say that I want to move forward and not backward."
Do you think your success will last for the coming years?
"Well if my fans are still around and I have my awesome support team then yes I think it will last. I'm not as concerned with charts and selling millions of records but if my music can stand the test of time. I still have fans even if all my singles didn't reach #1. Will my music reach anyone and will anyone remember my songs? Did I leave behind a legacy that's worth being talked about? I really want to make an impact and not just be another Pop artist that had a few hits and then faded away."
Your Innocent image has played a major role in your success. Do you think that growing up it will be harder to maintain it?
"Being 19 years old, there's a time when every girl wants to shed her innocent image and be known as a woman. I didn't mean to come off as innocent but it just happened. I would like to be taken seriously and treated like an adult and a young lady, not a child. Will my lyrics and image get more provocative or sexier? I think of it as growth and change. I'm not gonna turn into something I'm not again but I will not always be the Disney image that adults want me to be. I can say that I will continue to try and be a positive role model but I can't stay a child forever. I'm just going to be me and whatever happens, happens. I hope that it won't hinder my success because of an image, that would be really dumb."
Do you have any goals you want to set regarding your personal life?
"I don't wanna say I'm looking to get married anytime soon, I can guarantee I'm not getting married anytime soon or have children. I wanna enjoy life right now with Joey. Even though he has a daughter now, it doesn't change anything. We're are both in the same understanding about our future and we don't want to rush anything. I enjoy being the girlfriend more than anything and I don't feel the need to be a wife because it's a very responsible and dedicated step in life, it's a huge step and I wanna make sure that I don't take it lightly. I want to try and spend more time with my family than I have because I'm a very family oriented person and so are the rest of us Merjos's. I just don't want to try to grow up too fast and enjoy being a young adult with freedom."
Back last year, there was talk of a Merjos Family show, will that still be going on?
"Well right now, the show has been put on a halt. We're still debating on whether we want to continue to film and air the show or not. There's some really personal stuff on there and we're not sure if we want to air it or not. Right now I think it's probably a good guess that the show will not get aired but we really wanted to do it. I believe that not everyone's life should be publicized and I guess that's how our lives are."
One last question, do you see yourself changing up your style in the way you do music and can you give us anymore information about your new album?
"I see you're very intrigued about it. (Laughs) Well as I said before, the sound will vary. There will be Dance songs, R&B songs, Rock songs, even dabbling in Folk, it's just a melting pot of sounds for this album. Ideally, the concept was to make another Dance album like before but this one will incorporate more than just that type of music. The name of the album will be called Dancing In the Dark and my idea behind it is it's sort of the feeling you get when you are alone and in the dark. You're searching for light, you feel some sort of freedom and you're almost blind to what's happening and the songs will be somewhat like the journey you take through life when you can't find the light so you don't know what you're doing, you don't know what to do, where to turn, who to be. It's almost like a self-discovery journey of finding yourself and with the different types of music that will be on the album represent the different paths and experiences you'll take to get to that point in life where you find yourself. As far as me changing my style, I think it will be the same since I'm doing me and in the way that I always do things which is kind of confusing but it makes sense once you finally get it."
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview and we here at Teen Vogue wish you all the luck and success for your career! |
