As both an actor and musical performer, Issac Ryan Brown has been honing his skills since he can remember. It has never been about prioritising one above another, but about finding the way each can complement the other. “I think even as a kid I wanted to be more than just a singer, that I wanted to dance and put on a show.” The trajectory of his career thus far reflects such a sentiment, with one of his most notable roles being Emmy nominated on Disney Channel’s ‘Raven’s Home’ and having had recurring guest roles across ‘Black-ish’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’.
Such credentials have led Isaac to where he is now, taking his experience and carrying it into the music itself. “I think being able to channel different emotions into lyrics has a lot to do with my acting background.” But this doesn’t mean Isaac plans to leave acting as he takes on the world of being an artist and performer. “I certainly don’t plan on moving away from acting any time soon, my career took off from television on AGT when I was about 6 years old. And from there I continued to act in different voice overs, television shows and movies. From those experiences I learned a lot about channeling my emotions and speaking with intent.”
His most recent single Lipstick feels simultaneously fresh and like a throwback thanks to the myriad of influences he is tuned into. Made in collaboration with Arno Spires, Chris Ballard and Wayne Hector, this track lends itself to the bigger picture of an upcoming project. “The creative vision for each song, while unique in their own ways, has to feel cohesive with the rest of the project.”
It’s a track that’s perfect as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. “It felt like Lipstick was right to release right now because of the progression of the album. Giving everyone another peek into what’s in store.”
Noctis Magazine caught up with the artist to discuss his influences, the latest single and what may be coming next.
How has acting across various television shows influenced your decision to make music and pursue these careers simultaneously?
I don’t think acting has necessarily influenced my decision to MAKE music. Music was always been my first love, although acting has directly inspired my music. In my last single End of The Season, I sort of compared the ending of a relationship to the end of a season referring to a season of a tv show. Along with a whole bunch of lines alluding to episodes, co-stars, etc.
Do you plan to move into the music space and away from acting? How do you think acting has prepared you for the world of music and performing on stage?
I certainly don’t plan on moving away from acting any time soon, my career took off from television on AGT when I was about 6 years old. And from there I continued to act in different voice overs, television shows and movies. From those experiences I learned a lot about channeling my emotions and speaking with intent. I think being able to channel different emotions into lyrics has a lot to do with my acting background. I can’t help it!
You wrote the song ‘Lipstick’ with Arno Spires, Chris Ballard and Wayne Hector. What was the process? Do you have a writers’ session or do you start with an idea solo and bring it to other writers later to collaborate?
All of those options were correct! There are times when we have writers’ sessions and times when I have a solo idea that I take those guys. But this one they actually brought me, pretty raw and we kinda polished it in the moment.
Your influences are so clear in your music and it’s clear you have a real love and appreciation for the music you’re inspired by. What drew you to artists like Michael Jackson and Usher when you were younger?
I think even as a kid I wanted to be more than just a singer, that I wanted to dance and put on a show. I don’t think anyone from our era embodies that like Chris Brown or Usher and then obviously the GOAT MJ. I’ve learned so much from just studying them on stage.
Do you have any influences your fans may not be aware of? What, other than musicians, inspires you to write?
Well, I don’t know if my fans are aware of it, but guys like Kenyon Dixon, PJ Morton and certainly Leon Thomas as of late. But those are a couple deep cuts of mine that have really inspired me in terms of how I approach lyricism and songwriting.
The electric guitar is prevalent on ‘End of the Season’ and ‘Lipstick’. What draws you to these sounds and choosing to infuse them with your R’n’B influences?
Well, that’s all Arno! The creative vision for each song, while unique in their own ways, has to feel cohesive with the rest of the project. And as we were creating, that kind of retro 80’s style guitar became a staple.
What about this track in particular felt like it was the right release to be the next single?
It felt like Lipstick was right to release right now because of the progression of the album. Giving everyone another peek into what’s in store, but there’s definitely more heat in the trunk, if you know what I mean.
How do you hope this new track makes listeners feel when they hear it?
I hope it makes listeners wanna give their partner a kiss… and then sum.
Where can listeners expect to be taken next?
Aye man, I don’t wanna make any promises, but listeners can expect to to be taken on a roller coaster with this project. Highs and lows, lies and truth. You’re gonna get a little bit of everything from this one.
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Words: Janita Purcell
Photography: Nedim Nazerali