Talent to Watch: Isabel Sotelo is here
April 9, 2014
Contributed photo: Isabel Sotelo is an up and coming artist that plans to release a new cover song of Imagine Dragon’s ‘Monster’.
In today’s digital age, there’s more than one way to find artists who are on the rise for their talent.
I found Isabel Sotelo, a cover artist from Honduras, on Youtube, after seeing a link on my Facebook feed.
The second the video began playing, I was obsessed.
Every artist has their X factor, something that sets them apart from others, what makes people recognize them the second one of their songs play.
While some rely on gimmicks and their fashion choices, Sotelo needs nothing more than her vocals.
With a wide vocal range and an edge to her voice that is somewhere in a summer day sitting in between Amy Winehouse and Sky Ferreira, Isabel is a force to be reckoned with.
Although her collection is small and growing, she is guaranteed to go far.
Coming from a start of exclusively doing covers and performing at school recitals and shows, Sotelo has walked a mile and then some.
A personal favorite is “Unfair,” the first song she wrote by herself, set against the instrumentals of the song by The Neighbourhood.
The track is a trip to a rainy day, led by her amazing vocals telling the story of unrequited love.
“I don’t want to be a dumb pop artist with music that has no feeling or meaning,” Sotelo said about her style, which she describes as “something between Daughter and Birdy with a splash of The Neighbourhood.”
Other sources she draws inspiration from are classic bands like The Beatles, The Smiths and Nirvana.
She considers herself to be one with the music, which shows in every one of her songs.
“I don’t really remember when music wasn’t a part of me,” said Sotelo. “When I couldn’t talk, all I could do was move up and down to the music.”
At only 16 years of age, I am certain that Sotelo is a talent that will only grow in years to come.
Listen to Sotelo’s music on Soundcloud at http://www.soundcloud.com/isasotelo.