We Are Iso Love n' Trust Interview

Thrilling dance pop newcomers We Are Iso have today shared their lush new single Love n' Trust - a considered track that floats through the perils of a one-sided relationship - accompanied by a stunning video directed by Alan Woodman of Nixie Films.

We Are Iso, which is comprised of vocalist Straalen Mccallum and DJ Jessy Mulholland, were formed during the pandemic, and spent their time in isolation honing their unique brand of dance pop.

Love n' Trust is an undeniable dancefloor filler – the pulsing rhythm and sweet synths throughout are guaranteed to get bodies moving. It's electronic house-inspired dance pop at its finest; inspired by the likes of Chet Faker, Running Touch, Hayden James and RÜFÜS DU SOL, We Are Iso have an instant classic on their hands with Love n' Trust. Speaking on the creation of the song, DJ Jessy Mulholland says, "The song started off with just a simple vocal hook - "love... trust" - and evolved into a story about a long-term relationship that was very much one-sided love. The couple are stuck in a loophole with no escape – even at their worst, when they fight and cheat on each other, they stay together, hoping one day they could just let it go…This song is groovy as, with a heavy festival vibe. You can't help but dance to it and the hook gets stuck in your head! We are so proud of this one!"

Directed by Alan Woodman of Nixie Films, the video features We Are Iso performing late into the night in an untouched location, with an impressive light show to set the mood and lure viewers in with that fittingly enticing, hypnotic vibe. "The song is super powerful so we wanted to keep the video stripped back to really let the song tell the story," explains Straalen. "Filming at night was such a vibe even though Jessy was rugged up in his big jacket and I was freezing! It just felt so right for the song LOVE N' TRUST. Alan our director was awesome and managed to capture the moon perfectly as it watched on directly behind us. All round, it was such an epic night and I'm so glad we got to capture it!"

We Are Iso are an unlikely duo - Straalen Mccallum is an acoustic-style singer songwriter, while Jessy Mulholland has years of experience in the tech/house scene as a DJ. They've been able to reach a strikingly unique style by meshing their two musical perspectives together, and not only does it make for hypnotic and ultracool recorded tracks, but it also helps the duo to create a completely out of this world live experience, too. We Are Iso are already selling out shows in their hometown of the Gold Coast – and it won't be long before they're doing the same across the country.

Interview with We Are Iso

Question: How would you describe your music?

We Are Iso: Think of the likes of Rufus, Hayden James and Darius and you get close to this rare combination. With big vocals and bringing soothing melodic synth sounds mixed with sweet beats to get your hips rocking and your feet grooving.


Question: Can you tell us about Love n' Trust?

We Are Iso: LOVE N' TRUST started off with just a simple vocal hook " love... trust " and evolved into a story about a long term relationship that was very much one sided love. The loved-up couple are stuck in a loophole where there is no escape. Even when they fight and cheat on each other they remain together... hoping one day they can just let it go.

This song is groovy-as and fits perfectly in festival vibes! You can't help but dance to it and the hook just stays in your head! We are proud of this one!

Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

We Are Iso: Life is short… have fun and appreciate the people around you.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

We Are Iso: Both have their place in our hearts. Honestly performing live and those butterflies you get on stage while the crowd is singing your songs with you… there isn't a better feeling. When we are in the studio writing, it's a process and it's exciting! Especially when you write a song like LOVE N' TRUST we couldn't stop laughing and smiling because it just flowed so well whilst writing it.


Question: What should we expect from your upcoming shows?

We Are Iso: We're all about big energy and taking things to the next level, and that really plays out in our performance. We like to interact with the crowd and get them involved as much as possible. A banging light show and keeping the groove is what we are all about! Our songs just make you move your feet.


Question: What is the story behind We Are Iso?

We Are Iso: We only met 8 months ago… We launched a music/ photo studio called One76, so we get to work together every day making music in the studio. Keep in mind, we come from two entirely different ends of the music world. Jessy (aka SVLT) comes from a tech-house background, DJing for 8 years at festivals and clubs, whereas Straalen who was the youngest singer signed to SONY MUSIC is very much a singer/songwriter acoustic musician. Together we found a unique middle ground and created something pretty cool!

During the pandemic (hence the name WE ARE ISO) we really honed in on finding our sound. Writing so many songs during that crazy time really gave us a chance to knuckle down. It's something we would have never thought about doing prior to the pandemic. We love it! We work really well together and the flow in the studio is just great.


Question: How did you manage to combine two completely different styles of music?
We Are Iso: Well we both love this genre of music and it comes naturally to us. Generally Jessy will focus on a kick ass beat and sounds and Straalen will focus on the lyrics and vocals. We play to our strengths and because we trust one another during the process it just works. There is nothing better than being able to just bounce ideas off someone that is just on the same wavelength and the end product is exactly how we envisioned it together.


Question: How did you guys come together?

We Are Iso: Was just a friend of a friend that introduced us. We never knew it would turn into this! But here we are!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

We Are Iso: Each other! We both want the same goal. We like to push each other and really get the best possible results. We are proud of our songs and we want to keep writing songs that we are proud to release.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

We Are Iso: Jessy - michael bibi/blackchild/rufus/kidlaroi/poloG
Straalen - Jeff Buckley, Masked Wolf, Foushee , Benee


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
We Are Iso: Jessy - watching my favourite tech house acts back in the day at big day out festival. I loved being in the crowd but I strived more to be the one on stage showcasing the music.
Straalen - Watching Coldplay live at Suncorp stadium at a young age. I knew then that's where I want to be.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

We Are Iso: Being able to play your music live and watch the crowd sing or dance to the song you have made is just a incredible feeling. Nothing better :)


Question: What's a typical day like?

We Are Iso: When we aren't making music we are surfing, camping, and just living the Gold Coast life! We definitely think it's important to have that space away from music and see the world because when we are back in the studio writing we are using those experiences as inspiration.


Question: What's next, for you?

We Are Iso: We are so excited to be performing all over and hitting up the festivals around Australia. We have a tonne of songs in the bag ready to launch, so keep an eye out because we'll be dropping a bunch of new music this year!


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

We Are Iso: Instagram 
Tiktok 
Facebook 
Youtube 
Soundcloud 
Spotify 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort