Ones2Watch Home

Sometimes, a broken heart is a blessing. Intimate singer-songwriter Isabel Van Gelder is discovering this in real time. We caught up Van Gelder ahead of the release of her second EP, Lovesick, and a run of debut shows in the US, cataloging everything that makes her a definite star on the rise: 

1. What do you love the most about being Dutch? How does it impact your songwriting?

What I really love about being Dutch, and especially about Dutch culture, is that I feel like we Dutchies are very honest and direct. We tell it like it is, even if it's a little uncomfortable at times. I especially notice this when I'm in the US or the UK, where I feel like people are very hospitable and polite, and the contrast is very noticeable. Though it might be a little intense for people who aren't used to this unfiltered way of communicating, I personally love it, and I feel it helps me in my writing. I believe that being very open and honest in your writing is one of the most important things for creating something that connects. We also make pretty amazing cheese.

2. What’s the biggest difference between your first EP Minor Details and new EP Lovesick?

I think, writing-wise, the songs feel just as honest and intimate, but this time I tried to showcase a bit more of my personality, especially in a song like "Kissing You Away," which feels a bit more cheeky and funny and, honestly, a lot more like who I am as a person. I suppose that's what I tried to do in general when it comes to the visual world of this EP. The songs are all about romantic love and its different stages: the falling in love, the fear, the gratitude and the heartbreak. It's all very emotional and a tad dramatic, and I wanted to poke some fun at that. Sharing your music and all your rawest thoughts and feelings is a bit of a strange thing in itself, and in my case, a bit over the top every now and then. So I also think it's important to have a little fun with it and, whilst taking it very seriously, to also be able to take a step back and laugh at the drama of it all.

3. Describe the Lovesick EP in 3 words.

Oversharing with (really pretty) harmonies : )

4. If your music were a candle, what would it smell like?

Jasmine (the flower)

5. What makes you excited about playing your first U.S. shows?

EVERYTHING! So many of my idols are from the States, and growing up in Europe, it was always my dream to go to New York or LA and make music there. The fact that I'm playing shows in both of those places now is insane. A dream come true.

6. Dream venue to play?

Madison Square Garden

7. Where do you shop for your on-stage outfits?

For Love And Lemons, Agent Provocateur, Orseund Iris

8. What's the silver lining from a broken heart?

Like Ethan Hawke said, the one who’s in love always wins. I believe that to have loved and lost is so much better than to have never loved at all.

9. What’s inspiring you the most right now?

Rewatching old Rihanna performances. And Mary Oliver.

10. Who are your OnesToWatch? 

Ethan French, Norah Hendricks and Imme !

Listen to Lovesick below: