Words by Emily Hollitt
If I could summarise the sound of Isabel Rumble’s sophomore record ‘Hold Everything Lightly’ into just one word, it would be ‘calmness’. The album is a beautifully crafted, introspective look at navigating through life’s changes. She balances minimal production with intricate lyrical storytelling to create both a deeply personal yet wholly relatable record with passages for each and every listener to find themselves in. Isabel leaves a piece of herself in every song on the record, creating a completely transparent record throughout.
The production shifts between almost bare acoustic tracks, to some piano-led ballads. Each track is layered with thoughtful harmonies elevating the emotion and the stories woven throughout each song. She swaps her guitar for piano for a few of the tracks and adds tasteful string sections to others. The album blends soft folk elements with hints of country to create a truly restful and thought-provoking record.
I loved every second of it and had to find the time to pick Isabel Rumble’s brain. Luckily, she found the time in her gruelling tour schedule to have a chat.
Congratulations on the release of your sophomore album ’Hold Everything Lightly’. How do you find this record differs from the material you’ve released before?
Thank you! This record feels a lot more internal and reflective and comes from a more vulnerable place than anything I have written before.
There are some very beautiful, delicate guitar and piano parts on this record that really compliment your lyrics! What idea usually comes to you first when writing a song? Instrumentation, melody, lyrics or concept?
The instrumentation really feels so delicate and thoughtful, I’m glad that comes across. Most was fleshed out after the initial recording in the studio, so it has been amazing to find out what these songs have become, and without losing any of the initial magic. Usually, I have a journal of words and phrases that spark ideas for songs. But usually the music comes first, the melody forms and then, if they fit, these words make their way into the sound.
This is a very vulnerable record. What song was the hardest, or most confronting, for you to write?
Probably Lonely Hunter. I find most daunting to sing live. I don’t think any felt confronting to write because in the moment it is just pure processing and feeling.
Thinking back to the very first song you’d ever written, how do you think your style, techniques and process has changed and grown?
I think we create the same things over and over, just in more mature and evolved ways! I have definitely improved my guitar playing, and I take a lot more care with my lyrics now.
If you had to describe your music in a single sentence to someone who had never heard it before, what would you say?
Gentle musings on love, nature and womanhood; songs from the heart.
What 3 albums have inspired you the most in your life?
Way too many to choose from, but what comes to mind right now in this moment:
‘Blue’ – Joni Mitchell
‘Alas, I Cannot Swim’ – Laura Marling
‘No Need to Argue’ – The Cranberries
What would you consider the highlight of your career so far?
Releasing this second album and touring it!
If you could play alongside any artist, dead or alive, who would you choose?
Joni Mitchell.
If you had to give advice to a young artist wanting to start writing and releasing their music, what would you say?
Don’t overthink it. Know there are always going to be challenges but stay true to your creative freedom. No one else can say/sing/play it like you.
Finally, what can we expect next from Isabel Rumble?
I’ll be touring this album around Australia over the next 6 months before heading back to Europe and the UK mid 2026. Some long overdue sitting in creative energy, and then who knows what is next! I’m as curious as anyone.
‘Hold Everything Lightly’ IS OUT NOW – LISTEN HERE
With thanks to Kick Push PR
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