Featured Photo Credit: Ace Misiunas
Isla George is continuing her journey to heal herself and the world with her new single “Be Kind To The People.”
Borrowing inspiration from Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror,” the empathetic single reminds listeners that the way they show up for themselves ultimately reflects how they show up for their peers.
We chatted with Isla about the single, the message, and what fans can look forward to next!
What inspired your single “Be Kind To The People?”
“Be Kind To The People” was inspired by a myriad of experiences I witnessed throughout the Black community, beginning with the Black Lives Matter movement. Witnessing the injustices throughout our country led me into deep introspection of my own injustices as well as the ways in which I did not believe I was worthy of kindness for the color of my skin.
When we are taught we are not worthy of love and kindness, we are cut off from the highest frequencies in the universe. This song was an emotional scream from the pit of my soul in hopes to pierce through the divide and separation. It was a call for love. Starting with the self.
What was the production process like?
The production process was like kismet! I had so much on my heart and mind and went into the studio and the song was written within ten minutes. It felt like it came through us and we were the channels that showed up to receive it! There were no plans, it was all heart and love that came into fruition in such an effortless call to unite the world in the middle of such divisive times.
Getting to record it with Adrian Gurvitz was also a dream of mine. I went from listening to records he had produced and dreaming of working with him to recording a song that has forever changed me. He really listened and honored my voice and my perspective and supported me in speaking my truth on this record. I feel our shared love for humanity and soul music brought the sound and message of this track alive.
Why is this message so important to you?
This message has become more than a song, but a way of life for me. This message has inspired me on my darkest days and continues to push me to be the best version of myself.
In a world that feels divisive, any message of unity and kindness I am in support of, so it has been an honor to receive this song and join in with the many voices who are fighting for equality and unity. We are all deserving and worthy of kindness and love and I feel in a world where the opposing messages are loud, it’s important to have that reminder.
Did you realize anything while writing the song?
As cheesy as it sounds, I realized that true shift and change begins with each individual person. In my mind it makes sense, but this song put me through the experiences that showed me what that really means. The song invited me to live it. Through this cry or call for kindness in the world I was held accountable for the ways in which I was being kind or unkind to myself. Be the change you wish to see in the world.
How did you come up with the concept for the music video?
It was a team effort. Quran Squire was an incredible director to work with. He resonated with the message and it felt like it just came together because we vibed. I wanted the focus to be more on the message and the people. I felt the shots of me displayed my own personal struggle with being kind to me and in a sense, I felt the personal shots captured that I am learning to practice what I preach.
Did you draw any inspiration from Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror” in both the message and the incorporation of mirrors?
No, it honestly wasn’t planned. I knew we had a room of mirrors and I just felt it was going to be a really cool shot! The day of the shoot I found myself looking in the mirror and at that moment I said out loud “I’m singing to the woman in the mirror.” It was an intense moment of alignment that created an even deeper connection to the song.
I was a huge Michael Jackson fan as a kid and always dreamed of singing purpose driven music just like “Man In The Mirror.” So when I found myself singing to myself in the mirror, it felt right. It felt like a sign.
If you could set someone up in the perfect environment to listen to the single, what do you imagine it looking like?
I envision the perfect environment would be a giant festival of humans with hearts open and full of love! Connecting like separateness is non-existent. It just feels right that this song is heard in unity. Stage diving into a crowd of beautiful humans that are my soul tribe would be the cherry on top.
What can fans look forward to next?
More music, more Soul and more kindness!
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
“BE KIND TO THE PEOPLE”