Mane Up Memphis Podcast
Mane Up Memphis Podcast serves up practical therapy insights, financial-empowerment tips, and inspiring Memphis stories—straight from the nonprofit that says “wrap-around support or bust.” Hosted by LMSW & CFSW Joey Laswell. New episodes every Tuesday.
Mane Up Memphis Podcast
Episode 9: Is Anybody Listening? Raw Talent Meets Genuine Vulnerability
Send us a message at info@maneupmemphis.org
Meet Isabella&Sebastian, the Memphis-based musical duo whose authentic sound and emotional storytelling are capturing hearts from Tennessee to Brazil to Japan. Their journey began with a single song released "into the void" of streaming platforms—no promotion, not even an Instagram account—yet within weeks, "Helium" had gathered thousands of streams and now sits at over a million.
What makes this pair extraordinary isn't just their music, but their ages—Isabella at 20 and Sebastian at just 13. Despite their youth, their artistic maturity shines through in every note and lyric. Sebastian, who began playing drums at three before expanding to bass, keys, and guitar, creates rich instrumentals that blend Memphis' soulful heritage with contemporary sounds. Isabella brings the storytelling, crafting lyrics that explore vulnerability, self-discovery, and human connection with remarkable depth.
During our conversation, we explored how their music addresses mental health through vulnerability rather than explicit messaging. "At least from a lyrical standpoint, the album really does have a lot of vulnerability," Isabella explained. "It's things that I can relate to, things I know other people can relate to... finding yourself and navigating your way through relationships and your relationship with yourself." This authenticity resonates deeply with listeners seeking genuine connection in an increasingly artificial world.
Perhaps most fascinating is their perspective on creativity in the age of AI. "AI can never truly create art because it doesn't have a soul," Isabella noted. "It can replicate emotions to an extent, but it will never truly feel it, so it will never be authentic." Their stripped-down live performances of "Hopscotch," "Lobbytommy," and "Sensor" demonstrated exactly what AI cannot replicate—the raw emotional power of authentic human expression.
Want to experience this remarkable duo for yourself? Catch them September 18th at the City of Munford or September 26th at the Mid-South Fair. Follow them on Instagram @isabellasebastian_official, and listen to their album "Is Anybody Listening?" on all streaming platforms. Your ears—and your soul—will thank you.
#ManeUpMemphis
All right, hey everybody, this is Joey Lasso with Made Up Memphis, a nonprofit, and we are with Isabelle and Sebastian and Sebastian, they're a local band out of Memphis and man, they just got a lot of great energy and we're excited to interview them as part of our nonprofit. So just a little bit of background and Maine. At Memphis, we focus on mental health and financial literacy for 11 to 25 year olds. So basically, you guys are kind of like our core demographic. You know, Correct. So let's talk a little bit about your origin story. I always love a good origin story and you know. However, you guys want to tell it. You've probably told it a few times now, but maybe give us a condensed version of the story.
Speaker 2:Sabah usually takes over this part.
Speaker 3:So we originally started off In a rock band. I was in need of a singer and I met Isabella through our old vocal coach and, yeah, did that for a good while. But then we realized that we really worked well Together and tried doing a little cover on the side and really liked it. So that's when I gave her the instrumental to helium and made that for real yeah, we uh I put lyrics to that and then it was kind of all downhill from there.
Speaker 1:We downhill, or okay? Well, I guess, yeah, downhill it was just smooth.
Speaker 2:Okay, it was, it was it just fell right, it was so easy, it was so natural. Just creating with sebastian and helium was a song to like really blow up, and it was our first thing that we ever put out. That was ours, and so we already were off to a really good start, and then it only blew up even more.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah. So what was it like whenever you released that? How did you release it? When did you know you had blown up a little bit? How did that happen?
Speaker 3:I think we just released it, just dry released it. We didn't really do any promo. I doubt that we even have an Instagram when we released it.
Speaker 2:We didn't actually. We literally just released it into the void of Apple Music and Spotify.
Speaker 3:When we saw, like between the first and second week, it already had like 2,000 streams, which was crazy to us. We were like maybe we should take this seriously. We put up some meta ads behind it and now it's sitting at over a million streams on all platforms.
Speaker 2:Which it's funny talking about the ads, because I think the big reason that those ads went viral is because Sebastian was doing the dumbest dance of all time in the thing and people just kept commenting on and they were like, why does the boy look like he's in pain, why does the boy look anguished? And so literally real comments. We haven't got the screenshot somewhere. But um, yeah, it was your goofy dancing and um, helium's just catchiness that led us to victory took golf, okay.
Speaker 1:So when did you guys um decide to turn it into an ep or an lp? Um?
Speaker 2:I think it was an lp. So I think for us, when we first started, when we realized that helium was really going somewhere, seba had a bunch of other instrumentals that he had been working on um behind the scenes before he even had anybody to share them with.
Speaker 3:I found the perfect person.
Speaker 2:You were just figuring out your software and how to play your instruments.
Speaker 3:That's the story of Lavender. I was just on my guitar trying to figure out how to record and came up with that riff.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and now it's one of my favorite songs that we've ever written. It's where we get the title of our album. Is anybody listening? So I think the the goal in the beginning was just to create music and just roll with it, um, and keep pushing stuff out. And then by the time we had like six or seven songs. I guess that was when we decided not only were we going to release like an ep and just continue releasing songs here and there, we were like this could be one cohesive project. So I think that was it for us, yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, well, so I did notice, or I heard that you guys have some international fans. Do you know how that happened? I know I saw in your comment section you had some Brazilian fans. I know you're pretty popular in Japan too, so do you know how? How did that happen? Or or have you learned about what? What it took to get to an international audience?
Speaker 3:um, I think they just really loved our music. I know when we first released helium, the brazilians just grabbed on, grabbed onto it. I see a couple brazilian flags hey guys, we see you we love you, but they just really took to it um, um more than America.
Speaker 2:They did and I guess, um, I would assume it might be because there are pieces of our song that feel influenced by that culture. I guess, and I think that might be the same for, like, um, japanese fans, um, they uh, let's see, helium is really popular in Brazil and in Japan it's Lobby, tommy and Strawberry Skin. So I'm assuming there's just something in there that those people, just like it, might sound familiar to them, it might sound like home. So I think that would be that's it, yeah, okay.
Speaker 1:And then I mean, if things go well, you guys want to tour to those kind of places.
Speaker 2:Yes, absolutely. Why not 100%?
Speaker 1:Oh my gosh, All right, so we're putting it out there. You know, international touring is going to be a thing, right? Yes, if y'all continue to stream our music and I promise, like we're on our way, guys, we're on our way. Yeah, that's awesome and I, you know, as a fan, I'm a fan and I'm half Japanese, so I have a connection to Japan, and my mom was just here visiting Memphis a couple of weeks ago, and um, and so I'm, I'm going to try to get you guys, I would love that.
Speaker 3:Thank you so much.
Speaker 1:We're going to do something. We're going to figure it out, but yeah we would absolutely love a Japan. That's like top like top experience.
Speaker 2:Bucket list goal.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean um, yeah, I mean um, like there's so many, like everyone wants to go to tokyo, which is, which is cool, but, um, I really fell in love with kyoto and um, I mean, it's just a beautiful city, beautiful city it's a beautiful place, beautiful place and so, yeah, just uh get your um, yes, okay, all right.
Speaker 1:so, um, so we got a a little distracted with the Japan stuff, but either way, I'm excited. So you guys are from Memphis. Can you tell us a little bit about what Memphis means to you guys? What is your goals when it comes to being basically a face of memphis at this point?
Speaker 2:oh, wow I think you would explain better than me um, I think being um a face in memphis is someone speaking on. That is the ghost, perhaps is it coming from upstairs?
Speaker 3:I don't know. It got louder when the door came down.
Speaker 1:Actually, I might have maybe been recording oh my gosh, alright, well, I hope I got some of your audio from there. Oh my gosh Nothing.
Speaker 3:Oh, it's a shot.
Speaker 1:Okay, that's interesting.
Speaker 3:Oh mute yourself. Mute yourself yourself. That's what it was.
Speaker 2:For those who don't know, we're also recording off to the side, which is why we're a little late, because you're getting this set up.
Speaker 1:It should be the full thing.
Speaker 4:It might just be because you're on mobile.
Speaker 1:I'm wondering, alright, well, this is live and, as you probably can already tell, it might just be because you're on mobile. I'm wondering, all right, well, this is live, and, as you probably can already tell, there are some. You know this is, we're doing this live, you know. So there's going to be some snafus and things that come up, but you know that's okay, yeah, I just appreciate you guys and you know just grateful that you guys are.
Speaker 1:What we were talking about before was being the face of Memphis, or being a face of Memphis and a new, exciting, energetic face of Memphis. So when you go out and perform, are you thinking about like, yeah, we're representing Memphis.
Speaker 2:Oh, certainly I think. Being a face of Memphis INS I think is so interesting because it combines elements of classic Memphis music like the blues and the soul Especially.
Speaker 2:Hopscotch oh definitely Hopscotch was heavily influenced by that and um but we also have an element that you don't really see a lot in Memphis, and so I really think it's cool that we're kind of combining where we came from and where we want to go, and so when we perform and like when we talk about just being a face of Memphis, it's definitely like I feel very honored to be here, because Memphis just has such a rich music history, and to be a part of a place that's so great, somewhere that I'm just so proud of like it, I'm just so grateful yeah, awesome, uh.
Speaker 1:And then you know, I looked around on your website and I didn't see a vinyl option. Are you guys doing anything vinyl related?
Speaker 2:yes, yes, maybe you may or may not be, I'm currently pressing some vinyl which I think, oh my gosh, it's gonna look really special to me put our time and effort into designing them. Yes, we really did, and the the colors, and you may or may not get like a special poster or something I don't. I don't want to give too much away, but I also can't stop yapping about it. Something I don't want to give too much away, but I also can't stop yapping about it.
Speaker 1:Hey, why not? Why not? So I was thinking about it and I haven't even brought this up to you guys yet, but would you guys be interested in giving away some swag yes, to any of the fans, because I thought it would be kind of cool if we, you know, maybe a t-shirt or a CD or something, and it'd be a fun little giveaway for the fans. So if you're interested I don't know what would you think that? What would they do? Comment something specific.
Speaker 2:I would say honestly, yeah, just interact with our post. Maybe I think it would be fun if, like under five posts, you comment like is anybody listening, or you like, or you post it to your story like just engagement, and I definitely would want to put more thought into that because I don't want to do a hashtag.
Speaker 3:Is anybody listening?
Speaker 2:that would be great too, if you make a post about the album, your favorite song, like what you like about it. Um and again, like I don't want to throw this into the air and then forget what I said and then forget all the rules we just made up.
Speaker 3:That's why we have archives.
Speaker 2:Yes, that's why we have this archived, but we'd probably do something like that. Okay, I'd love to.
Speaker 1:And yeah, I mean just for reference. You know, Mainnet Memphis is a nonprofit, so I would be remiss if I didn't recommend that. You know, please give us. We'd love some donations because we're really trying to help 11 to 25 year old youth with their mental health and their financial literacy. So I mean, I'm just really passionate about this organization's cause and you know, you guys just bring an energy, a light, a positivity to. You know, just be spread out there. And so I just really think that Memphis needs more, more people like you guys, more creatives that have this really positive vibe. And you know, I just, you know anyone out there please like share this music. You know it's still late, it's late in the summer, but I think you guys have many, many songs of the summer potentials in in your album.
Speaker 2:So really appreciate that, especially because, like, at least from a lyrical standpoint, the album really does um. It's not necessarily about putting the spotlight on mental health, but there is a lot of vulnerability, yes, on this album and it's things that I can relate to. It's other, it's things that I know other people can relate to, um, and that's a big thing. I know it's a goal for both of us. It's just connection with other people, especially through topics about, like, finding yourself and navigating your way through relationships and your relationship with yourself. So it's it's we really appreciate hearing that from another person that, like, that message really comes through?
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. Um, I'm curious though, like with um, like Sebastian, you know like you're how old, 13. 13. Okay, and and Isabella, you're 20. Okay, so we got you know a younger, a younger band, but I think, very wise beyond your years. So talk to me a little bit about your musical journey, how you got to this point and you know what are some of your goals for your musical. You know future.
Speaker 3:For sure. Yeah, I remember I was about two and a half and I was in the car with my dad and he played me some police and I just really stuck on. Um, I was three when I first got my first little drum kit. You know it's a little kiddie kit, but I didn't come up from air. So, um, you know, started bass when I was about five, keys when I was like six, and then guitar when I was seven. Just picked up instruments along the way, mainly drums as my primary interest. But yeah, I really want to sell out big stages in the future.
Speaker 1:In Japan and Brazil right.
Speaker 3:Right right In Japan and.
Speaker 2:Brazil and America and all of that fun stuff. For me, I think I've always been inclined to music. I think everybody when they're little, they have that thing that they grab onto Mine. I definitely fixated on music, and especially my dad's music. My dad listened to a lot of like 70s and 80s music, so a lot of things that he liked I ended up really enjoying. And then my brother my brother was home with me a lot really just helping raise me and my little sister, and he loved guitar and he taught himself how to play, and so I went through all the different phases that he did, like everything he to I listened to, and then I would make up um, I would pick up the guitar and strum.
Speaker 2:It wasn't anything coherent or cohesive, but I would just strum random things and make up songs on the spot. I knew I like I listened to the story of things. Especially, and even more than a singer, I think I want to be a storyteller, um, and like, if I get to do that through music, that's the ultimate goal. But, um, yeah, so I think that's really what inspired me was just my family, um, aside from my brother, nobody really plays music, um, but they still have always been so supportive and like really took a dream like a hobby to a dream, to a career for me and I think my ultimate goal with music is I would love to be out there in the world, like spreading positive messages. I want to initiate connection for people through music and reminding people that like they're not alone in any journey they're going through and just continuing to perform and create as much as I can, as long as I can there you go.
Speaker 1:I love that. So, um, I was scouring your guys's comment section on like Facebook and different socials and you know like a lot of just great, great um feedback from the fans, but is there any one or two comments that really stand out to you, that really like either like hit you in the feels or made you just feel so proud, or anything like that?
Speaker 3:oh oh, I get those all the time seba. I mean, I don't have anything super specific that comes to mind, but I've definitely seen a few just very inspiring comments, just, you know, encouraging to keep us going on and how much that we have inspired them. Like people in our dms will send us like paragraphs of just like, just very nice things everyone's so nice to us.
Speaker 2:You're like thanks guys. Um. For me, I would say um. The first one that I will forever remember and it's not inspiring, it's just funny is on the first helium ad, a comment we got, because save is doing his dance and his face is like scrunched up in this agonized expression and somebody commented why is the boy in despair? And I thought that was the funniest thing I've ever read. Um, but I think for me, um, I love seeing people say like, I love the comments that are like your wise, beyond your years, coming from older people who've just seen so many eras of music pass, and I think that's so awesome that, like, despite however much music they've heard, like they've lived through so so many genres, I guess, but ours sticks out to them and I think that's so cool. And recently we got a dm from somebody who was like your album is so great and then gave us their favorite songs and then a paragraph each on why they loved them maybe that's what we should send the merch to.
Speaker 3:yes, oh my oh my gosh.
Speaker 2:Yes, dm us again, we'll send you a T-shirt Like oh my gosh, I loved that. And then, yeah, I think it's just things like that, where people really take the time to go in depth into our music. That's my favorite.
Speaker 1:And I really encourage people if you have an Apple Music player, like you can look at the lyrics while you're listening to the song, or like you can look at the lyrics while you're listening to the song, and that's a really. I found it to be an even better way to listen to music because you're connecting to the lyrics a little bit more when you're reading it and listening to it.
Speaker 2:Right, yes.
Speaker 1:Just a fun little hack that might make you love this even more, so just throwing that out there, but all right. So that's really awesome stuff and I really am curious. Okay so, because we're talking about mental health stuff and I know we don't want to get too into the weeds, but just your perspective, is there anything that you've seen that is effective for mental health care or something that you would like to see with mental health professionals or the the industry as a whole?
Speaker 2:Oh, I love this question.
Speaker 3:You go ahead. I'm not going to be too well at answering that.
Speaker 2:I think something that truly, truly helps is when people listen, and I know that that's kind of I feel like that might be the obvious answer like, but we all need somebody to talk to, and I'm going to get on my soapbox for a second, I'm going to try not to but like, seriously, with the rise of AI and everything is fake, we need authenticity, but we also need to listen to people who come forward with their honesty, with their genuineness, with their authenticity, and we need to extend empathy to those people.
Speaker 2:We don't need to shut them down because they might be a bit eccentric or, we might, like, deviate in the way that we process life, but that doesn't make any which way any less valid. You know, like, the way that we three think is probably completely different, but I like to believe that we would never invalidate the other, and I think that we are becoming more gentle on ourselves but also still somehow harder on ourselves, and that's a that's a terrible dichotomy to have, especially with just like, how against everyone everyone is. So I think the we should just start with listening to each other and not automatically writing each other off as overdramatic or stupid. Like I've always been very highly emotional, very highly sensitive. It's I why I'm so proud of my writing, because I utilize that emotion and I create. I create art with it that I'm very proud of. So I think, yeah, if we listen more and just honored the way that we all process our emotions and the way we choose to express ourselves, I think that would be a really good first step. Okay.
Speaker 1:All right, anything, sebastian, anything to add?
Speaker 3:I mean, oh well, I would agree with that. I think, if anything I was going to say, it's probably someone to listen.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah. So you feel like, generationally, is there anything that you would recommend that, like my generation you know I'm an elder millennial, whatever that means, who knows? Yeah, whatever that means. But yeah, whatever, whatever that means. But so, uh, is there any anything that you would like to see from my generation and beyond as far as, like you know, learning more about your generation? What, what are your pain points, what are your concerns and your issues about the future and things like that? Is there anything that you would, any advice you would give to us to be able to talk to you guys better?
Speaker 3:that is there anything that you would, any advice you would? Give to us to be able to talk to you guys better.
Speaker 2:All you, um, I think something that I would ask of, I guess, your age range is um, we like especially younger gen z.
Speaker 2:I feel like we do require a bit more validation, okay, and I think that and this is not your generation, but you know, you get the people who are like back in my day, like we beat each other with a stick, like that kind of thing, and it's like that doesn't work anymore.
Speaker 2:And it's not necessarily our fault that we need that extra reassurance, but I think the more we progress as a society, it's just the more fragile everything gets and therefore, like our hearts become more fragile, our minds become more fragile, and so I think, being willing to extend empathy to younger people who are still trying to figure themselves out they might be at a point where it's like they, we might be going off the deep end, but it's not to immediately write us off. It's crazy, it's. Let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture of why we're reacting the way we're reacting, because something that seems minuscule to you may mean everything and more to me and vice versa. So, just extending grace and empathy to the young people who are still trying to figure themselves out, because everything's so confusing right now.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I agree, and I think it's confusing for every generation to an extent, especially now with all the AI proliferation and you know deep fakes and things like that. Like you don't, you can't trust your eyes anymore. You can't trust your ears, you know. So it's a really. It's a new dynamic and I think we're all kind of like learning to deal with it, you know.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's kind of just becoming a Black Mirror episode, if that makes sense. It's getting less like something you see on a screen. It's like, oh, that would never happen to us. To kind of like reflecting where we're at, you know.
Speaker 1:And that's not good. No, but see, that's why I feel like live music and music in general, like you know. I guess you can say analog music or just music that is manufactured by humans as much as possible. I know that there are tools that musicians use or producers that use AI to kind of help streamline the workflow and all that stuff, but the real artists. I think there's going to be a resurgence and an interest in, like, the novelty of live performance, like you know, because everyone is used to streaming apps and platforms now. But I think that there's going to be kind of an interest in live music again, or music you know.
Speaker 4:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So I'm looking forward to that and I'm hoping that you know this kind of stuff will invigorate people to go check out music. Like you know, try out new kinds of music. You know, maybe explore some new avenues that you haven't tried before.
Speaker 2:I would love that because, like you know, with AI I see that quote a lot, I forget exactly how it goes, but it ends with like AI can never truly create art because it doesn't have a soul. You know, it can replicate the emotions to the extent, but it will never truly feel it, so it will never be authentic. So I think, even if we get completely, we all dive into AI as a society, I think we're going to come full circle and realize like we have lost the connection, we've lost the plot entirely. So I think, uh, what what we do? It really brings that community together, which I know is very important to us as artists and just, I think, musicians in general, like we want to feel seen not just us individually, but like our community, like we all want to have a voice. Yeah, we all want to be together and have fun in our space and feel safe. So here's hoping. Yeah, that's been a resurgence.
Speaker 1:Right, and that's the interesting part I think about. You said community and there's all these like online communities, but it doesn't seem like there's much in-person community.
Speaker 2:No third space? Is it basically disappeared off the face of the earth? Like that makes sense.
Speaker 1:Well, yeah, I guess we got off on a little bit of a tangent.
Speaker 4:But you know that was interesting.
Speaker 1:I genuinely. You know I've been, you know, as a I'm a licensed master social worker, and so, like I'm, you know, I'm a therapist as well, and so this stuff intrigues me. But it also concerns me because, you know, there are people that are having serious stuff going on and it's like they're believing their AI and they're doing stuff that the AI tells them to do, and, yeah, so, as a mental health professional, it really concerns me, you know. So this is something that, like, once again, generationally, you guys are kind of stuck in the middle.
Speaker 1:You know like you're, you're, you know you're born now in the post AI era, you know, yeah, so, yeah, I mean, I hope for the best. You know, maybe the AI overlords will be kind to us, you know, but I hope so that's all we can do. But in the meantime, you know we're going to make you guys are going to make amazing music, and you know we're going to talk about mental health issues, and you know we also talk about financial literacy on here, and so, to segue into that, I'm going to switch gears a little bit. But when it comes to personal finances, you know you guys are still young, but is there any kind of I don't know, like any kind of financial topics that scare you.
Speaker 2:Scare me, not necessarily ones that scare me. I think it's more of just like when I think to myself where am I going to end up with things? I guess just things becoming more expensive, and it's not really a topic I can delve completely into, because it's not one that I completely understand, but I do know that there are people who are struggling so hard, like well into their 20s, to even afford an apartment, and that's the kind of thing that just like worries me so much, so I think that would be a topic that I fear.
Speaker 1:Anxiety, that's a financial anxiety. That's the thing for sure. Yeah Well, anything for you, Sebastian, as far as like, what are your? I mean, you're probably not worried about it too much either Probably not.
Speaker 3:Taxes, taxes.
Speaker 1:I don't know, I'm not, I don't know much about it, I think, enjoy that, while you can, because like yeah, you know you're still young and enjoy your youth and don't worry about my money too much, but part of our mission is to at least getting the information out there to younger and younger generations. So that way, because a lot of people that I've talked to in their 60s, 70s, up to my generation and it's like I wish they all say mostly say I wish I knew more about finances when I was younger Me too. Yes, yeah, so that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to, you know, change the narrative around personal finance and start with the younger generation. You know so, um, so if you were to give okay, so switching gears to the um, let's say, a new aspiring artist, um, maybe not necessarily money related, but is there anything that you would recommend to a a new aspiring artist to kind of get a leg up, or or to, you know, maybe, some lessons learned that you guys learned along the way?
Speaker 3:as far as I think social media will play the biggest role. Okay, especially if you're not doing heavy, just general promotion, just actively posting on your social media account. You know, we saw that with our rock band Soundbox. We peaked over 100,000 followers. We were just posting, yeah, we were just posting, we were following what comments asked us to do, getting millions of views, 5,000 likes a minute. It was wild. But yeah, just social media just plays the, I'd say, the biggest role in the music industry right now.
Speaker 2:It definitely does, and to kind of like get into a broader version of what you're saying. It's just putting yourself out there. It's very much like I'm very much a dreamer, but I also know that my dreams are not going to be handed to me and I've had the privilege of working for the things that I want and that gives me so much more experience than it would if everyone just gave me exactly what I wanted. And you know, I'm a full-time college student, full-time musician, part-time barista Like I'm working, working, working. But I still know that this is what I want to do. I know that this is exactly where I want to be, and so it's a matter of if you continue to push and get yourself out there, opportunities will arise for you to take.
Speaker 2:Like I went from posting TikToks on my own, just with a guitar on my floor, doing covers, maybe an original song here or there. I started doing voice lessons because I wanted to get better for when I sang at, like, farmer's markets and coffee shops, and that's how I met you, that's how INS started, and now we're here. So it really is just like be ready to work hard and sometimes you're gonna be like I don't know if I can do this anymore. I'm burnt out, I'm frustrated. I got too much going on. Just keep freaking, pushing and you're going to get there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:That's great advice and I would say that even as a as a podcaster I've been.
Speaker 1:I've been doing this for about a year now and there was a long period or a stretch where you know you start off all like energized and and motivated, and then anything, yeah, and then, and then after a while you're like, okay, this is, this is actually kind of a grind sometimes, and then you have to power through that grind session, but then eventually, if you stick with it, I've seen that it will start to pay off and it's like a that exponential curve sometimes where it's like you know slow and steady, and then you get that hockey stick and then like all of a sudden it's like kind of takes off.
Speaker 1:So yeah, and, and that's just, you know you got to work, you know work the algorithms a little bit. You know that's, that's the thing now nowadays SEO stuff, right, you know search engine optimization, yeah. So there's a lot, of, a lot of cool things and and honestly, uh, going back to that community aspect, I would say lean on on, lean on your peers. Uh, like your networking, I mean, I I say it's never too early to start networking.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah, you know most, most young people, just call it like having friends. But when you get, when you get a little bit older, you start looking at networking as you know who you know, and that really opens up so many doors. Like, since I've been doing podcasting, I've met you, mostly virtually, but in some, in some cases, I've been able to meet people in person. You know that I met, that I, I interviewed them over podcast and then suddenly I'm meeting them in person. So that's that I met, that I interviewed them over a podcast and then suddenly I'm meeting them in person. So that's, this was crazy, that's amazing. And then this this is actually I was telling them earlier, this is my first in-person podcast.
Speaker 2:That's amazing, oh my gosh so cool, yeah.
Speaker 1:So I'm just, I'm really just, yeah, over the moon excited for this and there's going to be some more just over the moon excited for this. There's going to be some more. This is something that Made at Memphis. We're building towards live podcasting like this. We're working with restaurants. We're going to do, maybe, some live podcasting inside a restaurant and do some fun taste testing things.
Speaker 1:We've got some cool ideas, some different things to engage with the community of Memphis, highlight the local businesses, small businesses, and so, yeah, if you're interested in being a part of something like that, let us know. You can shoot me a DM or contact info at madeupmemphisorg contact info at made up memphisorg. And, yeah, we'll, we'll. You know, we want to highlight memphis, the, the, the great parts of memphis, because there's a lot of parts of memphis that get more attention, you know, than than what the things like you guys are bringing to the table. So that's part of my mission at made up memphis and what we're trying to do is just to to bring more positivity into the world because, let's face it, we need it.
Speaker 4:We really need it.
Speaker 1:It's just like this. I don't know, there's something cathartic about, you know, hearing good music. And then when I was here with you guys a couple of days ago and listening to your rehearsal, and there's just something about a live performance that I think if more people went out and experienced live music because a lot of people don't get to go to concerts, you know, and they just don't get that opportunity but I think if we had more and more concerts on a regular basis which you know, bartlett is doing a pretty good job.
Speaker 2:The concert series yes.
Speaker 1:And I think other cities are starting to do concert series. So I think they should, yeah, they should, and and actually that goes into um you guys have a couple of gigs coming up. So what, what's on your, on your um, on your itinerary coming up soon?
Speaker 3:I know, september 18th we're playing at the city of mumford, and the 26th we're playing at the City of Mumford and the 26th we're playing at the Mid-South Fair. So, mid-south Fair this will be the third year in a row we're playing.
Speaker 2:Nice. First year is Isabel and Sebastian.
Speaker 3:Yeah, for sure, which is?
Speaker 2:amazing, so I'm really excited to see how that goes.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's awesome and then so if somebody wanted to book you guys, how would they get to you?
Speaker 2:We have wanted to book you guys. How, how would they and how they get to you. We have contact info on our instagram and website. And website, um, our instagram is isabella sebastian official and there is um an email tab that you can click and you can get into contact with us. Um. And then on our website, which is just um isabella sebastian musiccom, um, there is a uh booking page where you can access that same email and we'll get into contact with you soon.
Speaker 3:Okay. Awesome, I'm sorry this might be just a complete sidetrack, but I think the live chat got disabled. Oh, um, we've been just at. We've just been getting notifications that people are showing up for the past 20 minutes, but no comments.
Speaker 1:I don't know. Well, they might not be able to hear us very well.
Speaker 2:Probably not. They might just be observing our mouths.
Speaker 3:I know it was blowing up earlier, but I don't know they couldn't hear.
Speaker 1:But sorry about that, guys. But you know, if you wanted to catch the whole episode, it's going to be on their Made at Memphis podcast and we'll also be putting the video out there too. It's on YouTube and all the different platforms. So you know, if you missed it live, don't worry, we're going to have it as a podcast episode. So this is live podcasting. This is kind of a newer genre, sub-genre of podcasts, but yeah, it's kind of blowing up and you know, I just figured it would be kind of a fun thing to try this out and you know we ran into some technical issues. We're a little bit delayed, so I apologize for that, but that's live for you. But yeah, so is there anything? Is there anything else that you have? You have this platform. You know you have a potential new audience to speak to. Is there anything that you would like to share with a new audience?
Speaker 2:A new audience.
Speaker 3:Stream our music? No, but I really hope that our music gets to you and that you'll feel inspired. That you'll feel inspired. That you'll feel inspired, because I know that's mainly what I strive to do. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, hey guys, I truly hope that you love our music and I hope that you find a song on the album that speaks to you, whether it's through the instrumentation, whether it's through the lyricism. Um, I hope that, whatever mood you're in, it can put you in an even better mood.
Speaker 3:Um, because I think that's a big reason why we do what we do right is to just comment or dm us that because you might win some merch maybe maybe or maybe not, but but yeah, I hope that our music is just inspiring to you.
Speaker 2:It invites you to go out and dance and connect with people and I hope, whoever you share it with, you guys have a fun little dance party and, yeah, hope you enjoy it.
Speaker 1:Awesome and if you give it a chance, I can put my personal stamp of guarantee that you will like it. And you know, share it with your friends and family. You know, because I mean, I see it as you're sharing positivity, you're sharing positive vibes. So please do that. And, you know, just be positive for each other, with each other. You know, give hugs every once in a while.
Speaker 1:What a crazy concept but be nice, call your friends, call your family members from time to time. Do those little things, because those things really can make somebody's day.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And that goes into taking care of each other in that sense of community, to taking care of each other in that sense of community. And we talked about like I feel like we really we're trying to at man of Memphis to bring a sense of community back Just in general. Like you know, we're talking about like creating some fun events for just like random things like water balloon fights or block parties or movie nights, you know, like in the park or something like that. So if you guys have any fun ideas you want to share, then you know we're open for business and so anything that you guys want and Want to share it with us and we'll blast it out there to the world.
Speaker 1:Because man of Memphis is actually, you know, we're kind of a startup of nonprofits. We're pretty new to the scene. But the CEO, rachel Chantel, she's a visionary I'm not just blowing smoke, but she's a visionary and she has big visions for what this could do for the city of Memphis. But then we're also looking at a model that can be transplanted in different cities. That's awesome. So we're looking at becoming a trailblazer of sorts and if you want to be a part of that, please let us know. We're looking for volunteers, we're looking for staff, we're we're definitely building and building. So, um, uh, yeah, so we just wanted to give you guys a platform, highlight what you guys are doing for the city of Memphis, bringing some positivity into the world, and I was thinking we could do a a live song if you guys are interested in that.
Speaker 1:Um you know we're we're doing this live, so you know we apologize if anything goes wrong, but you know we're going to. We're going to make it work and just have fun with it. Beautiful, okay, so standby. Uh, we're going to get ready and um, and then we will have a spell inspection live. Let's go, okay.
Speaker 2:So stand by, we're going to get ready, and then we will have Isabella and Sebastian live, let's go.
Speaker 3:Okay, cool, let's see.
Speaker 2:Somebody play the Jeopardy music yeah.
Speaker 4:Hang on.
Speaker 2:Let's move the camera. Oh yeah, absolutely, here we go. I'm going to put that there.
Speaker 3:I'm going to go turn on the keys.
Speaker 2:You go that way.
Speaker 1:And I will provide color commentary while the thing is being set up. Or would you like me to put these? Oh, excuse me. Alright, people, we're doing this live, so bear with us.
Speaker 2:That kind of looks like you're looking into the face of God.
Speaker 1:Oh, are we? Okay? I didn't know.
Speaker 2:Oh wait, yeah, we get through a lot Guys, so fun fact. If you want to see these socks play live, you should go over and check out the NetMembers live stream video. Yeah, hope to see you there. Like and subscribe.
Speaker 4:Alright, beautiful video. Yeah, hope to see you there Like and subscribe.
Speaker 3:All right, should be getting boozed up. You want to just do like? I guess a shorter version.
Speaker 4:Let's do hopscotch first.
Speaker 3:Hopscotch alright.
Speaker 4:There we go.
Speaker 2:We can put the camera over here on that side, okay, because otherwise I hope I'm not too in the way. No, I don't think you are Beautiful, beautiful.
Speaker 4:This background music. Wow yeah, this background music will make it so Lo-fi. Oh yeah, alright, I'm just gonna hold it like this and see what happens.
Speaker 2:Okay cool, you ready to surf some hopscotch yeah.
Speaker 4:I've been taking chances on you when you've never changed, and I've always used the games you forced me to play, and I would take the matches from your hands If it puts out the fire Cause I'm tripping on stones, breaking my bones, trying to reach the end of my life. I want you to see. You Got me tripping over, losing my composure and hoping you could meet me halfway, with those bruises on my knees and your laughing when I bleed. So I guess there's nothing more to say. I put one foot in front of the other and jumped from number to number. But it's one step forward, two steps back and I don't wanna finish the game.
Speaker 4:One, two, three four Twist it up and I'm on my limbs Trying to catch a tear. But I should know that I'm a whirlwind, cause you broke me in two. I don't wanna hear your words and your crocodile smile, cause I'm tripping on songs and I'm breaking my bones Trying to reach the end of the line, don't you see? I'm trippin' over, losing my composure and hopin' you could meet me halfway, but there's bruises on my knees and you're laughin' when I bleed, so I guess there's nothing more to say. I put one foot in front of the other and jumped from the other, and now my body's one step over, two steps back, and I don't wanna finish the game. I put one foot in front of the other and jump from one bed to another, but it's one step forward, two steps back. I don't wanna finish again.
Speaker 2:Awesome, you want to play Lobby Tommy. Lobby Tommy.
Speaker 4:Sure, looking in the mirror, trying to see a little clearer. Didn't think I'd go so far. Blame it on a broken heart Chasing who I could be Hard to think in a rush at me. I don't wanna go too fast. Think about the moments past, when I'm drilling in a forest, that I'm late. Where is my insecurity will be afraid. It's just yet another lesson I should take On the stage Fighting off the dissonance. I'm running out of time Setting out a warning to the girl I'll never find. Pick apart the pieces, cause you can't go back inside. Oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my.
Speaker 4:I don't want to sit tonight Hoping that I lost my mind. I'm drowning in the problems that I've made Cause my insecurity made me afraid. It's just that another lesson I should take Most days Fighting off the dissonance. I'm running out of time Sending out a warning to the girl I'll never find. I don't want to go back inside. I'm waiting for my time. Oh, here we go, and that's it. Lobby Tommy, nice, that's Lobby Tommy, lobby Tommy. I love that name that was pretty good.
Speaker 2:yeah, and that's it that's lobby tommy that's pretty good, all right, awesome.
Speaker 1:Well, do you guys want to do one more, or um?
Speaker 2:do you want to do sensor? You could yeah, okay, cool you cool with that one.
Speaker 3:Okay, wait, yeah, yeah we're finding it?
Speaker 2:I think so I.
Speaker 3:I hope so, wasn't it in G.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, okay.
Speaker 4:Yep, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Taking it easy, it's all free, baby. Sometimes there's power in the stillness. Step back and play it like I'm living. So I know gotta keep it all in my mind. They'll never find you, but it's hard. Lay low and hit them when it feels right.
Speaker 4:I know it's not an easy thing to overcome. Now you're fucked through, laughing out of motion. Everybody's going through the motions. I agree, I'm shutting you down, shutting you down slowly. Don't you ever let them take control? Now Keep it cool, but never keep your head down. I speak Straight from the center, don't listen, sir. Baby. Sometimes there's power in the soundings. Stand up back and play it like a whippin'. So I know we gotta keep it on the down low. They'll never find you in plain sight when you're low and hidden, but it feels right. I know it's not an easy thing to do. You go out of sight. The blood of the rain, but the anger came with that. Only I know, I know, I know They'll let it get down. Let it get down slowly, oh, I know, letting it down, letting it down slowly. Oh, that's censored Nice.
Speaker 1:Well, I mean, I guess I'll have the mic.
Speaker 4:Hang on, hang on, I can give you mine. Give me mine here, all right.
Speaker 1:Well, everybody, that's Isabel and Sebastian Great, great songs, great performance, and you know this was a stripped-down version of their songs, but if you want some good energy, then you definitely want to listen to their album, but really great sound, stripped-down too, yeah. So just wanted to say thank you guys. I really appreciate it, and you know this is made up Memphis, but then this is also Isabella and Sebastian, so this is going to be the end of the stream for now, but hopefully we'll get you guys on another time and then definitely have some better setup for us ready to go. All right, well, everybody, I appreciate you guys tuning in either live or watching this after the fact. So, uh, thank you guys and have a great night thank you, thank you, guys, that was so good that was so fun oh, man Thank
Speaker 4:you.