Interview: Izzy Escobar Brings Soul, Honesty, and Heart to Oceans Calling 2025

The first day of Oceans Calling always carries a special kind of electricity - the boardwalk humming with music, the scent of sea air mixing with festival food, and the pulse of fans eager for

live performances. Izzy Escobar had opened the Sea Bright Stage with a performance that felt both intimate and explosive - her voice rising above the waves and chatter, commanding attention with its strength and soul.

Later that afternoon, away from the noise of the crowd, I met with Izzy for a private one-on-one interview. The energy was still radiating off her - warm, grounded, and genuine, her excitement tangible as she reflected on her Oceans Calling debut and the release of her new single, “Vendetta.”

When I asked how she would describe her music to new listeners, her passion came through instantly.

“I take influences from a variety of places,” she said. “My dad is from Cuba - he was a DJ and always played every genre of music around the house. My mom started me in classical violin, so I’ve always been surrounded by all kinds of music. If I had to categorize my sound, I’d call it pop-soul. But more than anything, I focus on being as honest and authentic as I can be as a songwriter, while using music to push whatever message I’m trying to convey.”

That dedication to honesty shines through in every note. Her lyrics feel raw yet relatable, weaving emotion and melody into something that resonates deeply. When I mentioned her Cuban and Italian roots, she nodded thoughtfully.

“Being around so much music from a young age definitely influenced me,” she said. “I pull from everything - jazz, Latin, classical symphonies. It’s all in there. I love older music and the timelessness of it. I think that’s what makes it special - when you can’t really pin it down to one genre.”

At Oceans Calling, Escobar’s set became one of those festival discoveries - a moment where new fans stop mid-walk, drawn in by a voice that feels both familiar and fresh. Her latest single, “Vendetta,” dropped the very day of her performance, serving as the lead single from her upcoming debut EP, Sunny in London, due out October 24.

“We recorded it all live in New York City - the old-fashioned way,” Izzy shared. “Some of the most amazing musicians I’ve ever met played on it. Jon Lampley even played horns on the record. It’s been this secret I’ve been keeping for so long, and now everyone finally gets to hear it.”

Releasing her first EP has been both emotional and rewarding. “Today was the first time I performed that song live,” she said. “I got emotional on stage. It’s special - finally being able to share it.”

We talked about the whirlwind of the past few days - the excitement, the travel, and the joy of connecting with festivalgoers who just happened to stumble upon her set.

When asked who she’d love to see on a future Oceans Calling lineup, she didn’t hesitate: “Ed Sheeran and Lady Gaga,” she said with a grin. “I’m a huge Ed Sheeran fan - he is such a dimensional songwriter.”

Before we wrapped up, I ended with my signature Ocean City, Maryland question: crab cake or funnel cake? Izzy laughed.

“Is it awful if I tell you I’m vegan? I’d pick a funnel cake if I had to - but honestly, I’ll take an avocado roll by the water!”

The perfect answer from an artist who knows exactly who she is.

As our interview came to a close, it was clear that Izzy Escobar’s presence at Oceans Calling was more than just another performance slot - it was an introduction to a powerful new voice in pop-soul. Honest, vibrant, and fearless, Izzy is carving out her own lane.

Her debut EP ‘Sunny in London’ arrives October 24 on all streaming platforms.