Rising Stars: Meet Izzy Veloso

Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzy Veloso.

Izzy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Music has always been super present in my life, and I’ve been drawn to it since I was a toddler. I was constantly singing, and throughout my teenage years I spent a lot of time writing songs and recording covers on my laptop. My late uncle enrolled me in a performance program with “School of Rock” when I was 15, and that’s when I got my first taste of being on stage with a band.

I gained so much experience as their student, and was lucky enough to play incredible venues and festivals around the country, including Red Rocks Amphitheater, Mo Pop Festival, and many more! After a decade of paying tribute to other artists’ songs, I’ve just started sharing my music this past Summer.

Writing has been such an outlet for me, and it’s an indescribable feeling hearing that others relate to and enjoy my work. My first acoustic single, “Swollen”, released on all streaming platforms December 1st, and I couldn’t be more excited to have some of my music out!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I struggled with anxiety, depression and my body image growing up. Thoughts of self-doubt honestly held me back for quite a long time, as did thoughts like “I’ll do [blank] when I’m ready enough/thin enough/good enough”.

I slipped into some extremely unhealthy and isolating habits due to that voice. Some days it still pops up, but writing provided me with an escape where I’ve found comfort in feeling vulnerable. It’s made my lyrics honest, and I think that’s why people tend to find them relatable.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a vocalist and indie singer-songwriter from Littleton, Colorado. I grew up idolizing powerhouses like Hayley Williams, Kelly Clarkson, and Avril Lavigne while jamming to bands like Weezer, Radiohead, and Led Zeppelin.

These influences helped shape my sound, and I like to bring strong vocals and catchy melodies along with clever, nostalgia-provoking lyrics to everything I write!

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think sharing your art, your passion, and even your own identity can feel like a risk in itself.

Finally taking that risk for me was a game-changer, and I’ve met such wonderful, empowering people this past year because of it! It’s been amazing to see how connected we all are through the emotions that we feel, even though our individual stories may be vastly different.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzyvelozo/?img_index=1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095516080164
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0tfH12v2AMPlNdeu6iKdoh?si=1t2x7_G5SGa7xu7H52UWbA

Image Credits
Ross Palmer; Casey Thompson; and Faith Lacy