Written by Abigail Claire Farmer
Emerging Australian pop artist issi is quickly making a name for herself, recently partnering with legendary Australian musician Rick Price.
issi doesn’t remember a time where music wasn’t a part of her life. Growing up singing all around her house to now performing alongside Rick Price on Australian and international stages, her journey is a dream come true.
issi’s Sound
issi’s sound sits within the world of pop while drawing from a variety of genres and styles. Earlier releases like secret heart have an uplifting and dreamy pop sound, while her latest single when, released on March 27, leans into dramatic and emotional soft-pop ballads.
Through vulnerable lyrics and emotional performances, the centre of issi’s artistry stems from the storytelling aspect. She hopes to create music that allows listeners to feel understood and connected.
“I want my audience to know that it’s okay to be emotional, confused, conflicted, exhausted or heartbroken. I want people to know they’re allowed to be human,” issi says. “If even one person feels like this song has healed them or supported them in some way, then I’ve done my job as an artist.”
Working with Rick Price
The story behind issi and Rick Price’s collaboration is built on timing, mentorship and inspiration. Who knew owning a bar could be life-altering? Coming out of lockdown, issi’s parents decided to own a bar. Having already grown up with Rick Price’s music, when he came to play at their venue, issi was instantly inspired. The second time he toured, the pair exchanged contact information, and the story began from there.
“We exchanged details, and sometime later he invited me to one of his mentoring and coaching sessions,” she explains. “Eventually we started working together one on one, writing music together and developing my artistry. Then, in 2025, he asked me to become the first artist signed to his independent label, Clarice Records. It was genuinely one of the best days of my life, and it’s been such an incredible journey ever since.”
Since signing with Clarice Records, the duo has collaborated on issi’s newest single when. The emotional chemistry between the two artists is woven throughout the song, combining heartfelt lyricism with atmospheric instrumentation.
“The collaborative process was incredibly intense and emotional,” issi says. “I even cried while recording parts of it and during moments of writing it. Rick poured so much of himself into the songwriting, production and instrumentation, and I think our collective emotions, passion and love for storytelling are very obvious throughout the song.”
Recently, issi travelled with Rick Price to Southeast Asia to perform on international stages, an experience she describes as “surreal” and “life-changing”.
“If you had told 10-year-old me that I’d be singing overseas, I would have thought you were joking,” she exclaims. “And if you had told me I’d be touring overseas with THE Rick Price, I definitely would have thought you were joking!”
“The energy on those stages was electric, and I met so many incredible people throughout Asia. I created memories I’ll genuinely treasure forever. Touring with Rick is always so much fun. We even end up writing songs together an hour before shows start! It’s such a creative and inspiring environment to be part of.”
Other than Rick Price, issi is inspired by artists including George Michael, Whitney Houston and Billie Eilish. issi is continuing to shape her identity as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging pop artists.
Upcoming Tour
issi will be joining Rick Price on his Call on Me tour across Australia, beginning in October, with dates set to be announced across social media soon.
Excitingly, the singer-songwriter also revealed she will perform her own headline show on Sunday, November 22, with venue details and special guests to be announced in the coming months.
issi’s music can be downloaded here https://open.spotify.com/artist/45Kb6terp56veGDlGq9OQb
