North-East artist Isabel Maria returns with Fairweather Friends, her first single in over six months and a glimpse into her second full-length project, set for release in 2026. Written earlier this year and produced by Josh Ingledew at Blank Studios, the track follows a busy period of UK festival performances, a US tour, and a growing reputation for her emotionally resonant songwriting. Released via the Youth Music NextGen Fund, Fairweather Friends marks an exciting new chapter for the 19-year-old artist, as she continues to gain momentum.
The new single delves into the highs and lows of close friendships, with a cinematic feel and production that places Isabel’s emotive, melodic storytelling firmly at the forefront. Her style, drawing comparisons to artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Joni Mitchell, and Taylor Swift, is showcased through a beautifully layered soundscape of shimmering indie pop and subtle folk elements. It’s a track that is emotionally charged and performed with the energy of a live set, making it a masterfully crafted, deeply engaging piece of music.
To give a sense of Fairweather Friends, Isabel shares three tracks that influenced the song:
1. You’ve Got A Friend – Carole King
“I love Carole King. While I don’t think my music sounds much like hers, the themes of this song pair nicely with Fairweather Friends. Think of my song as a horror story about friendship, and this one as a lovely success story to pick you up after. I had to perform this in a singing exam when I was about twelve and went straight to HMV to buy Tapestry on vinyl. It’s a masterpiece, and I believe Carole King’s music will be timeless.”
2. I Wish You Would – Taylor Swift
“During lockdown, I became a huge Taylor Swift fan, and it really changed my taste in music. Up until then, I mainly listened to very lyrical, sad music with minimal production. Taylor’s music opened a whole new world of fun, high-production tunes. Fairweather Friends has some of that poppier energy, despite the diabolically emo lyrics, and I remember listening to this Taylor Swift song in the studio while making it.”
3. Welcome to My Island – Caroline Polachek
“It wouldn’t feel right not to mention Caroline Polachek. Her music is very different from mine, but she soundtracked a lot of Josh and I’s lunch breaks. She’s an unbelievable artist – a fantastic songwriter, producer, and vocal performer. I found recording vocals for Fairweather Friends quite challenging, so I distinctly remember wishing I could channel a bit of Caroline’s ridiculous vocal range during that day. I saw her live in early 2023, and I think about it all the time.”
With Fairweather Friends, Isabel Maria continues to build her unique voice, blending introspective storytelling with captivating soundscapes, and firmly establishing herself as one to watch in the coming years.