ISAAC DUNBAR WANTS YOU TO HIT THE DANCE FLOOR

BY: JESSE ZAPATERO

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: STEPHANIE GUTIERREZ, GROOMING: JOHNATHAN LOPEZ @ PATRICK SANTA ANA AGENCY, PRODUCER: JESSE ZAPATERO, PHOTO ASST: ATTIKEN VEGA LOCATION: GM STUDIO DTLA
Glasses: JAMES ORO, Jacket: PIERRE BLANC, Tank: SUSS, Pants: DES PIERROT, Boots: UNITED NUDE

Isaac Dunbar is here to make you dance like no one’s watching. At just 21 years old, the Rhode Island-born and Los Angeles-based artist blends fierce theatricality, disco vibes, and timeless rockstar swagger in his music. His latest EP, “Beep Beep Repeat”, released via RCA Records, captures the essence of letting loose and losing your inhibitions on the dancefloor.

Isaac’s journey is one of constant evolution. Moving to New York City ignited a new phase of his career, where the city's vibrant energy and bluntness deeply influenced his sound and lyrics. He spent many nights dancing in gay clubs with friends, which inspired much of his recent EP.

His music isn't just about dancing; it's about embracing who you are and losing yourself in the moment. Tracks like “Photoshoot Tonight” and “American High” are runway anthems, while “I Love To Dance,” co-written with electro-pop maverick Uffie, celebrates the joy of dancing till dawn.

As Isaac looks to the future, he’s excited about continuing to evolve and push boundaries in pop music. With plans for a deluxe version of Beep Beep Repeat and new material already in the works, Isaac Dunbar is set to keep us dancing and feeling good for years to come.

Glasses: JAMES ORO, Jacket: PIERRE BLANC, Tank: SUSS, Pants: DES PIERROT, Boots: UNITED NUDE

Can you tell us more about the creative process behind your latest EP, Beep Beep Repeat? What was the initial inspiration for this project?

Soaking in all the influences of living in NYC inspired the sound and lyrical content of the music. Honestly, I wrote about 60 songs for this EP.

The title "Beep Beep Repeat" has a fun, rhythmic feel to it. How did you come up with this title, and what does it signify for you?

Last year, after leaving the studio, I was riding a Citi Bike to go back to my apartment. Unfortunately, a gray SUV smacked into me, and I couldn’t walk for about three days. In my bed the whole time, I heard people outside laughing and having fun, while I was so depressed in bed. I made a mantra for myself, “Life goes on, so let’s dance, Beep Beep Repeat.” The world doesn’t stop when you suffer, so you might as well try to stop suffering and embrace the good.

Glasses: JAMES ORO, Jacket: PIERRE BLANC, Tank: SUSS, Pants: DES PIERROT, Boots: UNITED NUDE

Your music has been described as a blend of "more-is-more" maximalism with fierce theatricality and disco vibes. How do you manage to blend these diverse genres while maintaining a cohesive sound?

I honestly don’t really think about it. I just like what I like and sometimes it’s more maximal and sometimes it can be quite bare. In the unreleased vault of songs for Beep Beep Repeat, there’s a lot of songs that are just piano and vocal or guitar and vocal.

How did your time living in New York influence the sound and style of "Beep Beep Repeat"? What aspects of the city's energy are reflected in your music?

Definitely the times going out to the gay clubs with my best friends every Friday night. The freedom of self-expression and the bluntness was so refreshing to me moving from Cape Cod, so, I think that translates in the music.

Shoulder Accessory: JACKALOPE LAND, Crop Top: JACKALOPE LAND, Tank: DES PIERROT, Pants: DES PIERROT, Boots: MAISON MARGIELA

You've mentioned that dancing is a big part of feeling comfortable with oneself. How do you incorporate this philosophy into your music and performances?

I love being able to dance to music! It’s also something I think is a natural instinct for people to dance. If a song makes me wanna move, I usually like it.

You signed to RCA Records at a very young age. How has your perspective on the music industry changed since then?

I signed when I was 17, and prior to the major label deal I was signed to an independent label. I was very naive and starry eyed. Now that I’ve experienced the ins and outs of things, I see things for what they are. And as for each industry in the world, there are good and bad things. I think I just have a better head on my shoulders now than I did in 2019.

Shoulder Accessory: JACKALOPE LAND, Crop Top: JACKALOPE LAND, Tank: DES PIERROT, Pants: DES PIERROT, Boots: MAISON MARGIELA

"I Love To Dance" was co-written with Uffie. What was it like working with her, and how did her unique style influence the track?

It was incredible! She has a mind like no other. She has the ability to convert visual imagery into words which is such a superpower. Nobody writes like her.

What other artists or producers would you like to collaborate with in the future, and why?

I have such a long list, and I’m a bit hesitant to say all of them just because I feel like it’ll jinx the process. I love Chappell Roan. I think our styles would complement each other very well. She is a vocal powerhouse and is unafraid to be herself in such a sea of people all wanting to follow certain trends, and she sticks to what she believes in which is so inspiring.

Glasses: JAMES ORO, Jacket: PIERRE BLANC, Tank: SUSS, Pants: DES PIERROT, Boots: UNITED NUDE

How do you balance vulnerability and playfulness in your songwriting, like in tracks such as "Backseat Girl" and "Photoshoot Tonight"?

Honestly, I have no idea. I think it’s important to have a little humor in music. Currently I’m turned off by really serious media and music. The pendulum always swings though, and sometimes a person wants to just shake their ass!

How do you approach live performances, especially when it comes to engaging the audience and getting them to dance?

I don’t really think about it. I have been “performing” since I was a baby, making my family clear the living room so I can sing and dance and flail around for them. People feed off your energy. If you dance, the people are most likely to dance.

Glasses: JAMES ORO, Shoulder Accessory: JACKALOPE LAND, Cardigan: SUSS , Tank: SUSS, Pant: JACK JOHN JR, Boots: UNITED NUDE

Do you have any memorable stories from your live shows where the audience's energy really stood out to you?

My most recent show in Brooklyn was probably my favorite show ever. Everybody came dressed up as Club Kids inspired by the New Romantics era, and the energy was just unmatched. I felt like I could really be myself. The audience knew every lyric to every song, and it was just a beautiful moment of exchange.

Your music has resonated with a lot of people, especially within the Gen-Z community. How do you maintain a connection with your fans, and what feedback from them has impacted you the most?

Social media is the reason for where I’m at now. Being able to communicate is essential, especially now in the digital age. As a fan of an artist, I would expect my favorites to be vulnerable. I think that’s what my audience wants from me, so I give it.

Harness: JACKALOPE LAND, Top: PIERRE BLANCPant: DES PIERROT, Leg Accessories: JACKALOPE LAND, Boots: UNITED NUDE

How do you hope your fans feel when they listen to your music, especially the new EP?

I want them to dance! Have fun! It’s so simple. Music is an escape, as cliche as it is.

With "Beep Beep Repeat" now out, what are you working on next? Are there any new musical directions or projects you're excited about?

I want to do a Beep Beep Repeat Deluxe version. I’ve been writing so much already since the project came out. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I think I’m writing some of the best pop material I’ve made so far. *pats my back*

Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?

Musically, I’m very inspired by the zeitgeist but also artistic integrity. I honestly can’t say what the future holds, but I do have a plan.

What message would you like to send to your fans who have supported you throughout your career?

Keep growing, keep finding yourself, and don’t stay stuck. Always aim for improvement. Love life and love people, even when it’s hard.

Harness: JACKALOPE LAND, Top: PIERRE BLANCPant: DES PIERROT, Leg Accessories: JACKALOPE LAND, Boots: UNITED NUDE

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I love this question! There’s this book called “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick. It’s been one of my favorite books since I was a child. It’s a huge novel but it’s flooded with beautiful illustrations. The sense of wonder and exploration has always connected to me. It’s really just a beautiful read and it’s an easy read.