Musician, compositor and producer, Isaac Pimenta is our new Creator of the Month. This 26-year-old Portuguese artist enjoys sharing music content on his social channels and engaging with the community. Keep reading to find out more about Isaac's beginnings, latest projects and what to expect in the future.  

 

 

Let's start our talk by you telling us how did you start your journey in the music industry?  

My first contact with music happened because of punishment from my parents. I had failed a science test and my parents took away my electronic devices and prevented me from leaving the house. That's when I discovered a lost guitar in a wardrobe in my brother's room and started playing, with the help of YouTube. After that, I graduated in Musicology and took an additional course in Music Production and Creation, and I was always creating music and sharing it with friends and family. Nowadays, with 10 original songs already released, and many more to come, I feel that I am on the right track and that I know exactly the kind of music I want to make in the coming times. 

 

What does your creative process when making music looks like?  

It depends. There are (rare) times when you create a song from start to finish in a matter of minutes, but it is usually more difficult. You need to have some preparation, availability and also a certain humility to be able to express what you want. I take music in a very sentimental and not-so-pragmatic way. I need to have something to say, I have to feel something when I'm creating, because if I do it just for the sake of doing it, it's not worth it, it won't fulfil me.  

Speaking more concretely, certain mechanisms can trigger this desire to create, such as watching series, films, reading books, watching or going to workshops from other musicians, producers, etc. 

 

You play the guitar, keyboards, sing and write songs. Can you tell us which you actually enjoy the most? 

I think each instrument expresses itself in a different way and they’re all important for a musical work. The two instruments I feel most comfortable with and which are the "bases" of almost all my songs are the guitar and singing. Writing songs is undoubtedly what I enjoy the most because when we create something, it is perhaps one of the greatest pleasures we can have, even if for other people it doesn't mean much, but if it does for the creator, it is transcendent experience. 

 

Three years ago, you were part of The Voice Portugal. What did you learn from that experience and how do you think it reflected in your career?  

The Voice Portugal didn't open many doors for me, actually. All the work that came after that experience came from me. Some people started following my work from that time on, and fortunately, I managed to keep some contacts that came to be very useful at some point after that. 

I think that what stands out is the original song I did with Caroletta, who sang with me in the battles phase of The Voice Portugal, and which today remains an important single in my career and live shows. 

 

How do you prepare for the show? Do you have a ritual you never skip?  

Before a show, I have a few rituals, actually. I try not to eat too much before, but enough to last hour and half, 2 hours singing. I always try not to take a step bigger than the leg, because when you try to give more than you really can, you tend to look like you're bigger than you really are, and I like to keep things simple but effective. As people say, less is more. 

 

Which gear do you use when recording music for your social channels? 

It depends on the type of content I'm making. In general, I always have my AT2020 Audio-Technica microphone that accompanies me everywhere. It's a great microphone for quick content, and one I always use, whether it's for mock-ups or final arrangements. 

AT2020 Microphone

I usually use my Roland Rubix 44 interface, my M-Audio Code-49 midi controller, and Yamaha HS7 speakers to mix. It's not the best gear in the world, but at this stage, it's enough for the jobs I've had lately. 

 

What would you advise young musicians that are at the very start of their careers? 

To not give up. Regardless of the country you are based in, it is not an easy industry. You have to work hard, and always be willing to learn and improve in many aspects, but if it's really what you want for your life, invest all your efforts in it. When you are fighting for something you are sure you want, it's always worth it. 

 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any hobbies outside of music?  

Yes, I am a Marvel fan! So I love reading comics, watching Marvel movies, and series, but also other genres. I love mystery films and series, I like to read books about philosophy, psychology, science, etc. I like to acquire knowledge that inspires me, whatever it is, and wherever it comes from. 

Sometimes it's also nice to just drive by car around the city and do nothing, because that's when the best ideas come to life - when you're abstracted from everyday problems, and you're not thinking about anything. It's almost a form of meditation. 

 

We'd love to know more about what are you working on at the moment. Are there any upcoming activities and projects you can share with us? 

There are a few projects I'm working on lately. I'm turning my original project into a band, which will give me other opportunities, in terms of live shows, etc. Also, I'm working on two new singles that will be released later this year, and some other songs for other people. It is not easy to manage everything, but when it is done with pleasure, everything becomes easier.