In the wake of releasing debut singles “No One Cares” and “Get Down,” Stone is taking on 2025 with the goals of creation and connection in mind.
Although Isaiah Stone has released his first two songs as an artist over the past several months, the power chords and catchy guitar riffs characterizing them are the product of years of experience. They’re also sources of earnest expression and catharsis, an opportunity to use music as a vehicle for sharing his craft and realizing the next phase of his creative journey.
Stone grew up alongside his parents, cousins, and grandparents within a Georgia commune where the creation of secular music went unexplored. His roots in songwriting and composition come from dabbling in poetry and learning both guitar and piano. He used these skills to produce spiritual music alongside his family for the commune’s affiliated church, where his father served as pastor. Stone was awakened to this commune instead of being a cult at age 12. In the years following, Stone and his family broke away from the community, moving to Atlanta where he began to create tunes of his own. Musical influences like Sly Stone not only came to inspire his stage name but also his sound. “No One Cares,” released Nov. 22, was a summation of his transition into adulthood, artistry, and self-definition.
“It’s about those early encounters with adulthood, where you feel the pull between what you’re becoming and what you’re leaving behind,” he said in a press release.
Stone’s recent second single, “Get Down,” wields adjacent themes of reckoning and aspiration that pair seamlessly with elements of funk and a danceable beat.
Stone spoke to The Knockturnal about his recent releases, inspirations, and aspirations for the coming year. His upcoming single “Leavin!” will be released on March 7.
The Knockturnal: You’ve been around and creating music for much of your life. How has your relationship with artistry and creation developed or changed since you’ve begun releasing music to the public?
Isaiah Stone: When I was creating music as a kid, it was something I did just to escape. Now, I no longer look at it as escapism but for my own pleasure. I think about my audience and what I’m leaving in the world as my artistic legacy. I balance creating for myself and using my gifts to create in service.
The Knockturnal: Your new song, “Get Down,” follows the November release of your debut single “No One Cares.” It seems like both songs deal with learning to keep your energy and resilience up in the face of hardship, especially when you’re young and seeking change. Could you tell us about the songwriting inspirations behind your latest song?
Stone: I actually don’t write consciously, something else just takes over. “Get Down” was actually the fastest song I ever wrote. I wrote it in 30 minutes. At the time, I was emotionally frustrated with being an artist trying to figure out what I’m doing, and as a young adult coming into adulthood and feeling the pressure. I had a lot of frustration but reminding myself emotions are temporary and to keep looking up.
The Knockturnal: “Get Down” takes on a really upbeat, R&B–influenced sound that’s both unique and contagious to listen to, building on the guitar-driven energy of “No One Cares.” What was the production process like behind “Get Down,” and do you have a favorite aspect of working on new songs?
Stone: At the time I was listening to a lot of funk music, a lot of Sly and the Family Stone, Parliament-Funkadelic and Jimi Hendrix which inspired the production. I wanted something groovy, so I picked up my guitar and two power chords came to me and it was just cool. Then, I played around, taking inspiration from my other influences, such as hip-hop. Being from Atlanta, in the trap mecca I thought that added a cool flare. My favorite part of making music is the initial process, it’s exhilarating. Taking one idea, putting it in motion through craftsmanship and allowing the magic to happen.
The Knockturnal: I really enjoyed the video shorts used to promote the recent single on Instagram! You’ve noted that you take musical inspiration from legends like Jimi Hendrix and Prince –– does this influence extend to your visuals? Where do you find the inspiration for your own personal style?
Stone: Visually, I admire Tyler the Creator. His grainy visuals as well as Pharrell and how his music and image coincide perfectly. When it comes to my personal style, I’m inspired by Jimi Hendrix, but generally, it’s whatever I feel gravitated towards at the moment.
The Knockturnal: Given the themes of aspiration and ambition present in “Get Down,” Do you have any particular goals as an artist coming into the New Year? What are you most excited to share with listeners in 2025?
Stone: I just want to release more music, with my first two singles out in the world I really want to continue to connect with people through my music. Also, I would love to start doing more live shows and connecting with the audience on-stage. That’s what I’m most looking forward to, keeping the energy going because this is a very exciting time for me.
Photo Courtesy: Infinity & Recordings
