18-year-old singer songwriter Izzy Malik just released her self-titled debut EP in March.   We love her pop country sound, and the range of influences that go into her songs.  We talked to Izzy about her EP, funny fangirl moments, and how she’s learned from other artists when it comes to fans (She totally gets it!).   Listen to her track “Just Another Boy” below!

SecretFangirls.com: You just released your self titled EP.  What song did you have the most fun writing?   
Izzy Malik: I definitely had the most fun writing “Just Another Boy.” It’s based on a dream I had about Harry Styles and I going on a date at the Santa Monica Pier where the song was playing in the background. The minute I woke up, I rushed to get the song written down before I forgot. But “Malala” also holds a very special place in my heart, as her cause is very dear to me.

SF: How would you describe your sound?
IM: I would say pop with country and rock undertones!

SF: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
IM: Some of my biggest influences are Britney Spears, One Direction, The Ramones, Joan Jett, John Mayer, Shania Twain, and Carrie Underwood.

SF: If you could create a dream tour lineup, who would you want to tour with?
IM: It would be killer to tour with Guns N Roses, KISS, One Direction, John Mayer, The 1975, Ed Sheeran, or 5 Seconds of Summer. They’re all crazy talented and I’d be so honored to tour with any of them.

SF: What is the most memorable concert that you’ve been to?
IM: Definitely a Simple Plan show I went to when I was sixteen. It was amazing because I’d looked up to them so much for seven years and I was finally seeing them live. It was an unforgettable experience.

SF: Of any other musicians, dead or alive, who would you “fangirl” out over the most if you had the opportunity to meet them, and why?


IM: Elvis Presley or John Lennon! And of course Harry Styles. When they sing, it’s like magic. I look up to all three of them so much, they’re all legends.

SF: We love that you are fan yourself, and enjoy going to concerts and meeting other artists.   (Note: Check out IzzyMalik.com!)  What have you learned from these experiences as an artist?
IM: I’ve learned how treating your fans can directly affect your popularity! Even if you’re the most talented of people, if you don’t give your fans the love they deserve, you’re not going to go very far. Fans work so hard to get tickets, count the days to the show, and sometimes you’re the silver lining in their cloudy life. It means so much to them, a kind word, gesture, hug, or smile… It can change their life in the most profound of ways coming from someone they admire so greatly. As musicians, we must never forget that responsibility and make each and every one of them feel special and loved.

SF: Do you have any funny fangirl stories you could share?   
IM: Well, this wasn’t at a concert, but I was on Skype with my good friend, Chris Bourne of Hollywood Ending, and we were writing together, he’s a great writer and we often work together. All of a sudden he was like, “Oh, hey, James, come in here and say hi to my friend” and I freaked out because I’d been a fan of Busted since I was ten years old. I basically cried after I talked to James and Chris was just sitting there laughing. It was pretty great! They’re both awesome people and I’m so lucky to have a pal like Chris.

SF: Who are some of your favorite performers?
IM: One Direction for sure, Hunter Hayes, Britney Spears, All Time Low, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Simple Plan, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, and way more! I could probably fill a book with all of them. I still really want to see John Mayer and Shania Twain live!

SF: Now that the EP is out, what is next for you?
IM: I’m going to be releasing my new music video for “Just Another Boy” very soon and then will be hitting the road, details to come. Then back to the studio and I’ll have some more material out soon! 🙂

Pickup a copy of Izzy Malik’s EP on iTunes now!  Be sure to follow Izzy Malik on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram and check out her official site!