By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Everything But The Everything – the musical project of notable Bay Area musician/show promoter Izzy The Gent – recently dropped the new single “The Story,” which features Sophia Prise.
Inspired to play guitar when he saw the movie “La Bamba” while in middle school, it wasn’t long before he picked up the bass and eventually got a taste of the ideal “rockstar” lifestyle.
After diversifying his interests to show promoting and house music, he found his way into The Frail as bassist, but soon desired his own spin on things – hence, where Everything But The Everything comes in. It starts and ends with him.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with him about “The Story” and more.
Music Bugle – How would you describe the Bay Area to someone who has never been there before?
Izzy The Gent – The Bay Area is diverse and beautiful with something for everyone to enjoy in a small radius. Regardless of what you’re into, this place has an option for you.
Music Bugle – How did you decide the name “Everything But The Everything”?
Izzy The Gent – I always thought the name “Everything But The Girl” was very unique. One day, I was in deep thought about some sort of nonsense and I uttered the words, “Everything But The Everything.” I thought it would be a cool band name, so I saved it in my memory, just in case. For the record, I only know about two songs by Everything But The Girl, but they made quite the impression on me when I first heard them in my early 20’s. I had never heard anything like them before then.
Music Bugle – What was it like making your latest single?
Izzy The Gent – Patience was key. With the fires, Covid and working with contributors whom also spearheaded their own music projects, being patient was a constant theme. Things happened, like the drummer not being able to record because he got evacuated, or the singer not being allowed to enter the studio due to city safety protocols. Sometimes, it felt like we were so close to finishing a track and the delays would just keep coming as more fires raged and the Covid numbers fluctuated.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Izzy The Gent – I’ve been affected by the pandemic financially, but thankfully, not health-wise. Being furloughed during the pandemic kind of turned into paid time off and I took the opportunity to focus on music, read subjects that I was curious about, but didn’t have the time – accounting, real estate – and getting outdoors. I’m very thankful that everyone I know to date has not had any health issues. Money comes, money goes. One’s good health, on the other hand, is priceless.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Izzy The Gent – Wild Nothing has been the band I have had on repeat for over a year now. I love the feeling that they showcased in all of their songs.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you feel the need to escape?
Izzy The Gent – I ride my bike around the East Bay or drive it over the bridge to enjoy a bike ride along that majestic coastline from San Francisco’s outer Richmond, over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito.
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
Izzy The Gent – I love fine dining. Everything about it. Getting dressed up and going to a fancy restaurant, like we’re going to the Theatre. The food with wine pairings, whiskey-based cocktails upon arrival, Sauterne with cheese, a 20-year tawny port with dessert… I love restaurants.
Music Bugle – What do you hope for in 2021?
Izzy The Gent – I hope we get back to normal asap, or at least we start to get the feeling of progression to resuming a pre-Covid life.
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Izzy The Gent – I don’t really have an answer for this one. Anything one would have asked for in the past we pretty much have now. We don’t need big budgets to compete with majors and recordings can be made to sound great for a fraction of the cost of a big studio. With so many social media platforms, anyone can go viral and hit it big. Maybe the one thing would be that streaming services paid more, but if the IRS has taught me anything in regards to money – it’s always easy to say, “Tax them, not me,” until you climb into that tax bracket.
Music Bugle – On that note, does social media help or hurt music?
Izzy The Gent – I think it helps. Social media certainly allows artists to add more personality to their brand. It also allows artists to engage with fans, to make the connection more personal. It enables artists to connect with other artists in the same manner and that’s pretty cool.
