This month our featured “Spotlight” is the talented bassist/singer/composer Isabella Amada, one of BMFI’S 2024 Springboard Grant Winners.
Isabella Amada, Bassist/Singer/Composer
At what age did you begin performing and what inspired you to do so?
I began performing at age 12 after I quit piano lessons to learn how to play guitar. I joined School of Rock after discovering the music of the Foo Fighters, and realized that being part of an ensemble was the only way I enjoyed performing. From there on, music had become more social than academic, and the community aspect drove me to continue my studies.
What was the most exciting thing that’s happened to you as you’ve pursued the performing arts?
I could speak on all of the incredible performing opportunities I’ve had, but more than anything, I’m most excited about fulfilling the dreams I’ve had since I was fifteen. I remember sitting in the pit at The Academy of Music during Wicked’s stop in Philadelphia in 2017 thinking “I sure would love to do something like this when I’m older.” Those “what if’s” have recently become my reality, and knowing that I will come full circle performing below that same stage next May brings me so much pride.
What are some stumbling blocks you’ve encountered along the way?
The biggest stumbling block I’ve encountered was having to let go of the idea that I needed to work full time to be successful. I had just one masters year left in order to graduate with a teaching certification, but the summer before I was supposed to go, The University of the Arts had announced they were closing without any explanation. I was devastated, lost, and had to make some quick decisions. I ended up accepting a full-time job at a Montessori school, and was miserable by the second week. When I got the call in October to play Some Like It Hot at the Forrest Theater, I realized there was more for me in my music career, and I quit my job that December. Since then, I’ve been keeping busy with teaching privately and performing on the weekends and I have somehow managed to be as financially successful as I was teaching full time.
Dream big … If you can envision achieving great success in the performing arts, describe what that would that look like?
I’d love to tour with a pop star one day! It’s been my dream for a while to tour with someone like Chappell Roan, who has great songs and a very colorful style. It’d be a dream to own a home near LA and be on call for various session work.
What’s your favorite genre of music and why?
I really love it all, but any music that encourages people to move holds a special place in my heart. I’m a terrible dancer, but dancing brings me so much joy and allows me to let go.
Have you ever met a really famous performing artist and if so, who was it and what was your interaction?
I got to meet Roger Waters of Pink Floyd at the Wells Fargo Center! He needed kids to join him onstage for “Another Brick in the Wall Pt.2” and I was one of the few kids in School of Rock chosen for the opportunity. He signed some posters and took a photo with all of us. Really nice man, and very tall too!
Describe what you think would be the most useful or beneficial thing to you, if given the opportunity to mentored by a successful artist?
I’ve actually had the privilege of being mentored this past year by Sue Lerner, who I think is one of the most successful musicians in the Philly area. She is the current local musicians’ contractor for all the musicals that come through the city, and she helped me prepare the book for Some Like It Hot. I got more valuable information on bowing than I ever had in college, and I got so many incredible resources that ended up getting me The Outsiders tour. Because of her, I felt like I wasn’t just jumping into new territory. We only had one five-hour rehearsal before the two week run, and I felt like I nailed every note. Her attention to detail and insistence on accuracy is what helped me feel so prepared, and I am forever indebted to her.
As a performing artist, what stands in the way of fulfilling your dreams?
Right now, it feels like nothing is standing in the way, and I feel truly grateful to be in this position.
If you could have lunch with an A-list performing artist, who would that be?
Probably Jacob Collier! I think he’d be really interesting to talk to and would pick a unique restaurant.
How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
Practice… and many good connections!
Favorite Musician: Madison Cunningham
Favorite Musical Instrument: Bass, specifically my new short scale five string electric bass that I had custom built to look like a unicorn. It was a sacrifice to make it!
Favorite Actor: Tim Robinson
Favorite Actress: Maya Rudolph
Favorite Comedian: Bo Burnham
Favorite Dancer: Tavis Kordell Cunningham
Favorite Movie: Almost Famous
Favorite Show: I Think You Should Leave
If you couldn’t be a performing artist, what would you like to do?
Cosmetology!
Biography
Isabella Amada is a versatile upright and electric bassist based in Philadelphia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music from the University of the Arts, which closed shortly after the Class of 2024 commencement. Originally planning to pursue a master’s degree in education, Isabella instead chose to fully commit to her performance career.
Since then, she has built a dynamic and varied portfolio across genres and settings. She toured the East Coast with rising folk artist Grace Gardner on their debut headlining tour, and performed with Remember Jones in YAS Queen! – a high-energy theatrical production celebrating the music of Queen. Isabella made her professional theater debut in the pit for Some Like It Hot during its Philadelphia stop, and her most recent milestone is joining the first national Broadway tour of The Outsiders, beginning her work in the Broadway pit orchestra scene.
Enjoy the video link below “Don’t Even Blink” – a song composed and arranged for ensemble by Isabella.
