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For Immediate Release

February 21, 2025

ISABEL PLESS MAKES THE MUNDANE

FEEL MASSIVE ON

DEBUT ALBUM WORKHORSE


OUT TODAY — STREAM 


SEEKING NEW MEMBERS TO JOIN HER LIST OF TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE “I JOINED A CULT”

OFFICIAL VIDEO — WATCH

Press photo by Patrick McCormack [Download]


“The straightforward instrumentation allows for the lyrics to take center stage. Armed with a linguistics degree from Wellesley College, Pless has a knack for writing lyrics that paint vivid images.”

“Isabel Pless twinkles and croons over acoustics that all but bring goosebumps to each and every listener. The spirit of the moon and the stars fill every fiber of her being, which makes her vulnerable compositions and whimsical poetry a true universal experience.”

“Rhythmic and enchanting”


Today, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Isabel Pless makes everyday life feel monumental with the release of her debut album Workhorse. The ten-song project spans mellow folk to headbanging pop, but her writing consistently honors each tone and notion. Isabel is your older sister reminding you of your self-worth, she is your best friend crying in your passenger seat about a breakup, and she is you wondering when things will finally start going your way — Stream


Produced and co-written by Ariza, each song offers a new sound and a different perspective from the last: Workhorse’s charm stems from its range. There are no right or wrong emotions, and Isabel feels them all with humor to spare. And she invites you to feel them all alongside her.


“‘Workhorse’ is the debut album I’ve been dreaming about since I started writing songs in middle school and that makes me feel incredibly fulfilled,” shares Pless. “Creating these songs helped give me perspective on my life. I feel simultaneously nervous and hopeful that now this album will make its way into other people’s lives.”


Opening with the self-titled track “Isabel,” this song arose out of a moment of need. Pless’ lyrics dictate an inner monologue that rails at people-pleasing and gives grace to imperfection. Winding our way to another standout track like “The Bite,” there’s more of a dark, spell-like energy. This essence mirrors a shift in lyrical and compositional tone from Pless’s previous works, making the song a sonic tug of war between anger and anxiety. 


By the time the listener reaches “Blonde,” Pless is her most witty and candid self. A raging, headbanging, pop-romp, Pless is backed by an entourage of electric guitars and a hefty choir of vocals, that allows the track to  maintain its drama right up until the final acoustic down-chorus. Reaching the capstone of the album’s honesty with its closing, title track, she is in a self-inflicted battle with complacency. Leaving the body of work open ended, the final line “I'm worried this is the best version of me” feels hollow but not defeated.


Workhorse album artwork [Download]


Today also sees the release of the official video for “I Joined a Cult.” The track examines the pattern of falling into toxic friendships and relationships, a balance of confusion and remorse. In the video Pless has a sense of childlike wonder as she tries to recruit more people into her circle, constantly seeking out connection — Watch


Workhorse Track List

“Isabel”

“Nobody’s Funeral”

“The Bite”

“I Don’t Feel Pretty”

“I’ll See Him in Hell”

“Shirley Temples”

“Blonde”

“(Transition) Company”

“I Joined a Cult”

“Workhorse”

Press photo by Patrick McCormack [Download]


ABOUT ISABEL PLESS:

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Isabel Pless is a self-proclaimed “word girl.” Born and raised in Vermont, Isabel began writing songs at age 12 following in the footsteps of musical inspirations such as Joni Mitchell, The Chicks and Alanis Morissette. Her songs are personal, playful and smart — she often calls into question the contradictions and challenges of what it means to be a young woman. 


In 2020, she started posting clips of her original songs on TikTok and has since amassed an audience of 117k followers. Isabel’s 2023 EP Bad Luck Letting You Go has accumulated over 1.4 million streams across streaming platforms and was featured on Spotify playlists such as New Music Friday and All New Indie, and Apple playlists like Acoustic Chill and New in Singer-Songwriter. Over the past year, she’s recorded an Audiotree session, toured with Donovan Woods and Henry Jamison, and played headline shows across the US and in London. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and an ability to write relatable yet hyper-specific songs, Isabel is redefining what it means to be a singer-songwriter in the age of social media.


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For more information on Isabel Pless, please visit:

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | TikTok


For all Isabel Pless press materials and inquiries, please contact:

Madi Florence | madi@bighassle.com