Rising Star Isaac Dunbar Blends Retro Influences with Modern Pop Sensibilities

Isaac Dunbar
Isaac Dunbar (credit: @isaacdunbar / Instagram)

Alternative pop’s newest standout voice, Isaac Dunbar, emerged from the quiet shores of Cape Cod to become one of music’s most intriguing new artists. Born on March 17, 2003, in Rhode Island, Dunbar’s musical journey began humbly at age nine when he started tinkering with EDM production in his bedroom, finding early inspiration in Lady Gaga’s ARTPOP and the innovative work of producer Madeon.

The young artist, who proudly claims both Italian and Liberian heritage, has been steadily making waves since signing with RCA Records in 2019. His distinctive approach to music, which he playfully describes as “musical maximalism,” feels like a love letter to both the glittering excess of 1970s disco and the bold pop innovations of the 2010s. This unique fusion has clearly struck a chord with listeners across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with his track “Onion Boy” racking up an impressive 30 million streams, while “Love, or the Lack Thereof” follows closely behind with 26.8 million streams.

Sometimes the most profound artistic transformations come from unexpected places. For Dunbar, that moment arrived on a rainy New York night when a grey SUV struck him while he was cycling home from the studio at 5 AM. Ironically, he was listening to Stevie Nicks’ “Outside the Rain” when the accident occurred. The incident, which left him temporarily unable to walk, became the unexpected catalyst for his 2024 EP “Beep Beep Repeat.” Rather than retreating, Dunbar channeled the experience into a renewed passion for life and creating music that celebrates living in the moment.

(credit: @isaacdunbar / Instagram)

These days, you’ll find Dunbar soaking up the perpetual sunshine of Los Angeles, where he’s been putting down new roots and expanding his artistic horizons. His TikTok presence reveals an artist who doesn’t take himself too seriously, even while creating seriously good music. Watching his journey from Cape Cod bedroom producer (who started with a cracked version of FL Studio, as he sheepishly admits) to established artist with a growing YouTube following feels like witnessing the real-time evolution of pop music’s next chapter.

The 70s era holds a special place in Dunbar’s heart, not just for its glamour but for what he sees as its musical authenticity. “The chord progressions were beautiful, the melodies were gorgeous,” he reflects, citing Fleetwood Mac and Queen as cornerstone influences. His particular admiration for Stevie Nicks recently came full circle when he attended her concert alone in LA, finding himself moved to tears among a crowd of older fans when she opened with “Outside the Rain” – the very song that had been playing during his accident.

When it comes to gender expression in his music, Dunbar takes a refreshingly unbothered approach. His lyrics proudly declare being “man enough to be a party girl and dance all night,” challenging conventional boundaries while maintaining an air of casual confidence. This authenticity extends to his entire artistic persona, whether he’s performing on stage or, as he puts it, making “a mean mocktail” for friends at home in LA.

(credit: @isaacdunbar / Instagram)

His creative process, developed through countless hours of YouTube tutorials and meticulous song analysis, reflects both his technical prowess and artistic intuition. It’s this combination of learned skill and natural talent that has helped him carve out his own corner in the contemporary pop scene.

As Dunbar continues to evolve, he represents something increasingly rare in today’s manufactured pop landscape: an artist who found their voice not through industry grooming, but through genuine experimentation and near-death experiences. From cracked software in a Cape Cod bedroom to surviving a late-night collision in New York City, his journey embodies the kind of authentic artist development that many fear is disappearing from modern music.

In an era where overnight viral success often overshadows years of artistic growth, Dunbar’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most compelling artists are the ones who take the scenic route to stardom.

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