Daily Inspiration: Meet Izzy Potter

I started singing and performing at a young age, but only recently honed in on my songwriting craft in the last few years. I started writing songs when I was 12, and now I can never stop! I’m 17 and plan to continue writing forever. Music is and has always been so important to my life and I can’t wait to continue sharing my songs with the world. In the last few months of 2021, I began gigging and continue to play around Long Island as my full-time job while being a student. I’m so excited to see what’s next as I continue my journey as a songwriter at Belmont University in Nashville.

I think as with most people there are always challenges and obstacles in pursuing your dreams and vision. For me, I lost my dad at a young age, and my mom raising me as a single parent came with its own financial burdens for our family. Me wanting to pursue my music, singing and guitar lessons were always expensive so I had to find other ways to improve and better my skills independently. I’m very proud of where I’ve gotten today, through putting out my EP and promoting my work online solely as an independent artist all while in high school, I’d like to believe I’ve been making my dad proud. Every day I constantly work to better myself as a person and an artist!

I’m a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Long Island, New York. The past few years, I spent a lot of time writing songs and sharing them online but never really performing. I worked as a barista and would write song lyrics on napkins and notecards while I worked. It wasn’t until May of 2021 I had just turned 17 and had my first paid gig at The Spotlight Paramount Stage in Huntington. It was one of the best experiences I had, surrounded by friends and family it was that pivotal moment that made me say if I want to do this, I need to try to take music seriously. So, I quit my job as a barista and started to book gigs and shows around the island while building up my social media platforms. It was difficult, for the first few months I had nothing, I made no money, and my mom was upset that I’d quit my job without having any gigs already lined up. But something told me I just had to take the leap and keep on trying. Now, gigging has been my full-time job—or part-time I should say, as I am still a student! I play at restaurants, bars, festivals, and private events like birthdays or weddings, and I love it! I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve come from not knowing how to use any of my equipment or having the confidence to play for 3-4 hours to now I can play and interact with the crowd and truly love my work! I’m one of the youngest people I know that does this as a job, and it always surprises people when they find out how young I am– haha. I’m proud of all I’ve accomplished at 17. While I love gigging, I’ve decided to take my career to the next level by moving to Nashville in August to attend Belmont University, where I’ll study music business, songwriting and learn about the industry in addition to playing around the city and collaborating/writing with artists. Songwriting and performing are my true passions.

I visited Nashville this past February and I fell in love. I am moving to Nashville in August to pursue my career as a pop/folk singer-songwriter. When I came to Nashville, I was immersed in music everywhere. On Long Island, there’s definitely a music scene and talented people who play, but something about being in Nashville, where you are surrounded by everybody who shares this deep appreciation and love for music just ignites this creative flame – there was nothing like it to me. In the weeks that I was there, everybody that I met was so kind, and friendly, and they want to help you in this music industry and I feel like that’s really important. The Nashville community was full of support and everybody was always down to write together, collaborate, or even tell you the best spot to grab a bite to eat or coffee! During the time that I was there, I was so motivated to join every organization, to go to every open mic and show where I could perform to find any way to share my music with anyone who is willing to listen—and they were. I feel like I really belong in Nashville and I’m excited to watch myself grow as an artist! At this point, I don’t believe I have a least favorite thing about the city yet but I’m definitely sure that as I live there longer, I will have a couple of things to say – haha. See you in August Nashville!