Sometimes, playing a certain type of instrument comes with different types of stereotypes. It’s said that men can’t play the flute, or how about the assumption that women can’t play the drums? DC native, Isabelle De Leon defies that stereotype, refusing to get placed in that societal box. Knowing her favorite instrument came with far too many clichés, she found that as a thrilling and fun challenge, proving to the doubters that women can indeed be professional drummers, and thrive while doing so.
“My parents never made me feel like we couldn’t do something because of society’s perceptions. From a young age, my dad had me perform the drums in public, so nothing people said ever got to me. I saw my doubters as a fun challenge that I could overcome.”
In fact, she overcame those challenges, and she’s still working ten times as hard to mold herself beyond the artist that she is today. Growing up, De Leon was exposed to all types of music, which contributed to the fusion of soulful sounds that could be heard in all of her current songs.
“I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock, fusion jazz and soul. My dad was a huge music head. He played artists from Led Zeppelin to Earth Wind and Fire,” she continued, “My mom was into 80’s Pop, R&B, and Soul. We used to bond by watching concert DVD’s, and radio was playing no matter what.”
It’s something about the spontaneity of Isabelle De Leon that always places her in the right place at the right time. Over the years, she’s played the drums in numerous bands and has even had her own. The most recent band she formed, Iza Flow, was a band formed out of her own creative impulse. Comprised of six women of different backgrounds, this empowering gathering was not intentional whatsoever.
“It’s been awhile since I was in my own group, making my own music. Originally, I brought these people together because I wanted to submit to the Tiny Desk Concert with NPR,” she said, “I have all of these songs I’ve never performed that I wanted to perform. I never intended for it to bring women together, but I really wanted to bring super talented musicians together. It all happened perfectly.”
As music begins to evolve, and women start to realize that they have the power to do what they want in terms of their own happiness, De Leon will always be an example to not allow societal norms stop anyone in their tracks.
“Just go for it, try it, and have fun,” she continued, “I felt like in order to be taken seriously, I had to be the best drummer in the world, but I had to realize that you have your own journey and style that truly belongs to you. You never know unless you try.”
