Meet Isabela.

Meet Isabela Perez, a Jazz vocalist from Humber College. Scattered throughout her Instagram, you'll find snippets of her rhythmic and melodic voice covering songs by Anita O'Day and other influential jazz musicians. When Perez isn't flying solo, you'll find her singing alongside Butterfly Szn, a Toronto-based jazz band comprised of Perez and her friends. In this interview, I asked Perez about aspirations, inspirational jazz artists, and the band Butterfly Szn.

What are you currently attending school for?

I’m a second-year jazz vocal student at Humber College Lakeshore, getting my Bachelor of Arts for music. I’m currently unemployed due to the virus but I have been doing teaching gigs here and there as well as performing in Toronto All-Star Big Band, duo setting (vocal and bass) or in my band, Butterfly Szn. 

What do you want to do once you’re finished school?

I would love to mostly perform when I’m done school, preferably originals and/or jazz standards. I think it’s a realistic goal due to the fact that musicians tend to make enough money from cruise ships as well as formal gigs. I’d like to try that after Humber, ideally, I’d love to tour and record. I plan to teach on the side until I no longer need to.

When did you start singing and how long have you been doing it?

I started singing when I was young and started to take serious lessons in grade 9. I went to Wexford School for the Arts in high school, which helped me a lot with stage presence. I was taught a lot of improper techniques when I was young, so since I’ve been at Humber, I’ve been focusing a lot on technique and vocal hygiene. I’ve been in choirs at school as well as musical productions. I also joined the Etobicoke jazz band when I was in grade 11. This band does 30’s, 40’s and 50’s swing music. 

Who or what inspired you to be a jazz singer? 

I went to Nation Music Camp of Canada for a few summers doing musical theatre. Once I was old enough, I wanted to try jazz. I had an amazing professor teaching us jazz, he actually works at u of t in the jazz vocal department. His name is Alex Samaras. Honestly, since that week of camp I wanted to do jazz, something about it clicked with me and I resonated with it more than any other genre of music at the time. My mom used to play some jazz records when I was young; Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Sophie Milman. 

Sophie Milman really inspired me, she’s a Toronto jazz vocalist from Russia. I always loved her tone and phrasing. Anita O’day is currently my favorite jazz vocalist. I love her scatting, phrasing and charm she has when she expresses herself. 

Where was your favourite place to perform? 

My favorite place to perform with TABB (Toronto all Star big band- an older sister band with Etobicoke jazz band) was at Melastman Square, there were lots of people and just great energy. I also love performing at the Supermarket— it’s a smaller venue in Kensington market but I always have a magical time and the people there are kind. 

How did the band “Butterfly Szn” start? 

Butterfly Szn started by me. I wrote some originals in first year and really wanted a band to back me up and play the visions I had in my head. I chose people who had lovely energy and were passionate. Wolfgang Gray is on keys, Lazar Miric on sax/flute, OG Bassman on bass and Vania Lee on drums. Everyone in the band is insanely talented on their own and gave amazing feedback/edits on my music and helped me create what I wanted. They’ve helped me become a better songwriter. I started booking gigs and we started playing. We play neo soul/hip hop/RnB/jazz, it’s a genre somewhere in between that. 

Are there any new projects in the works?

Butterfly Szn is working on a single. Just waiting to record some overdubs and do some mixing! We’re also hoping to record an EP this summer. I’m very excited about that, I hope we get this summer (due to CO-VID). I’m also currently trying to arrange some jazz pieces. I’d love to have a sextet; vocals, sax, trombone, and rhythm section. I’m excited for what the future brings. 

What is something you wish you knew when you started singing professionally, and what would you tell others that want to do the same?

I wish I knew how important it is to find a great vocal teacher. I wish I told myself to be patient with myself and my voice. I would tell myself to take care of myself because I am my instrument and to keep working hard. 

To hear more of Butterfly Szn's upcoming work, visit their Instagram: @butterfly_szn