Ishana is a relatively new roots-folk singer-songwriter, based in Montreal, but she’s also an empathetic musician. Her songs feel like soothing, musical therapy sessions when she conveys a wide array of emotions and harnesses their power through song.
Ishana is a recording artist who was born in Mississauga, Ontario, and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Ishana’s interest in music began as early as her preschool days. She recalls the first song she sang with interest as “Man I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain. She grew up in a home filled with music. Her mother was an avid listener of the ’90s divas such as Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and others, and her stepfather was a fan of Motown and rock. He collected records that lay about the home, while the radio was always on.
Growing up, she found joy in singing with classical choirs, jazz choirs, and the gospel choir. She began working with local Montreal producers and studios, discovering her sound, and eventually began self-producing her songs.
As a self-taught producer and mixer, Ishana began working as a vocal coach while pursuing her career. She has been performing locally since 2013 and has been involved in various bands, and has released two albums, Old Skin I and Old Skin II.
Name:
Ishana
Genre:
Pop
# of Albums:
2
Latest Album:
Old Skin II
Latest Single:
Whole Again
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up: So many! But let’s narrow it down to a four-way tie between Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Lights.
Favourite musician now:
Still so many! But let’s narrow it down Lights.
Guilty pleasure song:
At the moment, Now You Know by Hilary Duff (written by Kara DioGuardi)!
Live show ritual:
I’ve probably only done this once but journaling! The one time I did it, it helped so much! Aside from that, deep breaths, talking to god (clarified when journaling), and hydrating! This is a good reminder to do these things… thank you for the question!
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Night Owl
Road or studio?
Studio
Any shows or albums coming up?
I have a few shows coming up! Next is Friday, June 24th at The Wheel Club.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram (most present), Facebook and TikTok (less present). And my Youtube channel is named Ishana. Type in my name with one of my song titles (ex: “Whole Again”) to find me, as there are a few of us there!
***
Rapid Fire Montréal Qs
Favourite local restaurant:
I haven’t been in so long but there is a really friendly family-run “Mon Ami” sushi place on Sherbrooke Ouest. I used to go a lot when I lived in NDG a few years ago. And right next to them, there is CALEM, a cute ice cream place that, in the winter, makes really good pho and sandwiches. I hope they still are making those heavenly foods. Fugazzi pizza in Point St-Charles is great too – only been once but loved it!
Favourite street in your city:
I’m vibing with Notre-Dame Ouest these days. Discovering the area and enjoying it a lot.
Favourite park in your city:
Rapids Park is really nice. You can take your bike there along the water’s edge from Verdun into Lasalle. There is wildlife there and depending on what time you go, it can be really quiet. There are calm waters. Yet there are also violent waves that you are surrounded by. It moves me and reminds me of Hawaii, a place I am very fond of.
Favourite music venue in your city:
I actually can’t think of one as I don’t go to shows often, ironically. But I would love to see the inside of the Corona theatre one day!
Favourite music store in your city:
HMV on St-Catherine if it were still around (I am an early 2000s CD kid at heart!).
