San Francisco, CA, June 20, 2023…Rising folk/Americana collective artist ISMAY announces the release of their second single, "I Called You Up," from their upcoming LP Desert Pavement. “I Called You Up” will be released on June 20, 2023. Following the success of their debut single, "Stranger in the Barn," ISMAY continues to captivate listeners with their unique blend of gorgeous melodies and thought-provoking storytelling, dubbed “Ziggy Barndust” by Country Queer.

"I Called You Up" explores the changing dynamics of a parent-child relationship as they both navigate the journey of aging. The 25-year-old protagonist reaches out to their busy parent, only to realize the shifting nature of their connection as they grow into adulthood. The song delves into the bittersweet acceptance of finding one's place in the world and embracing self-reliance.

ISMAY shares, "This song was fascinating to record because it began as a slow melancholy folky song. Andrew [Andrew Marlin, producer] had the idea to add a little riff and change the chords on one line. That adjustment changed the whole song, and it showed Andrew’s brilliance as a producer. I love collaborations like that, where another person can hear a possibility that I can’t, and makes the music much better."

"I Called You Up" marks a stylistic departure for ISMAY, drawing inspiration from Lucinda Williams, whose music ISMAY has been studying for the past few years. ISMAY's admiration for Williams's work has influenced their songwriting process, resulting in a track that pays homage to the renowned artist while showcasing ISMAY's own artistic growth.

For more information on ISMAY and their upcoming releases, please visit https://www.ismaymusic.com/.

About ISMAY

ISMAY is a Folk/Americana music project driven by California-based singer/songwriter Avery Hellman. Their debut album Songs Of Sonoma Mountain was released in 2020 and named one of the 10 best Albums in the Bay Area, garnering features in American Songwriter, No Depression, Sonoma Magazine and more. Growing up backstage at their grandfather’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, ISMAY was inspired early on by artists such as Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch and Hazel Dickens. ISMAY’s performance highlights include festivals such as SF Jazz Festival Americana Week, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Strawberry Music Festival, The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, The Lantern Tour, The Great American Music Hall, Slim’s, the Golden State Theater, and the Mystic Theater. Acclaimed artists they have opened for include Steve Earle, Watchhouse, Justin Townes Earle, Robert Earl Keen, John Doe and Chuck Prophet. ISMAY is featured as one of a select group of artists from around the world participating in the Apple TV+ Show My Kind of Country, produced by Kacey Musgraves and Reese Witherspoon. Gearing up for the release of their sophomore album Desert Pavement, produced by Andrew Marlin (Mandolin Orange/Watchhouse), ISMAY is currently on tour.

ISMAY Announces Highly Anticipated Second Single “I Called You Up”