What If Your Sound Was Inside You the Whole Time? Michael Isaak Went to Egypt to Find Out

Michael Isaak on Arabesque Folk, Diaspora Identity, and The Carpet MakerHost Becky Boyland interviews Los Angeles–born Egyptian American musician Michael Isaak about his journey from church hymns, Arabic classics, and early FL Studio production to creating a new sound he calls “arabesque folk.” After making indie folk influenced by Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens, a first trip to Egypt at 19 sparked deeper cultural immersion; he brought home an oud, later transferred to Columbia University, studied Arabic language and Arab music history and theory, and joined the Arab Music Ensemble. Michael shares how experimenting and jamming helped Arabic motifs emerge naturally instead of feeling forced, his critique of the “world music” framing, and his goal of building in-person community through intimate shows. They discuss his debut album The Carpet Maker (May 15) and lead single “Hold Your Keys” (March 6), reflecting on diaspora, displacement, and the hope of return.https://youtu.be/YiRyILUz2JcConnect with Michael Isaak:https://www.instagram.com/michaelisaakmusichttps://tiktok.com/@michaelisaakmusichttps://youtube.com/@michaelisaakmusichttps://open.spotify.com/artist/559rQJZL0GYH9lVU6zi5ey?si=KXUULlsqT16kSTJggFiQ8Ahttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/michael-isaak/1644644907https://michaelisaak.usSponsors:Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.comShe Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.comFeatured Song:”Hold Your Keys” by Michael Isaak, written by Michael Isaak & Sohail Bagheri (used with permission). All rights reserved.Timestamps:0:00 Teaser: Michael Isaak Interview00:38 Introduction02:12 Meet Michael Isaak03:26 Learning to Perform and Produce06:05 Taking the Leap From College07:38 Finding an Arab Folk Identity13:29 Oud Origins and Obsession16:40 Blending Arabic and Western Sounds26:39 Beyond World Music Labels30:51 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity31:24 SPONSOR: She Produces Music31:59 The Carpet Maker Album Story38:17 Marketing vs Meaning40:46 Building Community Through Shows43:57 Advice and Influences to Explore47:17 Where to Find the Music48:08 Release Dates and Farewell48:51 Coda51:16 Featured Song: "Hold Your Keys" by Michael Isaak, written by Michael Isaak & Sohail BagheriStream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285Or to your Tidal now!https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974dStarting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)