Getting To Know Isabella Allon

Article by Herrick Swirbalus, University Union Editorial Board

Staff Writer | Photo by Troy Conner

If you were at this year’s Concert Talent Show, there’s no way you would have missed Isabella Allon’s set. Preceded by ÉTN, Allon had the middle time slot for the evening, with Padma closing out the night. The night held three unique performances, and the entire Schine Student Center Underground was captivated by the artists. University Union events are always one of the best places to find talent you didn’t know you were looking for, and the Concert Talent Show was no exception. It was my first time seeing each artist perform, but Isabella’s set stood out to me the most because not only was it my first time seeing her perform, but it was her first time performing in Syracuse solo. Allon has a story to tell through her music, and with three more years to go at Syracuse University–she’s just getting started. 

So if you’re like me and have never seen Allon perform before the Concert Talent Show, there’s a lot you’ve been missing out on. I sat down with her to get a better understanding of who she is as an artist, and what her intentions are going forward in Syracuse. 

Hailing from Houston, Texas, Isabella has been surrounded by the arts her whole life. Songwriting has been a creative outlet for her since the age of eight, and she’s also passionate about dance and musical theater. She is a part of SU’s drama organization First Year Players, and made her debut on the stage this semester with their rendition of “Legally Blonde.” It all began when her grandfather gifted her a piano as a child, initially sparking her love for songwriting and music in general. 

In my opinion, the most interesting part about Allon’s music is her lyricism. I asked her how important lyrics are when it comes to writing her songs, and she made it very clear to me that they are the most essential part of her songwriting process. Her roots in musical theater shine through her music when it comes to her contemporary lyrical style.
“I really value lyricism in my songwriting process and being as authentic as I can through my music,” Allon said.

I wish I could direct you to stream her music right now, but Isabella has yet to put her music on platforms. Emphasis on the yet, she still has big things coming for her fans who can’t catch her live. For updates, make sure to stay caught up with Isabella on TikTok and Instagram @isabellallon. 

Securing a slot for UU’s Concert Talent Show was a huge step forward in Isabella’s career.

Photo By Troy Conner

“I was completely shocked when I got selected as one of the three musicians to compete,” Allon stated.

Padma and ÉTN are two prominent artists in the SU community, so she  was ecstatic to share the stage with them.

“I was really intimidated with pursuing a music career all by myself,” Allon said.  Despite this, it was the little things like people going up to her after the show in the Underground that reinforced her “inner child” who is so passionate about the music she writes. 

UU continues to be a vessel for students at SU to voice their creative side and discover themselves artistically. Take Isabella’s story as proof that there's talent out there in the student community, just waiting to be found. Her next show will be the recently announced CrossRoads Collective acoustic showcase this Saturday, April 19, with fellow Bandier performers Callan Foster and Sofia Violet. In addition, Allon plans on taking her talent to Loud and Clear, and SURecords at the Westcott Theatre, with more details to be announced soon. Keep an eye on Allon, she's got a lot more to show Syracuse.