Alex Isley, One of R&B’s Most Intimate Artists, Returns with ‘Hands

Alex Isley has a way of making music feel like a quiet conversation, one that lingers long after the last note fades. Her latest single, “Hands,” is no exception. The song, her first release under Free Lunch/Warner Records, is a meditation on longing and connection, wrapped in the kind of warmth that has become her signature.

Produced by CAMPER, known for his work with Brandy, Doechii and H.E.R., “Hands” is built on a foundation of raw electric guitar, gentle synths and slow-burning percussion. Isley’s voice floats effortlessly above it, capturing the ache of distance with understated emotion. The lyrics reflect the simple yet powerful feeling of missing someone deeply—of weeks that feel like months apart and empty spaces that can’t replace the comfort of home.

“There’s so much power in a touch that’s rooted in love and affection,” Isley said. “The memory of it can remind you how much it’s really worth.”

That ability to make emotions feel tangible has been central to her artistry. The daughter of Ernie Isley from the legendary Isley Brothers, music has always been a part of her life. But rather than simply following the path carved by her family, she has built her own.

Classically trained by her opera-singing grandmother, Isley developed perfect pitch and a refined vocal technique, but her sound is unmistakably her own. Infused with elements of jazz, soul and hip-hop, her music feels both nostalgic and modern. Her 2012 debut, The Love/Art Memoirs, set the stage for a career defined by thoughtful storytelling and lush, airy vocals. Projects like Wilton with Jack Dine and I Left My Heart in Ladera with Terrace Martin have cemented her as one of R&B’s most sophisticated voices, while her 2023 reimagining of Sade’s “Paradise” showcased her ability to honor the past while pushing forward.

With “Hands” leading into her upcoming EP, When, Isley continues to craft music that values intimacy over spectacle. She doesn’t chase trends or force a sound—she simply creates, and in doing so, reminds listeners why R&B’s quietest moments often leave the deepest impressions.

photo credit: Breyona Holt