Indie singer-songwriter Izzy Mahoubi has teamed up with fellow Rude Records labelmate Sydney Sprague to reimagine Joni Mitchell’s iconic song “Big Yellow Taxi” as part of Rude Records “Changing Tides” charity compilation record – listen here.
Speaking on how the collaboration came about, Izzy Mahoubi says: “I love the project Rude is partnering with and I’m so glad they extended the invitation to spread awareness to their roster,” Izzy Mahoubi shares. “Looking through the list of environmentally inspired songs to choose from, I saw ‘Big Yellow Taxi” and I was like “yep, that’s what I’m doing”. I love the story behind why Joni wrote the song as well as the concept of not realizing the beautiful creation that surrounds us. Paradise has in fact, been paved over. Noting the original song’s bouncy melody, along the well known cover by The Counting Crows, I started reimagining the song taking a more airy, folk pop, direction. I heard it reflecting the dreamy synth of Folklore/Evermore and Bon Iver.”
“I asked Sydney if she would be interested in singing on the track, and when she agreed, I was over the moon, like I was literally hopping over the moon. Her voice is so stunning. I love the juxtaposition between our voices, and together I think it makes such a sweet melody. We recorded the song in Phoenix in Sydney’s home studio and it was such an effortless project. Chuck Morris produced the track and he captured my messy ideas and made it sound so darn good. The minimal instrumentation and production included mandolin, acoustic guitar, and some sweet synths that felt like the perfect blend of vibes. I’m so proud of this cover and so grateful for Sydney sharing her voice on this song!”
Izzy recently announced her debut EP How To Run, which is set to be released on July 21, 2023 via Rude Records. The EP will feature previous singles “Hang Around,” “Torn In Two,” as well as newly released single “Cool Guy.”