Michael Isaak chooses his words carefully on his deeply personal new single Say Too Much — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Heralding a new chapter in the Egyptian-American indie-folk artist’s creative journey, this meditative and introspective song encapsulates Isaak’s evolution in exploring self-identity and authenticity. As the followup to his debut EP Forever Is A Scary Word, Say Too Much is a milestone along Isaak’s passage toward authenticity.
With ambient guitar melodies and ethereal vocals, the song evokes a soothing yet emotional atmosphere. Written by Isaak, Leo Jenséus and Will Martinez, the song is described by Isaak as the “most personal track I have ever made,” venturing into the indie-folk realm in collaboration with producers Charlie Hickey and Tyler Graham. “I really wanted to capture a more raw and up-close sound than my previous work,” he shares.
The single features electric guitar by Hickey and piano by both Hickey and Matt TC Lucas, with mixing and mastering by Graham. The song’s craftwork, spotlighting organic and experimental techniques, is aimed at listeners who want something raw, almost like being alongside Isaak in the studio.
“With it, I feel like I’ve crossed so many barriers in my songwriting and recording process. None of the lines in the verses rhyme. The song is in a whole new guitar tuning. It is also right up on the edge of my vocal range,” Isaak explains. He gives listeners a glimpse into the evolution of his story and lets his creative instinct lead the way in forming a sonic atmosphere that audiences can truly feel. “It felt like we were splattering paint on a canvas until the picture became clearer and clearer. This song has helped me reinvent myself as a mature artist ready to emerge above the surface.”
The tranquil instrumentation and Isaak’s evocative vocals create a meditative piece that allows listeners to take refuge in the world Isaak created and join him in a meditation on life. In contrast to Forever Is A Scary Word, which focuses more on coming-of-age, Say Too Much represents Isaak reveling in and prospering in his found identity.
Isaak, an emerging talent from Los Angeles now based in N.Y.C, draws inspiration from guitar-driven folk and classical Arabic music. Growing up in the U.S., Isaak has used music to reconnect with his cultural roots. In 2024, he released Forever Is A Scary Word, a six-track EP he spent nearly two years crafting. Self-produced in collaboration with Owen Korzec and featuring Arabic instrumentation by Abanoub Samir, the project offers an intimate glimpse into Isaak’s life and inner thoughts. The EP garnered over 100,000 streams and culminated in Isaak’s largest headline show to date.
Check out Say Too Much above, hear more from Michael Isaak below, and talk to him on his website, Instagram and Twitter.
