Picture this: you’re strolling through Silver Lake, Los Angeles, where the air hums with creativity—music spilling from dive bars, art popping off gallery walls, and a community vibe that feels like a warm hug. Now, imagine a song that captures that electric energy. That’s Rae Isla’s “What’s In The Water,” the infectious indie pop anthem serving as the theme for PopCult’s upcoming docuseries and podcast, SCENE. If this track doesn’t hook you from the first note, I don’t know what will! Let’s dive into why this song—and Rae Isla herself—is making waves in the indie music world.
A Soundtrack for Silver Lake’s Soul
“What’s In The Water” is a vibrant love letter to cultural hubs like Silver Lake, where alternative music and art have thrived since the ‘90s. Rae Isla, a Seattle-born, Brooklyn-bred singer-songwriter, teams up with GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Tom Biller (known for his work with Fiona Apple) to craft a track that’s equal parts dreamy and dynamic. The song’s melody is a breezy blend of indie pop sparkle and Americana warmth, with Rae’s crystalline vocals floating effortlessly over lush production. It’s the kind of tune that feels like a sunny afternoon drive with the windows down—uplifting, nostalgic, and undeniably catchy.
Lyrically, the song taps into the magic of creative communities, asking what makes these places so special (hence the title!). It’s a perfect fit for SCENE, a docuseries narrated by Reggie Watts that explores vibrant cultural neighborhoods. The track’s upbeat tempo and layered instrumentation mirror the eclectic energy of Silver Lake’s music scene, making it an instant earworm for anyone who loves discovering new sounds. Whether you’re into indie pop, folk, or just vibes that scream “let’s create something,” this song delivers.
Who Is Rae Isla?
Rae Isla’s journey is as inspiring as her music. Classically trained on cello and later studying voice and business at Berklee College of Music, Rae kicked off her career in Brooklyn’s indie scene. She’s collaborated with heavy-hitters like Gianluca Buccellati (Lana Del Rey, Arlo Parks) and co-produced her debut EP and album, Another Life, which landed as the 27th most-added record on NACC Charts. Her music has earned love from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Complex, cementing her as a rising star.
But Rae’s not just about traditional music releases. She’s a pioneer in the music web3 space, selling over 2,000 NFTs (equivalent to ~55 million streams!) and speaking at global conferences about blockchain’s role in empowering artists. This forward-thinking hustle pairs perfectly with her raw talent, making her a standout in today’s industry. In 2024, Rae’s hitting new heights with a national tour alongside TikTok sensation Sammy Arriaga and Gen Z favorite Hans Williams, plus a new Americana-leaning sound showcased in tracks like “Stones” and her title song for the upcoming film Ezra (starring Bobby Cannavale and Robert De Niro).
Why “What’s In The Water” Matters
This song isn’t just a catchy theme—it’s a reflection of the indie music scene’s evolution. Indie pop in 2025 is all about blending genres, and Rae nails it by weaving Americana roots into her signature sound. The track’s polished yet authentic vibe feels like a nod to the DIY spirit of Silver Lake’s past while embracing the future of music distribution and community-building. Plus, with SCENE shining a spotlight on cultural hubs, Rae’s song is poised to become a rallying cry for creatives everywhere.
Visually, the song’s vibe begs for vibrant imagery—think album artwork with bold colors and retro fonts, or a music video capturing Silver Lake’s quirky charm. (Check out Rae’s socials for updates on visuals!) For now, you can imagine the track playing as you explore a neighborhood buzzing with possibility.
Get Your Music Out There with DistroKid
Rae Isla’s success is proof that independent artists can thrive in today’s music world, especially with the right tools. If you’re an artist dreaming of sharing your sound, DistroKid makes it easy to distribute your music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Plus, you can score a 7% discount on your membership with this link: DistroKid VIP. It’s a game-changer for getting your tracks heard and keeping more of your earnings—perfect for building your own creative haven.
Let’s Talk!
“What’s In The Water” has me buzzing about the power of music to capture a place and a moment. What do you think of Rae Isla’s indie pop gem? Have you got a favorite cultural spot that inspires your creativity? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the convo going! Share this post with your music-loving friends, and let’s spread the word about Rae’s stellar sound.
