ArtistDirect News
Izzy Escobar Unveils Official Music Video for Hate to Be The One, Boosting Streaming Momentum
On April 16, 2026, New York‑based singer‑songwriter Izzy Escobar released the official music video for her single “Hate to Be The One.” Filmed inside the historic Bowery Ballroom and directed by Kelly Balch, the clip pairs Escobar’s soaring vocals with cinematic visuals that echo the song’s emotional core.
The release follows a surge in streaming activity that saw “Hate to Be The One” climb into the top ten on Shazam in both the United States and Canada. The track also earned a placement in HBO’s comedy series Hacks, exposing Escobar’s music to a broader television audience.
Escobar, a classically trained violinist and pianist, blends her Cuban and Italian heritage with contemporary pop production. Her music has attracted millions of views on social media, where spontaneous piano performances showcase her vocal range and songwriting craft.
The single’s success is part of a breakout year for the artist. In May 2026, Escobar’s original song “Evergreen Avenue” was added to the soundtrack of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a film that also features contributions from Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Laufey, and Sienna Spiro. The soundtrack, released through 20th Century Studios and Interscope Records, includes Escobar’s track alongside other contemporary pop and R&B artists.
Industry publications have taken note of Escobar’s rapid rise. Forbes described her as “your pop queen in 2026,” while Billboard and the BBC highlighted her growing influence in the pop landscape. These accolades come amid a growing list of live‑performance commitments.
Escobar will headline shows in New York, Los Angeles, Berlin, Paris, and London during the remainder of 2026. She is also scheduled to appear at several major festivals, including BottleRock, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and Austin City Limits. These appearances position her alongside established pop acts and emerging artists, reinforcing her presence on the international touring circuit.
The official video for “Hate to Be The One” is available on YouTube and Apple Music. It features a narrative that complements the song’s lyrical themes of vulnerability and resilience, set against the backdrop of the Bowery Ballroom’s intimate atmosphere.
The release of the video, coupled with the song’s chart performance and media placements, underscores Escobar’s trajectory from an emerging artist to a mainstream pop contender. Her blend of classical musicianship and contemporary songwriting, combined with strategic media exposure, has positioned her for continued growth in the competitive pop market.
As of July 14, 2026, Escobar remains an artist to watch, with a growing catalog, high‑profile collaborations, and a robust touring schedule that signals sustained momentum in the coming months.
The release follows a surge in streaming activity that saw “Hate to Be The One” climb into the top ten on Shazam in both the United States and Canada. The track also earned a placement in HBO’s comedy series Hacks, exposing Escobar’s music to a broader television audience.
Escobar, a classically trained violinist and pianist, blends her Cuban and Italian heritage with contemporary pop production. Her music has attracted millions of views on social media, where spontaneous piano performances showcase her vocal range and songwriting craft.
The single’s success is part of a breakout year for the artist. In May 2026, Escobar’s original song “Evergreen Avenue” was added to the soundtrack of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a film that also features contributions from Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Laufey, and Sienna Spiro. The soundtrack, released through 20th Century Studios and Interscope Records, includes Escobar’s track alongside other contemporary pop and R&B artists.
Industry publications have taken note of Escobar’s rapid rise. Forbes described her as “your pop queen in 2026,” while Billboard and the BBC highlighted her growing influence in the pop landscape. These accolades come amid a growing list of live‑performance commitments.
Escobar will headline shows in New York, Los Angeles, Berlin, Paris, and London during the remainder of 2026. She is also scheduled to appear at several major festivals, including BottleRock, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and Austin City Limits. These appearances position her alongside established pop acts and emerging artists, reinforcing her presence on the international touring circuit.
The official video for “Hate to Be The One” is available on YouTube and Apple Music. It features a narrative that complements the song’s lyrical themes of vulnerability and resilience, set against the backdrop of the Bowery Ballroom’s intimate atmosphere.
The release of the video, coupled with the song’s chart performance and media placements, underscores Escobar’s trajectory from an emerging artist to a mainstream pop contender. Her blend of classical musicianship and contemporary songwriting, combined with strategic media exposure, has positioned her for continued growth in the competitive pop market.
As of July 14, 2026, Escobar remains an artist to watch, with a growing catalog, high‑profile collaborations, and a robust touring schedule that signals sustained momentum in the coming months.