Seeing as we’re already almost at the end of January, I think it’s safe to say that 2026 has properly begun. Wild how quickly time flies!

I’ve always loved the start of a new year. It feels like a natural moment to reflect, but also to look ahead and ask myself what I’d like more of — and what I could happily have less of. I’ve never worked in an office or had anything resembling a corporate job, but I do like the idea of a yearly “review”. So I try to apply that to my own life and work, in the hope it helps me make more space for the things that truly make me happy.

And it always comes back to the same three things: music 🎵, nature ⛰️ and cats 🐈. Probably in that order.

A thought about happiness that’s been sitting with me lately came via a colleague and friend. He (very sceptically!) attended a Tony Robbins event, and while the high-fives didn’t win him over, one idea really stuck: progress creates happiness. That resonated deeply. Last year was special in many ways, but also challenging. It’s a tricky time to be an artist — and a tricky time to be a citizen of the world. I know I’m not alone in feeling unsettled by what’s happening globally.

Although 2025 was probably my most inspiring year yet musically, I also felt stuck as an artist, which brought a fair amount of frustration. That’s when I realised I needed to focus more energy on ISQ and on finishing the album. I’m happy to say it’s coming along beautifully: the music is being edited and the artwork is almost done. Progress… and yes, happiness too.

Now, for the magic 🪄. Last year was a real year of firsts, musical and otherwise, and here are a few highlights:

1. Performing at PizzaExpress Jazz Club for the first time with the new ISQ line-up, featuring Luca Boscagin on guitar 🎸. An iconic venue and a truly electric night — and the moment I realised I’d finally found that “special sauce” 🥫 in the band’s sound. 📸 Thanks to Tatiana Gorilowsky and Marcello Romani for the lovely pics.

2. My first peak 🏔️ Monte Faccia Bella (2621m). After a lot of uphill, sweating (and some swearing), I made it to the ridge. But, as eloquently demonstrated in the next picture, what goes up must come down 😄.

3. Firsts in food and music: baking my first onion and leek pie 🥧 (delicious, pastry still needs work) and recording the new ISQ album at Real World Studios in May 🎛 — two immersive days in the Wood Room at Peter Gabriel’s magical studio.

4. The first time I said “I do” ❤️ (and hopefully the last!). On June 21st, I married my partner of nine years in Carloforte, Sardinia — my home-away-from-home — surrounded by family and friends from all over the world.

5. More beautiful firsts: Siena for my cousin’s wedding 💒 (aperitivo in Piazza del Campo with a classical concert felt surreal), hiking 🥾 in the Italian Alps with Jack the dog, and — always essential — cuddles with Teddy 😽.

👉 Looking ahead to new firsts: on Thursday 25th March, ISQ will be playing Jazzsteps in Nottingham for the very first time, at the beautiful Bonington Theatre. You can book tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/ISQ-JazzSteps-26

Thank you, as always, for being here. More music very soon.

And all that Jazz,
Ire x