Travis Dockery
389 Country
In the heart of Western North Carolina’s mountains, where tales of resilience and heritage echo through the hollers, an eighth-grader from Hayesville Middle School is breathing new life into traditional Appalachian music. Isabella Mintz, a teen with a guitar in her hands and a melody in her soul, is not just singing songs—she’s crafting original pieces that preserve the stories and spirit of her Appalachian roots.
A Songbird from the Start
Isabella’s love for music began almost as soon as she could talk. “I’ve always gravitated to music and singing since I was very little,” she recalls. At two, she was belting out tunes into a microphone at church and talent shows. By five, her imagination took flight as she penned songs about fairies and nature, scribbling them down with the earnestness of a born songwriter. “I’ve always loved to sing,” she says simply, a sentiment that has only grown stronger with time.
Rooted in the Mountains
What sets Isabella apart is her deep connection to Appalachian folk music, a tradition woven into the fabric of her upbringing in WNC (Western North Carolina). “Being raised in the mountains, you tend to hear stories passed down from generation to generation,” she explains. These are tales of hard times met with grit, of wisdom and values distilled into lessons that endure.
For Isabella, turning these narratives into songs isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a mission. “It’s vital that we preserve Appalachian heritage because we don’t want to lose these mountain voices,” she says. Through her music, she hopes to keep those voices alive.
"Paperdolls": A Song of Legacy
Her first “official” song, one she’s seeking to copyright, is a heartfelt ode to family and resilience called “Paperdolls.” Inspired by stories her mother shared about days gone by, the song tells of her great-great-grandmother Maude, who crafted paper dolls from newspaper for Isabella’s mom when she was a little girl—a tradition Maude inherited from her own mother, Lena. “Poor Appalachian folk just had to make do with what they had,” Isabella explains.
Yet, beneath the simplicity lies a profound message: “Even though these mountain folk had little, they were rich in faith, hope, and love. They had grit and could endure.” Writing “Paperdolls” was a labor of love, completed just in time for her mother’s birthday, making it a gift as much as a song.
Musical Heroes and Creative Sparks
Isabella’s style draws from a rich well of influences, spanning generations of country and folk legends. She admires the raw storytelling of Johnny Cash, the powerhouse vocals of Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, and the modern grit of Oliver Anthony and Miranda Lambert, alongside contemporary Christian artist Anne Wilson and bluegrass talent Caroline Owens.
“For me, it has to be personal or I cannot write about it,” she says of her process. With “Paperdolls,” it started with her mom’s story—then she picked up her guitar, let the melody flow, and wrestled with the lyrics over a few days until they clicked.
Her trusty guitar is her go-to instrument for now, though she’s eager to expand her skills. “Soon I would like to learn mandolin,” she says, hinting at the evolving sound she’s cultivating.
Tales of the Mountains
The Appalachian region is a treasure trove of inspiration for Isabella. From legends of towering wampus cats to the practical traditions of planting by the almanac’s signs, canning food, and passing down survival skills, she sees endless potential in these stories. “These are all things that I can draw from when strumming out a new melody,” she says. Her next project? A song that “connects the past to the present—reaching back to push the good forward.”
Balancing Act
For Isabella, music isn’t a separate pursuit—it’s woven into her life. After school and sports, she unwinds with her guitar, letting ideas take shape naturally. At Hayesville Middle School, she’s found a supportive community. “I am so grateful to be at Hayesville because they offer chorus,” she says. Her chorus teacher, Mrs. Moss, provides opportunities to perform at concerts, while Mrs. Dills arranges for her to sing the national anthem at ball games and bass tournaments. “I am so thankful for them,” Isabella adds.
Taking the Stage
Performing her original songs is a thrill she’s come to cherish. “It feels amazing,” she says, lighting up with the memory of connecting with an audience. But songwriting isn’t without its challenges. “Brain fog” and ensuring the song makes sense are the toughest hurdles. “I want my audience to be able to connect to the song,” she explains. To push through, she keeps tweaking until the pieces fall into place.
A Favorite Tune
Of all her creations, “Paperdolls” holds a special place in her heart. “I wrote it for my mom,” she says, her pride evident. Beyond that, it’s a song she hopes to pass down herself one day, teaching her own children to cut out paper dolls and sharing the story of faith, hope, and charity it carries.
A Supportive Circle
Isabella’s family and friends are her biggest cheerleaders. Her parents gifted her a guitar for Christmas and are arranging lessons to hone her skills. Her friends and teachers rally around her, spotlighting opportunities to shine both musically and athletically. “They’re very supportive,” she says gratefully.
Painting Pictures with Sound
When people hear her music, Isabella wants them to feel transported. “I want to paint a picture through the melody and music and take the listener there,” she says. “They may hear something encouraging and can apply it to their life.” It’s a lofty goal for a middle schooler, but one she pursues with quiet determination.
Looking Ahead
The future holds exciting possibilities for Isabella. She’s eager to explore new instruments like the autoharp, mandolin, or hammer dulcimer while deepening her guitar expertise. For now, she’s content to grow as a songwriter, but her dreams stretch far: “I hope that someone would want to collaborate with me in either singing, songwriting, and/or playing instruments with me. And someday hope to make it to the Grand Ole Opry!”
From her mountain home to the iconic Nashville stage, Isabella Mintz is a young artist on a path to keep Appalachian music ringing for generations to come.
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