BIO

Vanessa Izabella is a Hispanic-America guitarist and composer, born and raised in Miami, FL.  Vanessa had an intense love of music from a young age. She gravitated toward the guitar and began playing at age 7. Throughout middle school and high school, she was in the music program, performing on guitar, trumpet and French horn. She made the cut as the sole guitarist for the Florida All-State Jazz Band and started developing a reputation as a guitarist. Wanting to pursue a career in music, she applied to Berklee College of Music and was awarded a scholarship to attend. At Berklee Vanessa was heavily influenced by musicians such as Pat Metheny, Slash, Hiram Bullock, McCoy Tyner and many others. After graduating with a degree in Music Business, she went on to work with such artists as Pat Metheny and Christian McBride. After a few years in the business end of the industry, she decided to pursue her own performing career and moved to Atlanta, GA. Once in Atlanta she was playing with several local groups, doing session work.  A year later she was chosen as a finalist by Beyoncé to audition for her all-girl backup band. Vanessa has traveled the world playing guitar, visiting countries such as France, Germany, Egypt, Italy, Japan, South America and the Caribbean. She has performed on the bill with such renowned artists as Darius Rucker, LA Sno, KISS, Skid Row, Paramore and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. She is the guitarist for Atlanta based rock band BAST, who recently opened for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Currently she is performing with the all-female band Klymaxx FM, which are planning a US and European Tour in the summer and fall of 2021. She also studies privately with guitar great Jennifer Batten. Vanessa is also a writer/contributor to the award-winning Guitar Girl Magazine.