Claudia Isaki’s San Francisco opens on syncopated guitar and a vintage Bacharach-like atmosphere that recalls Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By.” The resemblance lasts only a few seconds. Drums enter, the pace quickens and the song moves into bright indie pop before surf-rock guitars broaden the chorus.
Released through ANOtHERLANd on 4 September 2026, the single was written by Isaki, Quinn Oulton and James Alexander Vincent. Oulton and Vincent also produced it, with Vincent handling the mix.
Isaki is singing to her younger sister, revisiting a West Coast trip while recognising how their relationship has changed with age. Instructions about crossing at the green light and avoiding screens after midnight preserve the instincts of an older sibling, even as she acknowledges that her sister is no longer a child.
Her soothing, soulful vocal holds the different styles together. The chorus brings open windows, sunshine and an eleven-hour journey west, while layered harmonies make the recollection sound as warm as it feels. Yet the affection never becomes sentimental shorthand. Isaki includes the less polished parts of sisterhood too: acting foolishly, not always listening and keeping each other’s secrets.
“San Francisco” has also been added to our Neon Music Indie Vibes playlist.
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