One of the newest artists emerging in 2019, Iris, is gearing up to shake up the year with her music. This prolific New Jersey-born singer and songwriter focuses on music that means something to her and whoever listens. You may have heard her single “Crazy” on the Netflix show Santa Clarita Diet.
In this interview with Iris, we discuss the creation of “Crazy,” her musical background, social media, among many other topics. This inspiring artist strives to spread love and positivity through her lyrics, that has quickly gained a large following on Spotify.
Congratulations on “Crazy” being featured on Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet! Tell me more about your single. What inspired it?
Thank you so much! “Crazy” is a song about how love doesn’t make sense. The thoughts that consume you and the things that you do seem out of character, but that’s what love can make you do.
What do you hope fans understand/take away from listening to “Crazy”?
I want people to feel and remind themselves that love is powerful and beautiful, but it may not make sense to everyone else around you.
How did you realize that you wanted to pursue singing?
Music has always been a big part of my life. My dad was always playing music in the house and we’d take drives and listen to his favorite bands from Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd to Van Halen. I joined the choirs in my school, did talent shows and decided at a young age that singing/music is what I wanted to do with my life. It always brought me joy and a sense of completion. I love connecting with people as well, and I truly believe that music brings every kind of person together, no matter what beliefs you have, and I think that is beautiful.
Does your family come from a musical background?
My great grandfather was a musician. He played the piano and the accordion. I have some cousins in Iceland that play music and sing as well. My dad was always big into taking drives and listening to music, so he exposed me to a lot of cool rock bands at a super early age.
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
Stevie Nicks, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, and Led Zeppelin, to name a few.
You’ve mentioned topics such as Parkinson’s Disease, equality, and going through the journey of happiness as some of your impassioned causes. How important is it for you to discuss topics that are relevant to your life and can be relatable to the average listener?
I like to be an open book. I feel like I want to share who I am with everyone. I think in the world we live in now, there’s a lot of negativity and a lot of people who just are unaware of certain things. We are all learning every day and I think keeping an open mind to people’s feelings instead of attacking them is the right approach. We all aren’t going to believe in the same things or feel the same way about different topics, but keeping an open mind instead of fighting or attacking people for their certain beliefs is something I think we all should do!
What’s your favorite part of performing your songs to a live audience?
I love connecting with people on a personal level – feeling their energy along with mine is so special.
What’s your songwriting process like?
It’s different every time. Sometimes I have an idea I’m ready to roll with in the studio, sometimes the inspiration comes from the music itself.
Are there any artists you hope to collaborate with?
I’d love to work with John Mayer someday, Stevie Nicks, Alicia Keys, Tame Impala, Empire of the Sun, and Zayn.
With the quick accessibility of social media, how important do you think it is to an artist’s success?
I think we have so much more of an opportunity now to connect with people at any given moment, so I don’t think it should be something that’s taken lightly. You should share who you are, but I don’t think we need to oversaturate ourselves just because it’s something that’s always available. There’s something about leaving a little anticipation that gives people something to be excited about. If it’s always available, it’s not as exciting.
For my final question, what’s next for you?
I’ll be releasing an acoustic live version of ‘Crazy’ on 4/18 on YouTube. I’m also in the process of editing the official music video for the song as well, which I plan to release at the end of the month. I’m writing/recording and I plan on doing shows in the very near future! Follow me on Instagram @iris for all updates and announcements :)
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