Check out our interview with Singer/songwriter IRIS who just released her new single “Back By The Weekend.”
Penned by Trey Campbell (Celine Dion, John Legend) and two-time Grammy award-winning producer Malay (Frank Ocean, Lorde, Sam Smith), the upbeat, rhythmic track is embellished with IRIS’s soaring, powerhouse vocals, fluid instrumentation, and steady drum beats. At the helm of the production is Malay and Raul Lopez, who give “Back By The Weekend” a tight and polished sound.
A storyteller at heart, IRIS brings an edgy pop energy to her music. The vocalist has been compared to Lady Gaga, with their similar “’80s rock rasp,” and rock icon Stevie Nicks. She cites Amy Winehouse, John Mayer and Alicia Keys as inspirations.
Follow Iris @iris
Hi IRIS, please tell us a little about you.
I’m a Jersey girl living in LA. I’m an independent artist making music from my heart.
Describe your sound in 3 words.
Organic, Heartfelt, and Fun
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Growing up, my first favorite singer was Mariah Carey. I absolutely loved her. I wanted to sing like her and would lock myself in my room and practice every single note from all her songs. I also loved Christina Aguilera as well and would do the same with her music. I just loved the way music and singing made me feel. When I was younger, I was bullied a lot, but I always felt like no matter what was going on in my life, music was always there to lift me up.
Do you ever get nervous?
Absolutely! But I channel that nervous butterfly energy into what I’m doing and smile and have fun. Nervous is good – it makes me feel.
Tell us about your new single “Back By The Weekend?”
It’s such a fun, good energy, and catchy song. I love the country-pop aspect of it.
What’s the story behind the song?
I feel like the lyrics really relate to how we all feel at one point or another in our lives. Feelings and trusting them can be scary, but when you trust them you can have something amazing.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Making music that connects with people and getting to meet so many new people from making music. I really love how music brings people together.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
All you need to know about the Music Business, 48 Laws of Power
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Trust your instincts and if something is too good to be true, then it probably is.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Be patient and you’re never too old to do what you love. I always thought I had to have certain goals met by a certain age and if I didn’t, then that meant that I was failing. I think if you’re working hard towards your goals and dreams then there’s no reason you need to put limitations or too many expectations on yourself.
How would your best friend describe you?
Thoughtful, helpful, and loyal
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Living my best life! I think this would describe how I live my life. I always try to do what I love and live every day happy and fulfilled.
What’s next for IRIS in 2022?
I plan on doing some more shows and releasing more music! Excited to keep this music train going 🙂
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love fruit! Mangos, Watermelon, Apples, Strawberries. I could eat a fruit bowl any day and be happy.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza! It’s always a comfort and especially when I’m back on the east coast, I have to have it.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Eclectic but classic/on trend! I love dressing up for dinners and nights out, but then I love wearing vintage tees and jeans. I love shoes and vintage accessories. I feel like with the right shoes and accessories you can make any outfit elevated.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being true to who you are and living life with no regrets.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Stevie Nicks. She is a musical icon and I admire her so much. She always stayed true to herself and is such an inspiration musically to me.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I would love to go to Italy again with my husband. We went a few years back and it was one of the most magical places. I love the food, wine, and culture. I want to explore more cities like Florence and Venice, which I didn’t get to see.
Best advice ever given?
Be yourself because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind 🙂
Do you support any charity?
I donate a lot to goodwill and I donate to Parkinson’s research.
Where do you see yourself and your career 5 years from now?
I want to be playing bigger shows and releasing more music. I would love to be able to do headlining shows.
Favorite song? Why?
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac – I feel like I’ve heard this song so many times, it never gets old.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s a great way to connect with people and get yourself out there. It can be damaging at times but you have to remind yourself not to get sucked into negativity.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on IG @iris
TikTok- @iris__official
Twitter @_irismusic
My website irissounds.com
Book: The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Quote: The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.
Movie: Step Brothers
Tv Series: Seinfeld/Sex and the City/Schitt’s Creek
Favorite Food: Pizza/Pasta
Travel Destination: Hawaii (Maui)
Sports Team: NY Giants
