Check out our interview with talented Canadian songwriter Apryll Aileen who recently released her new single “In These Flames.”
Apryll Aileen is a classically trained pianist with a touch of science & spirituality; an alt-pop soulful vocalist, guitarist and songwriter hailing from Atlantic Canada. From performing in London, Hollywood, New York, Toronto and more, Aileen is no stranger to the music world. Her band in Los Angeles includes Toshi Yanagi and Jimmy Earl (players for Jimmy Kimmel Live!).
Follow Apryll @ApryllAileen
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL1WJ8CqbqM” title=”Apryll Aileen – In These Flames Official Music Video”][vc_column_text]
Hi Apryll, please tell us a little about you?
Hey there – I am a classically trained pianist, singer, guitarist, and songwriter from Atlantic Canada. I grew up on Madonna, Queen, and Rachmaninoff.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, playful and soulful
We are sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I fell in love with music as a teenager, when I was studying piano at an international piano camp in Ukraine. I was amazed at how music is capable of connecting us all and bringing us together – a true universal language. I wasn’t sure I wanted to actually pursue a career in the industry until about 10 years ago when I met someone involved with the feature film Dallas Buyers Club. I started getting into the film side of things and then eventually realized my music could create a larger impact when paired with the visual aspect of storytelling.
How has this changed your life?
There are so many people I’ve met that feel like extended family, all over the world. Traveling and sharing my music in new countries is a real blessing.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Soulful, pop, piano
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I am deeply influenced by artists such as Stevie Nicks, Freddie Mercury and Alanis Morissette.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes I play piano and guitar.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes of course – but mostly when I am trying out something new on stage (like a new song). I am usually good at going with the flow and being in the moment when I know what I am performing or singing.
Tell us about your new single “In These Flames” and the album?
“In These Flames” is a song about asking your loved one to have faith that you’ll return from whatever crazy mission you’re embarking on and that you do love them but you can’t share all of your secrets just yet. I feel this is similar to the beginning of many relationships, when both people are vulnerable and getting to know each other. Letting walls down can be hard when you’re building trust and oftentimes, couples find themselves in difficult situations. What happens next is really a bit of a chess match between these two individuals as they either decide to let their guard down and trust each other, enjoying the slow burn, or let the relationship go up in passion filled flames.
The “Bad Things” album was many years in the making and I ended up in three different countries before I found the right producer for this album. This is really an album where I got to explore more of an electronic pop sound and it allowed me to develop my voice and style. It always fascinates me how a song can start on a piano or guitar, with a simple but catchy melody, and be turned into a dance club banger like “Wasted On Your Love”. “Fall With Grace” ironically was originally written to be a sad, emotional ballad until Daniel Lafrombe got ahold of it and decided we needed to dance through that heartbreak. “Bad Things” the title track, started in my living room when I lived in Venice Beach, California. We went back and forth on the lyrics a lot and in the end, decided to be a bit more elusive with what exactly these bad things were.
What is the story behind the song?
Establish trust in relationships or become a spy! Haha Just joking! Love is worth it.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Knowing that my songs create healing or inspire others.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
If you weren’t in music, what would you be up to right now?
Likely in marketing/public relations or in the medical field as a psychologist/sports psychologist. I also was always interested in becoming an orthopedic surgeon and actually have a science degree.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far?
That everything in life is temporary and to enjoy it while it lasts.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t be so hard on yourself and don’t take things so seriously. It is better to try, fail and learn than to not try at all.
How would your best friend describe you?
“Apryll is the life of the party, the heart in a song. She lives life passionately and to the fullest. She’s the friend that takes you out after a breakup so you can dance through the pain. Every day is an adventure knowing her. And through her she makes your life fuller too. She writes like she’s Adele and sings like Stevie Nicks but she has the soul of a rebel.”
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Free Spirit – Old Soul”
What’s next for Apryll Aileen in 2023?
Releasing this album and playing some shows with the new band I’ve put together. I’m also a part of the Canadian Women in Music Artist Accelerator and will be a panelist at the Music New Brunswick Conference. I’m also focusing a lot on songwriting and learning music production.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Grapefruits and avocados.
And your favorite cheat food?
Ohh probably garlic fingers.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Bohemian – Chanel. Natural luxury.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To be financially supported through doing what I love, and surrounded by friends, family, nature, and my dog Tucker.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
John Lennon – I feel a lot of similarities in his songwriting and spiritual journey. I have many questions for him.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I would go with my romantic partner to Venice, Italy and take a gondola ride and many photos, much to their dismay HA!
Best advice ever given?
Don’t seek to be understood, seek to understand.
Do you support any charity?
SPCA (I love all animals and currently my dog is a rescue), Big Brothers Big Sisters and also have supported groups that help women get back on their feet after domestic violence.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Hopefully playing more shows around the world with my band and releasing more albums. I’d also like to co-write more with others and be involved in organizing songwriting/artist mentorship camps.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Sheryl Crow – If It Makes You Happy or Bruno Mars – Grenade
What do you think of Social Media?
I love that I can connect directly with fans and share music across the globe but I dislike the mental stress, depression and disconnection it can create, especially amongst youth.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / Apple Music
Book: The Celestine Prophecy
Quote: “Wherever you go, there you are”
Movie: Dallas Buyers Club (because it changed my life in more ways than once)
TV Series: Sex and The City
Favorite Food: Cashew Butter (all nut butters though)
Travel Destination: I really miss Venice Beach, California
Sports Team: Los Angeles Lakers
