Artist Interview: Iris
Iris is a multifaceted artist known for her gothic, ethereal soundscapes and cinematic storytelling. With the recent release of her independent film "Amygdala" and new music project "The Villain," Iris explores themes of identity, self-expression, and empowerment. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative process, inspirations, and experiences.
Iris: ‘Amygdala’ firstly was a music album and I felt that the songs suited more of a narrative approach. Music videos are fun and cool but I figured to tell a story I would instead do one big film and interweave the songs throughout. I’ve always loved psychological thrillers with plot twists so films like Black Swan and Fight Club inspired the concept. The story also focuses on mental health awareness and is based on true events. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a feature film for my music project and I learned A LOT about what it takes to make a movie. Since we did it super independently, I was involved with almost every aspect of the film from co-writing, pre-production, casting, location scouting, and wardrobe, down to on-set management then post-production editing, coloring, scoring, and now promotion/marketing. I feel like just going out and doing it felt like I was going to school. I’m so grateful for the sleepless night, tears, grit, and teamwork that it has taken for this movie to finally evolve into what it is now. It taught me a new level of resilience and self-trust. Also, it’s a reminder to never give up on your dreams which is so cheesy but true. If you want something, especially these days, you really can go out and create it.
Tori: How does your background in musical theater influence your approach to songwriting and filmmaking?
Iris: I’ve always loved performing. Ever since I was a toddler I’ve been driven to put on little family concerts and shows. With both songwriting and theatre, I feel like I kind of ‘channel’ in a way. It’s more of an emotive and cathartic experience that I open myself up to. This is why the arts have always been a healing and meditative experience because I find I create my best work when I let go, block out inner chatter, and succumb to silence. It’s always feeling overthought. Theatre/acting allows me to reach this state of freedom especially because suddenly the self I was stuck with can take a back seat and I can explore new pathways and perspectives that ‘Iris’ wouldn’t organically pursue in the ‘real world.’
Tori: Your new music project "The Villain" has a distinct gothic, ethereal sound. What drew you to this style, and how do you see it evolving in your future work?
Iris: ‘The Villain’ is the aftermath and evolution to the character I was in ‘Amygdala’ and in real life. Someone who used to self-victimize and live in a constant state of fear. Now she becomes the Villain. No more fear, no more overthinking about how she may be perceived. It’s permission to not give a fuck anymore and tap into a character who lives fearlessly and unapologetically.
Tori: Can you walk us through your songwriting process, and how you balance writing for your music projects and film scores?
Iris: My songwriting process isn’t the same for every song. But something consistent is that melody always comes first. Sometimes I will hear a melody in my head like it already exists, other times they appear in my dreams and I instantly get out my voice memos. Other times I will just get on the mic, hit record, and see what happens. It’s a guessing game but I love it.
‘Amygdala’ is the first film I’ve scored and it was a whole new approach to song production. As I mentioned earlier, feeling overrides thought for me, and for a film emotion takes the track where it needs to go. I’m still super amateur but I hope to keep developing this skill alongside everything else in the film world because visual/sound pairing is everything. I have such admiration for those who’ve mastered it.
Tori: How do you approach creating a cohesive narrative and atmosphere in your music and film projects?
Iris: My approach has evolved and become more intricate since focusing on world-building. When I first made music it wasn’t as performative, but now I see it as a bigger thing. People like Madonna, Gaga, and Michael Jackson; all live through their art. Everything matters. It’s no longer just a song, it’s a vision, a moment, a style, a character, a lifestyle. I’ve recently become such a film nerd too that character-building has become much more crucial than before. It’s exciting to me, to not be limited to myself. To create a world and sing the story through a somewhat fictional character. It’s still me 100% because everything is a direct representation of my interests and obsessions. Just as we evolve and change as humans I want to do it in an exaggerated expression for every album/film I am involved in.
Tori: What role does experimentation play in your creative process, and how do you push yourself to try new things?
Iris: I used to be afraid of experimenting in general. In life. I have to admit I was the type to just make sure I was okay and comfortable. But I realized life was outgrowing me and I was standing still. So I’ve opened my mind up to new ideas and take pride in challenging my self-instilled ideals. I’ve learned that I’m not making art for me either, it’s an expression of the human experience and I don’t want to be such a perfectionist about it. Over-analysis hindered my evolution. Experimentation is so important for me now because if you can be free and non-judgemental about the outcome, it opens up endless potential to create things you never could have done if you stayed in a box forever.
Tori: You've mentioned being influenced by a range of artistic disciplines. How do you draw inspiration from different art forms, and what do you think is the key to successfully blending them?
Iris: I don’t think there is a perfect answer. I think I used to separate life and art far too much when in actuality they are one of the same. I always wanted to create and write and that passion was always brewing in me but I think I was missing for so long the substance that truly makes art meaningful. Human connection and experience. By staying in a safety net I never allowed myself to feel. And the more I feel in life the more my art can reflect and hopefully connect with others who have shared similar experiences. They say art imitates life but I like living as if everything is always art. Life is pretty abstract and weird.
Tori: Your work often explores themes of identity and self-expression. What do you hope audiences take away from your music and film projects?
Iris: The goal is always just to hopefully leave a little mark in people's minds. To make them feel something, something deep enough to make an impact on their lives. Hopefully in a positive way. I hope to share a perspective on living that inspires others to step outside of their comfort zones and limit self-beliefs. The universe is so vast and we are only products of our design and our environment. With dedication and desire, we can change who we are and the outcomes of our reality. This is something I always find fascinating and hope to help others evolve through their demons to live a life that fulfills them.
Tori: Can you tell us about any notable mentors or collaborators who have helped shape your artistic vision?
Iris: I love Rick Rubin’s approach to life and art. His book ‘The Creative Act: A Way Of Being’ is like my bible. Someone who also has been a true blessing in my life is my producer and collaborative partner, Charles Lutman. He’s helped me evolve through a lot of self-limiting beliefs and has believed in me since the day we started working together, even through the times when I stopped believing in myself. He’s such a genuine individual who sees the potential in everybody.
Tori: Your interests outside of art include Muay Thai Kickboxing. How do you balance your creative pursuits with physical activity, and what benefits do you think it brings to your art?
Iris: I recently started kickboxing in an effort to become more resilient and strong. As I mentioned earlier, my approach to world-building involves kind of being method with my pursuits in becoming the character I am telling the story from. For ‘the villain’ I want her to stand tall and be fearless and not let anybody get in her way. Muay Thai has taught me a lot mentally and physically. I used to be super introverted and backed away from any threats. But now I walk towards them because fear makes you approachable for attack. But the villain emits no fear, only confidence and power
Tori: You've worked with renowned dialect coach Jon Sherry. What did you learn from this experience, and how has it impacted your approach to acting and voice work?
Iris: John Sperry is a great dialect coach and he’s taught me a lot in terms of how to approach the accent more naturally. I used to always try to ‘put it on’ but it’s more simple and kind of just about mouth placement and tone instead of a total switch-up. I'm very grateful to have worked with him.
Tori: You've amassed a significant following on social media. How do you engage with your fans, and what do you think is the key to building a loyal audience?
Iris: Firstly I’m so grateful to anybody who has supported me on my very non-linear artist journey so far. It’s been such a learning experience for me especially kind of jumping into being an artist right when social media took over and now anybody who is trying to be anybody has to be an ‘influencer’ to be heard. I was pretty adverse and afraid of it initially. Like most artists I’m sure, I just wanted to make the music and that’s it. But it's been such a blessing to be able to connect with people one-on-one. I specifically connect most through live streams. It’s not overly thought out, it’s just me being me and building a relationship with the people who support me. It feels weird calling them fans because it isn’t like that. We’re more of a community and it’s super special to me.
Tori: How do you use social media to promote your work and connect with your fans?
Iris: I try to keep a consistent style with what I post on social media. I love to keep more of a cinematic approach and I will post every time I drop a song or anything artistic. I think lives are a good way to allow people to connect more too.
Tori: What do you think is the most rewarding part of being an artist in the digital age?
Iris: The most rewarding part is the direct access and communication to people who support your work. You can control the narrative, especially with live streams and how you present yourself. It’s a very human and real feeling.
Tori: Can you tell us more about your upcoming music releases and film projects? What can fans expect, and what's in store for your artistic future?
Iris: As for new releases, my album ‘The Villain’ is complete and I’m currently building out visuals for each song and honing in on the gothic aesthetic. Ideally, I’ll be releasing a single each month. Film-wise, I have a few things in the works but I can’t confirm any release dates yet. I’m extremely excited to work on the next one.
Tori: How do you see your artistic vision evolving in the next few years, and what projects are you most excited about?
Iris: I can’t exactly predict what the following projects will be but I’m sure it will be a contrast to ‘The Villain’ project I’m diving into now. Each project will be a new world, new sound, new everything. It’s a mystery for now but I’m excited to embrace whatever character wants to take the reins next, haha.
Tori: What advice would you give to emerging artists looking to make their mark in the industry?
Iris: Well I’m just as much of an emerging artist in my eyes, definitely have a long way to go. But for anybody who’s just starting I would just say, be passionate, love what you’re doing, test your limits, stay consistent, and try not to let others' opinions sway you in different directions. Follow your instincts!
Tori: How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during challenging times in your career?
I’ve faced a lot of challenges and I just try to remind myself of what initially inspired me to go down this career path. I am grateful for having the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I think about how my younger self would see me now. Tapping into that child-like state of imagination is always exciting and motivating. We only put limits on ourselves.
Tori: What's next for you, and are there any exciting collaborations or projects on the horizon?
Iris: Next is everything ‘The Villain.’ Moody visuals and whimsigoth rage is incoming. That’s all for the near future!
Comments
Post a Comment