Having been formally introduced back in 2018 on her Raindrops EP, Irish and Italian chanteuse, iyla, who hails from ‘The Valley,’ has finally unveiled her anxiously-awaited, official debut body of work, WEEPING ANGEL.
The 13-track R&B / Pop / Hip Hop hybrid LP, produced by longtime collaborator, Kadis, was preceded by a string of stand out selections; “Skirt Hurt (Redemption),” “Wild,” “Overboard,” “Strut” and “Blue Eyes.” Our iyla interview takes us behind the scenes of the debut album and introduces the singer to our audience.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop into this single / video, “CORSET” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
iyla: Corsets can be beautiful temporarily, but they can quickly become restricting and suffocating. Unhealthy and controlling relationships can feel like that, too. Lyrically, I wanted to show that push and pull of longing for a past lover, yet immediately wanting to peel them off like a corset once they’re back in your life. I started writing “CORSET” about 4 years ago to a totally different track. I always loved the top line, but it never felt right until my producer, Kadis, sent over a track for me to write a different song to, and I thought…this is it! It was the last song we added to the album, and coincidentally the first track when you play it down.
Parlé Mag: “CORSET” follows on the heels of “Skirt Hurt (Redemption)” — Talk to me a little bit about this composition…
iyla: While “CORSET” tells the story of me going back and forth in this toxic relationship, “SKIRT HURT (Redemption)” shows the finality of a healed me that doesn’t want the push and pull anymore. No redemption. No more chances. No more playboys.
Parlé Mag: Of course both songs come courtesy of your solo debut, WEEPING ANGEL — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
iyla: Weeping Angel statues represent a monster hidden within a beautiful work of art. This is a monster of an album. Love is a monster. Grief is a monster. There is beauty in pain, and pain in beauty. That is what this album is for me. A rollercoaster of emotions, and the beauty hidden in the ride.
Parlé Mag: As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
iyla: I always either draw from my own life or a loved one’s life. The truth is I’m a shy and reserved person, so my lyrics really get to say the things I don’t always share out loud. It’s a window into my soul.
Parlé Mag: Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for iyla?
iyla: My first introduction to music was my Dad holding headphones up to my Mama’s pregnant belly. I was born into a family of music lovers, church choir singers, and creative artists. My weekends consisted of cleaning the house to Aretha Franklin, Radiohead, Eminem, Brandy, and The Supremes blaring through the speakers; just to name a few faves 😉 I sang, danced, and performed in my family’s living room from the time I could walk.
Parlé Mag: Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
iyla: I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I grew up in the SFV, and my musical taste was heavily inspired by the multi-cultural Mecca that is L.A.. I was raised going to see live shows, and got to get a bit of a behind the scenes look at the industry I always knew I would be a part of one day. My strongest musical influences are my parents. My Mom had the most impeccable music taste, and my Dad is an incredible singer and song-writer, who was often in bands playing weekend shows, while working full-time to support my dreams. They inspired the art I make, and paved the way for my creativity.
Parlé Mag: That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?
iyla: When I started making music as iyla, I developed my sound with my producer, Kadis, who blended everything I grew up with into what felt like the perfect genre blend for my style and my voice. The combination of R’n’B, Jazz, Chanting, Operatic, Pop, Hip Hop, and even some yodeling.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
iyla: I want people to feel seen in their vulnerability when they listen to my music. I want the outsider to feel like they found their place. To feel seen. To feel whole, and free, as you are. My music is made to be a place where the dichotomies of being a human being are embraced.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
iyla: My Mom wasn’t a musical artist, but she was a dress designer and she passed away a year and a half ago. I would want to collaborate with her on making my dress for the first time I am nominated for a Grammy Award.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
iyla: I would play the Staples Center. Growing up in L.A. that was like the end all be all for me, and would be dream come true. Also, Kobe played there. Legendary!
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?
iyla: I am happy that there are new platforms for artists to shine, and get their work out. At the same time, I miss the more mysterious ways of music and artistry. I purposely put long 5 minute+ songs on this album, which goes against the standard today, because I want my music to be timeless. I don’t like the algorithm talk, and the fight to try to rage bait to be seen. I am only here for the art, and what compliments it, and I always will be.
Parlé Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
iyla: I am never satisfied. I always think something can be better. I hold myself to a higher standard. I have a team that is the same way.
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
iyla: I would love my music to be able to put me in a position where I can invest into the causes I feel passionate about. Healthcare, human rights, and the betterment of our future generations.
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
iyla: Honestly… making this album. I made this album during the most difficult time of my life, and I poured every last ounce I had into it.
Parlé Mag: What’s an average day like for you?
iyla: Currently: black coffee, Zoom calls, rehearsals, writing, recording, planning out visuals, crying, laughing, hanging with my shih-tzu babies.
Parlé Mag: Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
iyla: I love seeing fans in person, and getting to hug them and connect. I also love seeing them defend me in comments, or tell people about my music online. I enjoy responding to DMs and comments where they talk about how my music has impacted them. Once the music is out, it’s ours. My angels.
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
iyla: I love getting to tell my story through art. The music industry forces vulnerability, hard work, and emotions that are so up and down that that can be hard. Trying to be seen when you’re someone who prefers to stay behind the art can be challenging.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
iyla: Don’t be an artist unless you are willing to be the hardest working person in room, with no guarantee of success. Do strive to be an artist if you are prepared to be brave, broke, and broken open emotionally.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
iyla: I see myself making music, working on things I’m passionate about, and hopefully traveling the world with my future family.
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for iyla?
iyla: Letting this album shine. Hopefully, getting to perform it for people who love it. Making more art.
Parlé Mag: Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
iyla: Please go listen to WEEPING ANGEL from start to finish. It’s meant to be listened to in the order it’s in, on good speakers, in the car, in your headphones, in your favorite sacred space…whatever that means to you.
