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- We’re very happy to have some time today with acclaimed singer and songwriter Iris Pope; greetings and salutations, Iris! Before we meander down the Q&A musical pathway, how has your summer of ‘23 been treating you?
Thanks for having me! The summer’s been pretty amazing. Finally graduated, I’ve been working on new music, it’s been a lovely summer for me.
- Major congratulations on your August 25 premiere single release of I Like Us Better, which is off of your forthcoming debut album! Starting from the top, what was the inspiration behind I Like Us Better?
I Like Us Better about letting your worst impulses take over, but in the brilliant comfort of someone you love. It was a manifestation of every time I morbidly fantasized about running away, both literally and metaphorically, made musical, but instead of succumbing to the loneliness that can be inherent in saying goodbye, I decided to take someone with me. It’s a car song in that way. It’s for when you’re driving, head a little bit out of the window, and you’ve no clue where you’re going, but you have someone next to you who’s worth going some place with.
- What makes I Like Us Better the perfect choice to see release as your debut single? Do you feel that it tonally represents you and your style of music?
I Like Us Better is a song that I feel perfect encapsulates both me and the way I approach songwriting. It’s a classically sweet song with a little bite, it recklessly encourages hedonism, and ultimately it’s about wanting to have the person next to you be someone who understands you. The music itself is dreamy and spacey, then coupled with some earthy vocals. In my eyes, the perfect combination.
- Who was your producer on I Like Us Better and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio?
My producer was the endlessly incredible Nate Wyatt down at GAT3 studios. Working together is always so fun! Nate has this wonderful sense of humor and is endlessly creative, so every day in the studio was like coming into a candy shop, seeing what Nate had whipped up today. It was also my first time in a proper studio setting, so I was a little nervous, but the artists who work at GAT3 are so lovely, not to mention incredibly talented. We would constantly be tossing ideas back and forth, and Nate pushed me to go places vocally that I had never fathomed before. It was a meeting of the minds for sure, and I really hope I get to work with him again because it was a dream come true.
- Speaking of that aforementioned and upcoming LP debut, what can you tell our ever-inquisitive readers about Awakening?
Oh, what isn’t there to say about Awakening. Awakening is most made up of music I wrote during an incredibly turbulent period of my life, and because of that it’s simultaneously full of coming-of-age angst and the brilliance of being loved in a way you can finally understand. It’s a five song LP with the tracks Jack’s Song, 7am, and Back to Today. They’ll be getting to you guys by the end of October!
- Can you introduce us to some of the other talented musicians that lent their musical alchemy to Awakening?
The incredible team of musicians on the record are Nelson Rios (bass), Jeremy Medkiff (guitar), David Johnson (violin, viola, cello, and harmonica), Nate Wyatt (piano and tracking), and Tony Creasman (drums) are all feature on my album! They were all an absolute dream to work with. The approach they all brought to my music infused in with such joy and love, not to mention talent! It was like getting inducted in the most musically talented family ever. I mean, on one day of recording Nelson even brought in baked goods! The man’s an absolute legend and a stunning cook.
- In your humble opinion, what differentiates I Like Us Better and your upcoming single Far From Holy and the upcoming LP Awakening from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?
I think what differentiated all my music from the rest of the music scene is likely the diversity of sound through the LP. That, plus the storytelling that is woven throughout the album offers a rich and immersive experience that stands out in a crowded musical landscape!
- Who inspires you musically?
Hozier, The Cure, The Mountain Goats, Fleetwood Mac, Frightened Rabbit just to name a few. I’ve always been drawn to deep and evocative lyrics and more pared down instrumentation, which I hope comes through in my own work! The music of the 70’s and 80’s have played a massive role in my development of musical taste, in fact Girls on Film by Duran Duran was a major influence for one of the songs on Awakening.
- On the heels of the release of all of this amazing new music, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit in the coming weeks and months?
Absolutely! I’m going to be performing around Boston in the coming months, which I’m super excited about. Follow @imirisofficial on Instagram for updates!
- As a singer and songwriter, which generally comes first for you – The lyrics or the music?
It’s almost always the lyrics for me. It actually can be a complete pain, I’ll be lying in bed and then have random rhymes coming to me and I’ll have to get up, turn on the light, and have to fully disrupt my sleep cycle just to get two lines out. I come from a place of writing poetry, so it makes sense that lyrics come first!
- At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a spin to I Like Us Better and your debut album Awakening?
My greatest hope is that people come away from listening to everything feeling lighter. I hope they feel seen and can come away feeling comforted. Music has always been so dear to me for many reasons, but mainly because it made me feel less alone in a world where even your home can feel foreign. For the bottom of my heart, I hope you listen to Awakening and know that someone is right there besides you.
