Hello March! We’re kickstarting the new month with a brand new Track of the Week from BIMM Manchester alternative electro-pop artist IORA. Taken from her highly anticipated debut EP this is ‘Ghostboy.’
What was your inspiration when you began writing the track?
The track is about having a prominent person in your life disappear and it’s about learning to move on but also about mourning the part in your life that they used to hold. The track comes off the EP ‘eYes Of a bEAst’, which is all about the world in its current state and how everything is watched and scrutinised, that we have created warped views of ourselves and others. Everyone has their own mental ‘Beast’ to deal with.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
Yes quite a few from Kate Bush to Massive Attack to Stealing Sheep!
What is key to your sound and how do you make your music stand out?
My first love was singing and I think that informs the rest of my music with funky bass lines and harmonies. I love combing organic with electronic, creating my own musical word to then carve the narrative of the song out of.
How does your songwriting process work?
It really depends for me. It can come from the lyrics or music or even a starting sound or riff. I often write down phases that happed in passing of my day to day life that catch my imagination. I enjoy using metaphors and finding new ways of telling stories that we may have heard before.
Describe your sound in 3 words…
Alternative Electronic Pop
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
BIMM helped to set me up on the start of my journey. It was the start of me building up networks in Manchester. I know there is always someone I can contact when I need any help or advice.
What’s next for you?
As a resident artist at the Roundhouse, I am continuing to make the most out of that opportunity, with some London Shows coming up. I am working with PRS For Music and Kobalt Publishing, so I’m excited to see what happens going forward. I also have a few festival announcements coming! First up, I’m looking forward to playing Kendal Calling.
