Irys: “there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being sexy”

It is a great honor to bring Berlin-based singer-producer and composer Irys to this independent space once again. After all, since 2021, one of the most creative and promising new electropop artists has been running out of time to release a minimum of 10 singles before thinking about performing live in an authorial set list. “As I just released my 10th single, called “Into My Head“, I’m ready to start the next chapter of my career and leave my creative bubble a bit. I definitely want to tour!“, she celebrates. And so do we.

One of Irys’ great differentials is that, in order to have greater artistic and personal freedom, she prefers to record her music on her own, often alone in her room, with the computer set up. It is from this laboratory that some of the most sincere, tender and danceable dark-pop songs you will hear this year come to the world. And make no mistake, despite having the necessary look to stand out in a showbizz that is increasingly centered on image and less on content, Irys prefers to focus on making the best music possible, even though she sees no problem in using sensuality as a way of expression.

(…) There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being sexy. There’s also nothing wrong with building your career on a sexualized image, if that’s your thing. It only gets weird if that’s what others tell you to do, and when being objectified becomes a prerequisite for making it as an artist. So, as long as you’re authentic, things are good.

Irys

In the delightful interview that you are about to read, you will not only experience the freshness of a new musical universe, but also understand how one of the most determined and strong women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my work thinks about her goal in life.

2 6 Things about Irys

RC – Hi there, Irys. What’s up?
I – Hey guys, thanks so much for having me! Happy to chat.

RC – The last time we had contact was for the promotion of “Borderline”. Now we have another single
with a theme that touches on mental health, “Waiting Syndrome”. What would this syndrome be and why did you decide to baptize the track with that name?

I – It’s true, I often write about mental health-related topics. It’s because I had my own struggles and learned a lot from them. I really find it fascinating how the mind works. In “Waiting Syndrome”, I describe how my mind can be my biggest cheerleader – and sometimes my biggest enemy. I’m actually a go-getter, but sometimes I have phases where I get in my own way by trusting the unproductive voice in my head. And this slows me down! That’s what I describe in “Waiting Syndrome”, a state of agony caused by a battle between the two polar voices in my head.

RC – Your work is modern to the point of reminiscent of other singers like Charli XCX. Do you enjoy her work? Which female pop singers do you enjoy the most?

I – I must admit that I haven’t listened to a lot of music since starting my project. I wanted to stay focused, and my ears were often tired from working on my songs all day, haha! But Charli XCX is, of course, great; I love her approach to pop music. Other female artists I have followed for a long time are Sevdaliza, Banks, and Grimes – they’re all iconic! But most of my playlists actually consist of underground electronic music and Hip-Hop. And currently, I’m in love with Ktlyn!

RC – Do you think that being an empowered and creative woman like you these days is enough to conquer your space in showbiz or are women still very “objectified” in this environment?

I – Honestly, my only driving force is to create the best music possible. For me, it’s never been about being part of an industry or biz. And yes, I think the music industry is lagging behind when it comes to gender roles. But things are also changing. Take Billie Eilish, for example. She refused to be objectified and defined herself from the start of her career. Yet she’s uber-successful. I doubt this would have been the same 20 years ago! But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being sexy. There’s also nothing wrong with building your career on a sexualized image, if that’s your thing. It only gets weird if that’s what others tell you to do, and when being objectified becomes a prerequisite for making it as an artist. So, as long as you’re authentic, things are good. I learned that when I got into music some years ago. I had some really unpleasant experiences working with producers and actually wanted quit my dream of being an artist. Cause I loved music but didn’t like everything around it. I also realized: the more independent you are, the more leverage you have. That’s why I started producing myself. Being able to create the music I want, plus being able to choose who I want to work with, is freeing. The more you need others, the weaker your position. For me, doing my project on my terms is the right way, and that’s what I chose for my mental health and artistic freedom.

RC – How are your projects for 2023? Do you intend to tour the world (including Brazil) promoting your works, is there a possibility of an album coming out soon?

I – 2023 will be the year of playing shows and doing collabs! I once made up this rule for myself: “I wanna have ten songs out before I play shows!” I stuck to that for whatever reason and only played live once in 2022. As I just released my 10th single, called “Into My Head“, I’m ready to start the next chapter of my career and leave my creative bubble a bit. I definitely want to tour! But I haven’t planned an album so far; it feels like I need to earn that first. So for the moment, I’m good with releasing singles!

RC – Please send a message to your fans in Brazil (including me of course).
I – First of all, I wanna thank you guys for supporting me and listening to my music!! I’m truly grateful for y’all. And if you want some wise words: Don’t let anyone tell you who you should be. You’re the only one defining that. You’re the one who’s making the rules for your life; get out there, make it happen, and don’t listen to the naysayers.