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New York singer/songwriter IRO just released his new self-titled EP and is building a buzz around Brooklyn. GroundSounds caught up with him to discuss his music, background, and his time spent performing around Berlin. Check out the interview below along with his video for the fantastic track “Sun.”
IRO on Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
When did you begin making music? Was there a specific moment when you realized you wanted to pursue it as a career?
Used to sing Backstreet Boys. Not a joke unfortunately. But then again it was the 90’s.
I got into hip hop in my teens and then to cut a long story short I wrote a song for my dad’s 50th just in my head and after a series of crazy serendipitous events I started making an album at the age of 21. That first time in the studio was definitely “that moment” where I felt that “mom I can sing” feeling and just knew that’s what I wanted to do!
Tell us about your time in Berlin. What were some of the experiences that stand out? How was the music scene & culture there?
Berlin was one of the most incredible eye opening experiences of my life. I know a lot of people think it’s the hipster capital of the world, but if hipster means openness and almost a lack of cynicism in regards to new and interesting things going on then yes! As a musician trying to gig I don’t know another city that you can walk into random bars and just play your music. I played 4 shows a night spontaneously and it impulsively, it was amazing. Almost like stories you grow up on about how the music scene was in NY. Much less “bullshit” and more about just music. For someone that’s looking for the unknown Berlin is just the perfect nook.
I was living off the money I made in those street/bar performances and I was for the first time empowered by the knowledge that my music can house all my needs and open up doorways and leads to basically anything!
I love the song “Sun” and the vibe it has. What was the inspiration behind the track?
So “Sun” went through many twists and turns as opposed to most of my songs. It was a journey within itself to the point that after having gone through three different choruses “The sun” was the answer. I guess that took me a while to realize. Personally I’m telling a story about someone dear to my heart that constantly lives inside this chaotic destimic loop she creates herself. I try to show her that life isn’t so bad 🙂 even possibly great!
Where did you film the video? Who did you get to film/direct?
We did it on the California side of Israel 🙂 the director is a talented friend by the name of Indy Hait. A lot of friends were involved in the making. It’s much more difficult than I thought to take ideas and make them into music videos!
How long have you been working on the EP? What’s your plan writing-wise for the rest of 2015?
Well it only took around 3 months to do the EP. It was by chance that I dropped an album I was doing with other producers and decided to work with Noam Akrabi. We simply clicked and gave each other freedom to create. We already have the album on its way and I have been collaborating with local talents on single tracks. I see 2015 as a year of even more exploring sound wise and continuing to develop musically
“White Tiger” is a really cool, almost hypnotizing song. What is the story/background behind the track?
The words to the chorus – “white tiger bleeding sun” just came out of me. Sometimes our subconscious acts quicker than our minds. So it was for me to then understand what that meant!
It’s a modern day slave song calling for a better future. The white tiger isn’t living up to his full potential when living under the restraints of the bleeding sun – like man is to society. You can take it where you want to from there!
What is the best & worst part about Brooklyn (and NY in general)?
Well the worst part (other than the obvious- weather/cost of living ) would have to be what makes it challenging so I’m not sure what to say . Everything has to be earned. People can be rock solid. You gotta find small holes to enter through and those are usually the size of the places you will live in!
Where do you go when you need to get away from the hustle and bustle?
I go straight to the bar and get trashed. That too 🙂 but mainly just quiet nights with my girlfriend chilling at home.
IRO – “Sun”
