GAZELLES IN OUR MIDST
The Sky’s the Limit
SINGER NICOLE IRIS CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS
By Vi c k i Fr e n c h B e n n i n g t o n
N
ative St. Louisan Nicole Iris said if music is a galaxy, she is
traveling to its brightest stars and darkest moons, using
her voice as a tunnel to reach every alien in the unknown.
In other words, she wants everyone to hear and be
affected in some way by her music, and wants it to give
them hope, happiness and overall good vibes.
She began singing at the age of 8, cutting her teeth in the school
choir. Earlier this year, her career really began to take off, shortly after
the release of her song, “Runaway,” and its subsequent video that
showcased her cutting-edge fashion style, along with her unique voice.
Her first EP, “Suns, Moons, and Ideologies,” will be released in the fall,
and will stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and other s treaming services.
We recently caught up with her to talk about her hopes, dreams and
determination to make it to the top of the charts, while calling the shots
herself as an independent artist.
Q: How did you know at such a young age what you wanted
to do, and how were you able to stick to that dream? Did life
ever get in the way?
Iris: It truly fell into my life, because at a young age I wanted to find
purpose and wanted to be great at something, and my family members
have always been big fans of music and entertainment.
My life has somehow continued to move in the path of music as if
it was destined to happen for me. It’s kind of crazy just thinking about
how things have fallen into my favor, when it comes to music. Finding
a music team and other things seemed to come about purely from me
speaking them into existence.
Q: What genre did you start with, and how has that changed
through the years?
Iris: My music taste has not changed much from when I was a little kid.
I am a huge fan of R&B and pop music. My music combines the two,
and I give it an alternative twist.
Q: Who was your biggest idol?
Iris: Growing up, my biggest idol was Michael Jackson. There was truly
something magical about him. As a kid, I was in awe of everything he
did - his videos, his music, his dances, just everything!
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GAZELLE
Q: Who has been your biggest mentor along the way?
Iris: As a kid, I didn’t have a music mentor. I used the artists that I loved
as inspiration, and I developed my music abilities that way. I studied
great artists like Mariah Carey; she was the first one that I looked up
to vocally.
These days, my music mentor is the producer and songwriter I work
with - SongsByTitus. Since the first day I met him, he’s had a huge hand
in my career. He’s taught me a lot about the business and helped to craft
my sound.
Q: What are the ups and downs of being an independent artist?
Iris: Being independent is great, because you can move at your own
speed. You can develop and grow on your own time, within your own
boundaries, and not have to worry about public perception early on.
But with that, you don’t get the type of backing or promotion that
major artists get.
However, I truly believe that anything is possible, and these days,
independent artists are making bigger strides in the industry than they
ever have before. I’m proud to be a part of that movement.
Q: How did you learn the ropes to be able to do all that
independent artist entails (marketing, videos, social media,
selling your work, etc.)?
Iris: Three years ago, I found a music team who has helped me with
everything that comes with being an artist. It is not a one-person job.
You need a team to bring it all together.
Q: What would you refer to as your big “break” when people
started noticing you and your work?
Iris: My big break was when I released my song “Runaway” earlier this
year. I ushered in a new sound and image for myself. The music video
really brought it all together. I love fashion and hair, and this was the
first time I showed off my blue hair. I think that may have shocked a lot
of people because in the past, I played it safe. I found my signature look
and confidence with this song. “Runaway” gave me momentum, and I
moved toward releasing an EP. I’m eager to continue to grow and see
what the next level is.