Ilana Armida has introduced herself to the world with her vibrant debut EP, Iridescent Flower Child. The perfect expression of who Armida is as an artist, the EP is a beautiful blend of energetic R&B melodies with catchy, soulful pop vocals, with a hint of funk and hip-hop throughout. With some help from fellow Florida Atlantic University musicians and alumni (as well as Josh Holiday and Scott Orsini) Armida is showcasing her ability to be playful and free, while remaining genuine to herself and promote peace, love and positivity. Fans can pick up Iridescent Flower Child now and read more about the new EP below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who might not be familiar?
Yeah! I am a singer/performer I have been doing music since I can remember. I just moved to Los Angelas, California form Florida. I started in dance and musical theatre when I was really young and then studied music and business at Florida Atlantic University where I decided to focus all of my energy on being an artist and my EP “Iridescent Flower Child” is out now!
You just released your debut EP, Iridescent Flower Child! How does it feel to finally have it out for the world to hear?
I am super happy to finally let people hear this music and so far the reaction has been all positive.
Did you have any goals in mind when working on the EP?
I wanted to create music that was genuine and relatable but also good for the stage. I am looking forward to performing these songs.
What was the most challenging or most difficult thing about working on the EP? The most rewarding?
The most challenging thing was recording everything myself. We turned my childhood bedroom into a studio a few years ago and my closet is now the recording booth so I was spending like 12 hours a day recording in my closet. But doing everything independently made this project that much more rewarding.
You attended Florida Atlantic University for Commercial Music Business, and along the way, made friends with quite a few musicians who actually appear on the EP! What was it like being able to work with so many talented friends for this project?
It is awesome. I love collaborating with my friends, it makes it better that my friends just happen to be some of the best instrumentalists and song writers I know.
What are some important lessons that you learned at FAU that you’re grateful for now?
I learned a lot about the business side of things that I really had no knowledge of before. Now I am able to run my own record label which allows me to really do things my way.
Along with the EP, you also recently released a music video for “Sweet Freedom.” What does this song mean to you?
The melody for sweet freedom came to me while I was driving. I had just gotten out of a long term relationship and realized for the first time that I had no one to answer to and no one to hold me back. I literally burst into the chorus melody “Sweet Freedom” I pulled out my phone (which I don’t recommend while driving) and recorded the melody in a voice note. When I got home I sat down in my room and finished the entire song with no musical accompaniment. I few weeks later I sang the song a capella for my producer Josh Holiday who formed the music around it. I recorded the song in my home studio. The song talks about me finally putting my foot down and deciding to live for myself and leave my ex in the past. The chorus represents the feeling of a huge weight being lifted off of my shoulders.
With Iridescent Flower Child out now, do you have any plans to hit the road this year?
Pretty much as soon as the EP came out I moved to LA. I am here now working on putting the show together and I hope to do a small tour soon.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for having me! I hope everyone checks out Iridescent Flower Child on iTunes and Spotify and make sure to follow my social media accounts @ilanaarmida for more updates about my music and life.
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