Editor’s Note: BuzzBands has called New Zealand/Los Angeles singer-songwriter Eden Iris as one who “creates folk-pop with a cinematic sheen and evocative lyrics”. Recently, Eden Iris released her single “Blue Home” which seems to be a great fit given the times that we are in with the Covid-19 pandemic. Eden plans on releasing her album in summer/fall of 2020 and Spotify has her previous single “Birthday Baby” on the “Fresh Finds” playlist. In this interview with Madness To Creation, Eden Iris discusses coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health awareness and her “Blue Home” single. Fans can find Eden Iris at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/edenirismusic
Madness To Creation: How have you been coping with the Covid-19 pandemic?
Eden: Mostly I have been throwing myself into music. I have been finishing up my album, which means producing and mixing – so that’s been quite a big project. I have a home studio so luckily I am able to get work done whilst being stuck inside. But I’ve also been indulging in crime-thrillers shows on Netflix, and reading Jack Reacher novels! That’s been fun. Oh, I’ve been talking to my family in New Zealand quite a lot.
Madness To Creation: What has been the biggest adjustment you have made since Covid-19 went down?
Eden: I think trying to find happiness from within rather than relying on external sources. Because looking at a screen all day to feel connected and entertained can get tiring after while – at least for me. It’s been really interesting to slow down and just be cool with not doing anything. Hopefully when our lives get back to a more “normal” reality I can carry that lesson with me.
Madness To Creation: What’s the first thing you’re going to do when the lockdown is over?
Eden: Being a kiwi (New Zealander) I miss the water so much. I can’t wait to go to the beach. That will be a happy day!
Madness To Creation: You released “Blue Home” as a single, take us into the single and a day in the life of the studio for Eden Iris:
Eden: Yes! I’m really excited to have “Blue Home” out there, as this song in particular is quite close to my heart. I originally wrote it a long time ago and it’s about holding onto hope whilst being inside a home which feels a bit broken. It was produced by Sophie Stern at her home studio in Los Angeles.
After breakfast (eggs and coffee) I usually go right to my studio because it’s when I have the most energy to be productive. I like to rotate my projects throughout the day – if I’ve been recording all morning I’ll take a break from that and do some producing or emailing in the afternoon. That way it’s easier to keep perspective on what I’m excited about, and it means I’m hearing my songs with fresh ears all the time.
Madness To Creation: You’ve won awards such as the “Play It Strange Peace Song” award and the Smokefreerockquest National Women’s Musicianship Award back in 2011, how have you grown as an artist since then?
Eden: Gosh that was a while back! I was in high school so hopefully I have grown a lot since then, haha. I think that in recent years I have been focussing more on my lyric-writing, which I wasn’t as into back then. I can now write a song without having an instrument with me, which I couldn’t do before. So I think my focus shifted from being a musician to also trying to be a good storyteller. When I listen to music now I focus more on the lyrics than anything else.
Madness To Creation: Fun question: Give me one song that effects you emotionally no matter how many times you hear it.
Eden: Great question! That would be “Never Be Mine” by Kate Bush. Her lyrics are so visceral and emotive – I could listen to that song a thousand times and never get sick of it. It gives me a bitter-sweet, nostalgic feeling.
Madness To Creation: We focus on mental health awareness at Madness To Creation, what helps get you through the stressful and difficult times?
Eden: Walking has always been my saving grace. I try to walk everyday. It can help to inspire new songs too – for example, the way the sunlight filters through the trees where I live looks completely different every day. So it keeps me alert, and in tune with my senses. I always feel better after a good walk.
Madness To Creation: Lastly, anything you would like to plug in regards to any social media live performances and what fans can expect?
Eden: I perform every Friday on Facebook Live (facebook.com/edenirismusic) at 6 pm Pacific Standard Time. I usually play original songs for half an hour whilst sipping on a cold beverage. I’ve been enjoying this so much!
And there you have it! Be sure to check Eden Iris out on her Facebook Live performances on Fridays at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST!
