Author name: Odalisque

Erika Sirola’s Journey of Musical Revelation and Artistic Freedom text Filippa FInn Exploring the depths of jazz melodies that echoed through childhood home, music became an undeniable force in shaping Erika Sirola’s artistic journey. From tender lyrics to intricate harmonies, every element resonated deeply, igniting a passion that would lead to unforeseen professional endeavours. Yet, Sirola didn’t stumble into the music industry; rather, it was a serendipitous convergence of events that propelled them forward, ultimately landing a record deal at a remarkably young age. But beyond the glitz and glamour of the industry, Sirola found herself on a quest for creative autonomy, eventually embarking on an independent path, where artistic freedom reigns supreme. As she continues to evolve, their multifaceted talents now transcend mere musical expression, intertwining with design to create immersive worlds where sound and texture meld seamlessly. In this exclusive interview, Sirola delves into the intricacies of her creative process, the liberating journey of independence, and the boundless horizons that lie ahead. What initially drew you to music, and when did you realise you wanted to pursue it professionally? Jazz was the initial catalyst, my mother had it playing all the time in our home. All the thematic elements were incredibly interesting. The dissonance, reharmonizations, major/minor chord interchange, polyrhythms…the lyrics… I think the lyrics hit me the most, but maybe that was because of the other elements building such an emotive experience around them? I also enjoyed writing a lot in English – stories and poems and such – it came very easily to me, probably due to my mother’s proficiency in languages and writing. Learning to play instruments was a must in our home, so I eventually combined the two and wrote a lot of very very sad songs. I’ve always felt deeply, often in a very frustratingly impeding manner, so I’ve had to channel those emotions into a lot of different mediums. There was never a moment of realisation to pursue any of this professionally, I very much unintentionally tumbled into it all out of necessity I guess. I happened to write a song, which I happened to perform to a producer at a studio, which I happened to be cleaning at for a school related ‘charity event’, which happened to reach the ears of the label head, who signed me a few weeks later. Can you share a bit about your songwriting process? How do you typically begin crafting a new song, and where do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies? I don’t think there is a ‘typically’ for me, they always form in such different ways. Now that I produce as well, it’s flipped my entire songwriting process upside down – it’s way more fun that’s for sure, like I’ve been given 10000+ more colours to paint with. I used to write lyrics and concepts in advance and bring them into sessions. They were often inspired by visual stimuli, be that paintings, dreams, pictures or films. For example BERNADETTE from my recently released EP is inspired by Đinh Ý Nhi’s painting. Then I resorted to mainly freeflow writing – that’s melody and lyrical improv over pre-existing production. Sometimes using english, sometimes glossolalia. Sometimes the improvisation was so magical that I actually didn’t have to go back in and change anything at all. This technique might still be my favourite method of writing as it feels the closest to one’s soul or innate self. THERE WAS A BOY from my most recent EP was written using this technique – I cannot explain why the improvisation has taken such heavy inspiration from ‘Nature Boy’ written by Eden Ahbez but something about that fact alone is very magical to me. Currently I’m working on my album which is a sort of fantastical sonic ‘commentary’ on topography. It is as much visual as it is audial if not even slightly more. Every track is inspired by a different landscape, i.e a song called ‘the swamp’ needs to sound like what i imagine a swamp would want to sound like, including all the fantastical creatures that live in it. I either start by thinking up the landscape I want to sonically depict and collect sounds that fit it or I first collect satisfying sounds and figure out later what topography they could fit into. The vocals and lyrics come later as they function as the creatures and thus could not be written without the direct ability to produce/manipulate one’s singing. You signed to your first label at 13 years old and it is first now that you have become an independent artist. What made you take that step? How does that play out in your new EP “THE FOUR FACES” as well as in future songs? I was very eager to follow in the footsteps of many other independent artists, but I guess the main reason was to gain some sort of control over my own…life? I couldn’t handle how much time I was losing being contractually forced to sit on finished projects. It felt even worse to just toss them away though I had moved past them artistically. I was also very disappointed in the lack of professionalism and honesty of the industry after spending 11 years in it. Not to disregard the necessary commodification of music and profit-incentives of labels, but very often I’d exit meetings quite literally feeling like I wasn’t seen as a human. On top of all this I’m a big advocate for fluidity in artistry and being open to change in one’s catalogue or repertoire. This will very much come to light with my upcoming music, even my new EP’s central concept is the analysis of the self, identity and its many masks. They’re all different and they’re all me, I’m not an absolute identity – I represent process and ever-present change and that moldability is what makes me want to create and be an artist. I’d say many labels aren’t on board with that as it has huge financial risks with minimal profitable cause. Since you are independent now

Jaz Karis on her musical journey text Alicia Hurst Jaz Karis is a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. She developed a love for music from a young age, initially through dance before transitioning to singing. Influenced by a diverse range of artists Karis has cultivated a unique blend of R&B, soul, and jazz in her music.She gained attention with her debut EP, “Into the Wilderness,” released in 2019, which showcased her emotive storytelling and rich vocal delivery. Since then, she has continued to release music independently, garnering praise for her authenticity and artistry.With a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, Jaz Karis remains a rising star in the music industry, admired for her captivating performances and genuine approach to her craft. In this interview we dug into Jaz Karis path to becoming a musician, what inspires her and what we can expect about her new single “MET YOU AT A BAR”. Can you share how you got into music? From church choirs to sold-out shows, was there a moment that shaped your approach to music?I’ve always loved music since I was little & at first it was actually dance that I think sparked my love for it. I studied tap, ballet and street dance before I developed my love for singing. I do think however the most defining moment for me was when I left Brit, I knew I had to start really approaching music more like a career than something I just loved to do. Who are your musical influences? Your parents played different genres at home. How do these influences come together when you create songs, like your new single “MET YOU AT A BAR”?Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child, SWV, Chris Brown, D’angelo, Frank Ocean…the list goes on! From the music to the melodies and stacked harmonies, I think what I loved most with music was the storytelling and how these artists in particular approached saying certain things differently. How did you create your new single “MET YOU AT A BAR”? What inspired the collaboration with Tone Stith and the song’s creation process?Like always I tend to draw a little inspiration from real life experiences & I did in fact meet a guy in a bar that matches the description in the song(minus the girl)lol. I think then just jamming with Prodigal sons(producers) brought out all the other elements and inspired me to go down a different route with the storytelling. Also, I realised once I hit the chorus that I would love a male P.O.V when you’re out and meet someone & I immediately heard Tone on the song. I played it to him in New York and he loved it – I was so happy when I got his verse the next week! Any dream artists you’d like to work with? You’ve collaborated with various artists; if you could choose anyone, living or deceased, who would it be and why?*Oooo such a tough question but I do think my dream collaboration has always been Frank Ocean or Chris Brown. I was a die hard Chris Brown fan when I was younger, he was my first concert and I still love his music to this day. And then Frank Ocean to me is one of the best songwriters we’ve ever had, I love his approach to music. What’s your favourite song you’ve written? Is there a track that means a lot to you, and what’s the story behind it?‌Another tough one, but I think it’s a toss up between ‘Come outside’ and ‘Side of you’. ‘Come outside’ is really my heart on my sleeve, vulnerable apology and just asking to be seen as what we are – imperfect humans. So that song really has a soft spot with me. And then on the contrary, ‘Side of you’ I really think I was in my bag haha! I was really angry writing that song and I think from the first line I was talking some real stuff. I love how direct it is and actually have practised being that real in my everyday life since. Growing up with Gospel, Soca, and Soul playing at home, how do these genres influence your unique blend of R&B, Soul, Amapiano, and Afropop in your music today?I think the music I grew up on just developed my love for soul. I think anything with feeling & chords/melodies/words that moved me were installed in me from a young age because of this. From primary school talent shows to your sold-out headline show at Lafayette, can you share a memorable moment or performance that stands out as a defining experience in your musical journey?I am so blessed and grateful to already have so many moments to choose from but I will say that I left my last headline show feeling so elated. To hear the biggest room, full of people yet, singing back my songs word for word was a high I will always be chasing again and again. Your love for nostalgia and fiction, citing influences from D’Angelo to Enid Blyton, adds a unique touch to your perspective. How does this influence translate into your songwriting and the stories you want to tell through your music? I like to think I have a ‘Disneyesque’ outlook on a lot of things. This definitely helps me to romanticize storytelling through music and words but also can get me into trouble sometimes in the real world lol. But hey who wants to live in the real world all the time? As a fiercely independent artist, how do you navigate the evolving music scene, and what advice do you have for aspiring musicians looking to maintain authenticity in their craft? I think one thing that I have learnt on my journey so far is to remain consistent & develop deeper into your sound. It’s all good and well trying out new things that you love but I would say to always stay focused on what works for you and not to jump on the latest sound or trend. I