Out Now Magazine Spotlight series featuring IRYS for an exclusive interview
Tell us about yourself
I’m IRYS, a Berlin-based singer, songwriter, and producer, and I make dark electro-pop. I started releasing my music in March ’21 and just dropped my third single, “Warriors,” with a video. And there are plenty of new songs coming up!
When did you start making music?
I’ve been playing guitar, singing and writing songs since I was very young. In the beginning, it was more like therapy for me; I never wanted to show my songs to anyone, as they were so emotional! When I moved to Berlin some years ago, I began to take my music more seriously and started working with different musicians and producers. This didn’t function, though, ’cause I had such a clear vision of my songs; I had it all laid out in my mind, from the arrangement to the sounds and the production, and I didn’t want it to sound any other way. I guess I was a pain in the ass for my band members! So, the logical consequence was to learn producing myself.
How do you describe your music?
I would say I make electro-pop with a note of darkwave. Originally I wrote typical singer/ songwriter tunes, but I always listened to lots of electronic music. Then I learned producing from a teacher who makes techno and loves goth, and this kind of all merged into what I do now.
Favorite moment from your career?
Hard to say, as I just started putting out my music, but a personal highlight was when I finished my first track entirely by myself (production, mix, and mastering). This gave me so much peace of mind, ’cause I knew: Now, I can release whatever and whenever I want! Other than that, I’m very happy and grateful for all the positive feedback I’ve gotten on my releases so far!
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
I’m inspired by a variety of artists from different genres. But for me, good music has to be a bit dark – I can’t handle happy music! Some of the artists I admire are Gesaffelstein, The Weeknd, and Sevdaliza.
What other things do you do besides making music?
I’ve worked several odd jobs earlier, but right now, I’m going all-in with my music – and I love it! Other than that, I enjoy being in nature and doing things like Yoga to stay balanced and calm down my hyperactive mind.
What is your producing software?
Ableton Live.
What is your favorite track of all time?
To be honest, my favorite song changes every three months! I fall in love with a track, listen to it on repeat until I can’t hear it anymore, and then find something new. So I can’t pin it down to one single track. But something that never gets old for me is Gesaffelstein’s album “Aleph” from 2013.
What is your best-producing tip?
Get your sound design right from the get-go! When I started producing, I made the mistake of finishing my arrangements to perfection and then went into the sound design. But by working on the sound design, the arrangement naturally changed too! So I would say, get your sounds on a good level FIRST, and then fix the arrangement; you’ll save yourself a whole lot of time.
Why did you start making music?
Writing songs is something I do naturally; it’s a way I can express my emotions. It’s easier for me to pack something into a song than talking about it sometimes! Producing I started ’cause I didn’t have good experiences working with producers; unfortunately, they never understood what I wanted. Even if great things can happen when you collaborate with others, I also think a song often loses its originality when it goes through too many hands. I found that my best work happens when I trust my gut.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to be able to make my tracks sound as good as they sound in my head! And, of course, I hope that my music reaches as many people as possible, especially those who need and understand it. And I would also love to hear one of my songs in a cool Netflix series one day!
What advice can you give for young music producers/DJs?
First of all: hustle, and don’t look so much left and right! Talent is great, but nothing happens if you don’t work hard and persistently (I was relying too much on my talent in the past). Don’t get discouraged by failures, experiment as much as possible, and don’t restrict yourself too early when it comes to finding your sound. Carve out a path that fits for you – be it musically, in the industry, or in the world – ’cause what works for others might not necessarily work for you, and vice versa. Also, surround yourself with positive and supportive people, and most importantly: have fun making music!
Please write a message to your fans.
Be your own boss, and always trust your instincts! 
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