1.The First Song I Wrote
My first recorded and properly formed song was when I was 7. My dad had a pretty basic 12-track recording desk at home so he helped me record the song. I can’t even remember what I called it but the repeating line was, “I want to be free / I want to dance with glee,” in this really baby whiney voice [laughs]. I remember thinking I was so damn prolific…
2.The Last Song I Released
I am releasing an EP in a few months. It’s been a long time coming and I am pretty damn excited to be getting it out there at long last.
3. Songwriting Secrets
For me, songwriting has always been a part of me – something I cannot possibly fathom not doing. It’s like breathing. When I cease to create in the form of music, I cease to live. My process is simple: dedicate your life to your art. Dedicate every waking hour to creation. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Be inspired by everything around you and the experiences you have. Experience is like a gold mine for an artist.
4. The Song That Makes Me Proud
I think one of my favourites is a song off my upcoming EP called ‘The Fools’, which I play live with the band. I don’t know what it is about this song but there is something really honest about it to me. It really captured a certain time in my life – a time of surrender. Being a fool for love. Not just love for another person, but for life. Falling in love with my life and all the darkness and light that comes with that.
5.The Song That Changed My Life
I remember the first time I heard ‘Sinnerman’ by Nina Simone. I was ten years old and my dad put on this mixtape while we were road tripping. Nina’s voice was like nothing I had ever heard. It was fierce and gutsy but still so full of anguish and pain. It was harsh and by no means polished or refined. It was wild! Before hearing this, female voices were always alluring and sensual and sweet and refined. Nina’s voice was badass, and I loved that. I realise now that ‘Sinnerman’ had such a profound impact on the whole process of my singing. I never really wanted a beautiful, sweet, ‘well trained’ singing voice. I wanted to sing with soul. I wanted a voice that was real, that would speak how I felt inside.
Iluka appears at the Courtyard Sessions at Seymour Centre on Friday February 12.
