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The Eighth Note: Iris

‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.

A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.

Today’s guest is Iris Dunn originally from Napier, who now resides in Wgtn, and who records under the moniker IRIS music.

Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
I am IRIS. I have been attracted to music my entire life. From singing 70’s hits that Dad would crank on vinyl such as Queen and Pink Floyd around the house, to performing live Blondie numbers with my hi-5 microphone at kindergarten – there’s always been a spark there for me. Over the years I have learnt, grown and transformed not only as a musician but as a human. I feel like the way I shape my reality is represented through my musical exploration. I have found a way of writing that works for me – and it isn’t so much sitting down and deciding what to write about, it is more improvised and heartfelt. Often a feeling that takes over, without me being coherently aware of what I am writing, or the melodies that fall into place with certain chord configurations. It’s raw and I like that. As for my ‘sound’, I am appealed to a range of genre, and different elements from all kind of songs. At the moment I am playing around with reggae inspired bass runs and trap/house beats to blend with my jazz style, acoustic guitar and vocals.

What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I have a number of songs that I am working on, nitpicking away in logic and exchanging ideas with producers/friends to create a collection of works that I am 100% happy to share with the world. Planning to release my first single in February 2018.

An older song written for the Play it Strange‘Peace Song’ competition, where it won Runner-Up.

Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
Instagram: I share snippets of my song composition progress on ‘My Story’ often to offer a peek into what consumes me these days.
Facebook: I post gig updates and other info about events that I am involved in.

What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Hard one, I am still growing up so I am just going to list the top three albums I believe have inspired my music to date.
Frank – Amy Winehouse
Drunken Babble – Kali Uchis
Tawk Tomahawk / Choose Your Weapon – Hiatus Kaiyote.

Another older original song.

Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
I’ve been working on a few things with Finn O’Brien (Beach Boy) lately and I’m really digging the results. I don’t really favour any musician over another but I’m definitely always keen to work with producers in particular.

What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I don’t have a fave! But anywhere with good sound equipment/engineers.

An older song from 2016, composed with Taachin Stellar Hakansson.

In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
It always begins with an instrumental or chord progression first. Then I let myself get lost, I allow my soul to be driven by a higher source if you will, I regard this as my higher self. There is a noticeable shift in creation when this happens, the lyrics and melody will just flow through me like an ocean breathes. It’s magical, that’s why I don’t need drugs haha.

Where/when is your next gig?
Thursday 23rd, Poquito Bar.\


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