21-year-old Finnish singer-songwriter Ilon has drawn a great deal of attention on the international music field: Grammy awarded Finneas (Billie Eilish, Halsey) fell in love with Ilon’s original voice and had her record a still unreleased song he wrote.
Ilon, who has also performed live on Instagram with rising UK pop star JC Stewart, now releases her debut single selfish love (co-written with producer, Ilkka Wirtanen), here Ilon discusses her music with Andy Howells.
Who were your musical influences growing up?
When I was younger, my musical influences were pretty much whichever artists and bands my dad had on his iPod that I used to borrow all the time. Imogen Heap, Veronica Maggio, Rihanna, Colbie Caillat, Gnarls Barkley and Black Eyed Peas are examples of artists and bands that I’ve admired ever since.
What has been your best gig?
The best gigs have been the ones where I can really notice the audience’s genuine reactions to my music; whether it be people tearing up or dancing along.
Can you tell us a bit about your music?
My music is usually inspired by stuff that I write in my diary, on my phone or stories told by other people. I usually need to be able to sit by the piano when I write – it really helps me connect with both the music and the emotions that come with it.
Also, I just released my first single selfish love. I wrote it back in June when I was feeling pretty drained by something I was going through at the time, and almost immediately had a gut feeling that it would be my first release.
Selfish Love is about being hurt one too many times. The other person sees your vulnerability as a chance to abuse you, to pretend to love you to feel good about themselves.”
At this point you are already broken enough to see through their malevolence – You throw yourself into it completely, giving in to every emotion. Being in such a vulnerable state, it sucks to notice that the other person was never really in it wholeheartedly.
Describe your music in 3 words
Laid-back, heartfelt and honest
What makes your music stand out?
I would say what makes it stand out is its versatility, organic sound and interesting melodies. Some people have told me that my voice is the main thing that defines my sound – so maybe that, too?
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
I’m planning to release more music, focus on my studies and be in the studio as much as I possibly can.
If you had to be remembered for one thing apart from your music what would you want it to be?
I hope people remember me for being a genuine person. 🙂
Any gig’s coming up?
Due to the current COVID-situation, I haven’t got any gigs coming up in the near future. I’m excited to be up on stage as soon as the situation allows me to!