New artist ILIRA is pleased to unleash her debut single "Whisper My Name" via Sony Music. This is a sassy first offering from the Kosovo-Albanian artist who now resides in Berlin. With production that practically fizzes with attitude, plus a fun, colourful video to accompany it- Whisper My Name cements ILIRA as a fresh new pop prospect. We caught up with ILIRA to chat about her musical upbringing, her influences and future plans....
We know you’re called ILIRA and that you were raised in a small Swiss town by Kosovo-Albanian parents, please share something about you that not that many people know?
I used to be a professional gymnast at 14!
Were your parents very musical?
No, not at all.
Can you play any musical instruments? If so, which ones?
I play the guitar and the piano well enough to compose songs.
You’re based in Berlin now, how would you describe the music scene there at the moment?
It’s very diverse and inspiring!
Which artists or bands made YOU want to start singing?
Britney, Rihanna and Nirvana.
If you could share the stage with any artist or band, who would it be and why?
Rihanna because I feel like we could be great friends - she just doesn’t know it yet!
Please give me three words to describe you as a person?
Perfectionist, dramatic, pink.
We love your new track “Whisper My Name” will you be playing any shows in the near future?
Yes! More info coming soon!
Where was the track recorded and who produced it?
It was recorded in Berlin, and produced by hitimpulse.
How did you feel when Spotify made you the cover star for their ‘Pop Brand New’ section?
I couldn’t believe it, called my mom and started screaming on the phone!
I see that you worked with Jumpa on ‘WA$TED’ are you planning on working with anyone else in the future?
Sure, I’m very excited about the collaborations that are in the pipeline.
There are lots of female artists out there at the moment, what makes you stand out from the rest?
I think we all have different stories to tell, and it’s up to the listeners to decide which ones they want to unfold.
Please tell us your plans for new material, an EP or even a full length album?
I’ve written enough songs to put out 10 albums, can’t wait to finally get the ball rolling!
What would be your advice for anyone thinking about getting into the music business?
Work hard and stay patient!
Lastly, please tell me three artists or bands that our readers should be listening to right now.
Bebe Rexha, Bobi Andonov, Matt Maeson.
We'd like to thank ILIRA for sparing the time to chat to us and we wish her every success both with her latest track "Whisper My Name" and her future endeavours. Connect with her at the following social media sites;