Iris Harley, being a keen baker brought along some home made chocolate digestives! 

Hello Iris, how are you? 
Hello Del, I am really great. Lovely to join you on this chat and how are you?

Congratulations on making the Faves with Last Breath, how does it feel? 
Totally ecstatic! What a thing it is, to be voted by the readers which is such an honour, just WOW.

It’s been day after day of complete and utter excitement, joy and lots of ugly crying happy tears. Hahahaha.

It’s also your first release of the year, what’s the story behind the song?
The inspiration for this poetic piece emerged from the raw emotions that surge within us during life’s tumultuous moments. Like a rollercoaster, our feelings can take us on exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows. The lyrics capture the essence of holding on tight, unable to let go, even when faced with life’s twists and turns. The imagery of sunshine and rain symbolises growth, resilience, and the enduring power of love. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of the wild ride that is human connection, and how, until our last breath, we hold on to love with unwavering devotion.

You worked with Gregor McPhie, your long time collaborator on this, what was the easiest and most challenging part of the process?
Gregor has a warm, inviting and non judgmental personality, which makes working together very easy. We have always had a mutual musical understanding and respect, where we ‘just get each other’.   

This particular track, I found matching the vocal tempo to the beat initially a little challenging, but once I felt its rhythm, it fitted in smoothly. Upon completion, we both looked back on it and felt this track had a vibe!

You’re a singer songwriter from Glasgow, how did it all begin for you?
Originally from Sussex and now residing in the West Coast of Scotland, I consider the city of Glasgow as my musical home for studio time, recording and also going on nights out to experience and support the magic of other artists. 

My deepest desire was to explore the many possibilities within the arts. I have always loved singing, it’s a personal and powerfully expressive medium. I took the step to have some singing lessons with a great tutor at the Glasgow School of Music, where I performed covers of Embraceable You and You Are So Beautiful. After three lessons, I felt ready to pursue my highest passion for singing and songwriting, which has never left me since childhood. 

What did you listen to starting out? 
Drawing inspiration from a large collection of Jazz artists, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn and Joe Cocker. I also adored the majesty of Shirley Bassey’s voice particularly on the soundtracks of the Bond movies.

Your style is predominantly jazz, are there any non- jazz artists that have influenced your vocal style?
Having an eclectic taste in music, I have been influenced by many talented artists which really helps with my own creativity.

It truly can be anything from the classically trained opera singers, independent artists to mainstream. It has always been fluid and non restrictive.

You have a new album coming out, how’s it going? 
Currently working on two more tracks, which will complete my debut album. The release date has not been set, but I can confirm it will be released later this year. I have been blessed with enormous love and support and I am taking it all in. Truly, just loving every single moment.

There’s been so many positive responses from long standing fans to new ones and have also gained a considerable amount of recognition from fellow artists. Watching the progress of this journey, I sometimes have to pinch myself to realise it isn’t any longer just a dream. It is simply immense and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the love. 

What’s your favourite track from it? 
I honestly don’t have a favourite track, each and every single track has its own vibe and meaning. If I had to choose, it would depend on moods.  

You only started releasing music in the last 18 months. What are the three important lessons you’ve learned from the process?
Finding my ‘birds of a feather’ to work with, has been my key to loving the journey. I feel very lucky to have found this early on in my music career. 

Having a lot of patience, seeing through the whole process from lyric writing, recording to releasing and everything in between.

Having gained a wealth of knowledge concerning the music industry, its vastness cannot be underestimated. I love the whole learning process so far and realise you can never know everything. 

What are you listening to at the moment? 
Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram’s Live In London album , such a Master!

Robert Finley’s Black Bayou — both albums are superb!

What are you looking forward to next? 
I now have an eye to performing on stage, especially with the release of the album. 

The opportunities to collaborate have also arisen. One in particular, will be on the album 😊

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