Australia’s Evie Irie gives off major Charlie XCX vibes when it comes to her musical style. But as much as she loves the singer, Irie was heavily influenced by others. “Some of my influences are Gwen Stefani, Joan Jett, Alanis Morissette, Debbie Harry, Joni Mitchell, Amy Winehouse, Madonna, and a lot of powerful strong-minded female artists,” Irie says.
Irie, who moved around with her family from Australia to the States never had her official a-ha music moment – it came very naturally for the singer. “There wasn’t a specific moment where I felt like ‘this is what I want to do,’” Irie told LADYGUNN. “But I’ve always had a feeling, a thought in the back of my mind that my purpose is performing, writing, and being an artist. I’ve had a lot of amazing opportunities and taken every single one. All of a sudden, those thoughts have become my reality.”
The pop siren is on the cusp of releasing her new EP entitled The Optimist on September 18 and it features some powerful catchy pop songs. Irie also mentioned that the EP is part of a two-part musical endeavor. “This EP is the first of two projects. Without giving it all away, the EPs are the ying and yang to one another. It’s human to feel all emotions and I would say I’m a very optimistic person, but I have moments, days and sometimes even weeks, where I’m not an optimist and life feels dark and I’m consumed my negativity,” Irie says.
LADYGUNN talked with Irie about her new EP, her fashion taste, and what it’s like to be a woman in the music industry.
What’s the Australian scene like?
Most of my music career has been developed in America actually. Only now that I’ve been home in Australia after COVID started, have I been exposed to the scene here. I still spend a lot of time writing in my bedroom, but from what I’ve experienced its quite small compared to Los Angeles and quite laid back.
The Optimist is a solid pop EP. Did you feel any pressure putting it together?
Not at all! I didn’t even know there was going to be an EP when I wrote the songs, so my intention was never to purposely write for a conceptual EP. But being an optimist and searching for positivity and light is something I am constantly trying to find within myself. I write what I think and feel so there were a lot of songs that worked perfectly together in sharing that message, and the EP title just sums up the mood of the message perfectly.
Who did you work with writing and producer wise on The Optimist? What was the experience like?
The experience was amazing, I love the writing and recording process and I worked on this EP with some of my favorite producers and writers; Michael Fatkin, Andy Zelter, Brian Simpson, Casey Smith and Peter Hannah. They made it all so much more comfortable and I was able to really open up and be truly honest with everything I say.
How difficult is to be a woman in the music industry?
Some days it’s tough especially being 17 and female, I definitely don’t know everything, but I know what I want, what I like, what works for me and doesn’t. Often there’s this stereotype that females aren’t as powerful in business and that men are. Unfortunately, this industry is very male-dominated. I have experienced people not thinking I have a voice or opinion because I’m young and female. I try to use that as an advantage since I actually have all those things that are not expected from me. It’s one of my driving forces to work harder and put more time and energy into my craft, to prove that I’m as or if not more capable then anyone male or female who thinks otherwise.
I want to talk fashion for a minute. What and who do you wear?
I wear Evie… I’m not bothered to look at the tags on my clothes but there’s a mix of high-end streetwear and thrifted opt shop pieces. I try to keep my wardrobe a bright and loud as possible. I take a lot of inspiration fashion-wise from the icon herself, Gwen Stefani, especially in her No Doubt days, so you will see me wear anything 90s and grunge.
What’s next for Evie? How do you plan on promoting the EP without any live music going on?
A lot of cool visuals and different recorded performances.
CONNECT WITH EVIE IRIE
INSTAGRAM // TWITTER // SPOTIFY
story / Robert Frezza
photos / Dara Munnis
