We had the good fortune of connecting with Iris Isoa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iris, how do you think about risk?
I think taking risks is a vital part of life and plays a pivotal role in our overall experience on this journey. The decision you make perform overseas for several years was probably one of if not, the biggest risk I’ve taken in my career so far! A friend recommended I try out for the gig and on some, “you never know if you never try” type of thing, I said hey why not, only to actually receive the call that I got the gig! I was overjoyed, but also really scared. Although I thoroughly vetted the company, all sorts of thoughts ran through my mind as I prepared to leave. “Is this legit?”, “Am I gonna be safe?”, “Will the people in these other countries be nice”, “am I sure I’m ready to perform 6 nights a week, 4, 45 minute sets a night?” All sorts of stuff just rushing through my brain, but in the end I prayed, hoped on a plane from Atlanta to Shenzen China and started one of the most amazing, crazy, beautiful adventures of my life! Performing in different countries from Malaysia, Seoul Korea, Bangkok, Beijing, and I’m sure I’m forgetting some others, but it was blast, growing experience and helped me become a better performer, Artist, but most of all helped me to become a better more well rounded person! Shortly after coming back to the states, I took my second risk, moving to L.A. I’ve always wanted to live in L.A., but allowed doubt and fear to hold me back for many years. After some self talk of something like, “hey you’ve lived in other countries, you can do this”, I booked a ticket and have been here ever since and absolutely love it, craziness and all! lol! The thing about risks is that one prepares you for the other and helps you build confidence and trust in yourself that you can literally do anything! I think sometimes not taking a risk is the biggest risk of all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My music is very eclectic. I never sit down to write or work on an project and think to myself, “I’m gonna write a pop record or an R&B record or a rock record” or any genre in fact. I just let what flows flow and embrace what comes out of my Soul in that moment. The goal is and always will be to just make music that feels truthful to me and to whatever I’m experiencing or have or hope to experience with the prayer that it resonates and finds its way to the people that need it. Being genreless allows me to create without limits and to fully explore this beautiful thing called Music in all its glory! I once heard a quote that said, “Music is what feelings sound like” and that’s exactly what I aim to do, make people feel something through Heavens gift to Earth, Music!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being the foodie that I am, we’d probably start of with one of my favorite places to eat in L.A. called Tribal Cafe! The food is delicious and the vibe is even better! They have a lot of unique entrees, the staff is so friendly and inviting and you can tell the food is made with love! They have open mic on the weekend and it’s just an overall awesome experience everytime I go there! We’d definitely have to hit up some food trucks! My favorite is one that my fellow Artist GN$ put me on to called Happy Taco on Sunset Blvd! Their food is delicious and the people are amazing! I love a good rooftop, so next I’d take them to Perch in downtown L.A. for nice cocktails and a beautiful view of the city with good music and a super cool vibe!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! My gifted friend and Kindred Spirit JD! He helped me find my authentic voice and my sound. He’s a brilliant and masterful artist and has contributed and impacted my life and my music in the most beautiful ways!

Website: https://www.irisisoaworld.com

Instagram: @irisisoa

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/irisisoamusic

Image Credits
Gowithmephotography
JRP Photography

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