Meet ILU | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist

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

Hi ILU, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The interesting thing about being an artist is that it really is not a choice. Being an artist comes with this primitive and primal feeling deep inside of me that yearns to be fed and nurtured. When I am not making art it feels like the batteries have been taken out of me or like there’s a void inside of me that cannot be filled by anything other than creating something new. I pursued a creative career because creativity has always been a self-fulfillment need of mine that can never be entirely satisfied for too long. Creativity is both a choice and a calling that I can never ignore, even if I try. If I do not pursue creativity the quality of my life and self-identity will be deeply compromised. I purse a creative career daily because without doing so, honoring the healthiest and most authentic version of myself would not be possible.

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 a direct outcome of my emotional and mental experiences. Every creation of mine is a result of wanting to authentically express and relieve myself of emotional weight that I am carrying. Not once have I sat down to make a song with the intention of creating something catchy, trendy, or popular and that is something I am extremely proud of. Additionally, writing my own lyrics is a non-negotiable in my relationship with music which is something I am also very proud of. I feel that great art is not great art if it is coming from a source outside of who you truly are. For this reason, I refuse to sing lyrics that I have not entirely written myself or experienced. I approach creativity with the intention of connecting deeply with myself and hopefully with listeners who can relate to whatever emotional or mental experience I sing about. I believe this approach sets me apart from others, especially in a generation where popular music has lost depth, authenticity, and magic.
My journey with music has not been easy. Working a full-time day job is very draining and can inhibit me from making music as much as I would like to. Often times I feel like my potential and success is limited because of not having enough time in the day. With that truth comes this sense of anxiety and fear of not reaching a lifestyle in which my sole income and career is based on music. This is a constant challenge of mine that I combat with prayer, manifestation, and working as hard as I can in the time I have. Overall, I place my fear, worry, and desires in the hands of my maker and believe that what is meant for me will be. I want the world to know that I am gentle yet strong, grounded yet unhinged, deeply emotional yet rational, and equally dark and light. All I am is poured into my music and as a result I will make a legendary mark in the music industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Laguna Beach for some ice cream at Chantilly and walk around to our fav songs. Also would take them to some goth nights in LA and some mandatory open mics like the Night Owl, The Den, and Writer’s Round to experience some live music. Overall, I think the most fun, interesting and exciting places and people are ones that make you feel present, joyful, calm, and inspired to be better and to pursue your dreams. As I get older I realize that the best places and people are the ones you can be entirely yourself at or with without any fear of judgement, discomfort, or uncertainty. I enjoy the slower, more lowkey, and wholesome people and places these days. Libraries, hiking trails, museums, coffee shops, gardens, thrift shops, and lounges are my vibe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am eternally grateful to the friends, family members, and strangers who actively listen to my music and provide me with feedback voluntarily. Even if no one was streaming my music I would still be writing, recording, and releasing it for my own livelihood and satisfaction. However, knowing that there are people who legitimately love, support, and believe in me is a feeling I cannot put into words. It is a privilege and honor that makes creation that much more exhilarating and meaningful. I also give a shoutout to my maker for blessing me with creative talents and a calling to the arts. Without this engrained energy and calling upon my creation there would be no success or creative venture to be writing about.

Website: https://linktr.ee/ilu111

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilumusic__/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ilu111

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ilumusic_

Image Credits
Photographer:
Polaris Castillo