Having already established themselves with an illustrious array of releases these last few years, Cork-based outfit The Cliffords are now looking to cement their dynamic legacy to date with the release of their eagerly-awaited debut EP 'Strawberry Scented'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'Sleeping With Ghosts', 'If The Shoe Fits' and 'Feels Like A Man', this new five-track collection makes for an incredibly rich and immersive listen. Filled with sprawling soundscapes and a euphoric atmosphere at every turn, 'Strawberry Scented' sees them continue to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with lead singer Iona to find out more about her background and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I grew up playing the piano but I never really liked it. I did grades and I think that made it feel more like school rather than anything fun. I then got a ukulele as a teenager and it was fun and easy and that's really where I first started writing songs and from that I picked up the guitar.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I listened to all my dad’s music so Kate Bush, Talking Heads , Bruce Springsteen and Joni Mitchell would all have been massive inspirations. Then of course when I was a preteen girl I was a die hard one direction fan as well as a huge Dodie fan.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember the first CD I got other than a disney cd was a Simple plan CD. I think the album was No pads, No helmets.. Just Balls and I felt really rebellious when I played it . The first LP I ever got was an Amy Whinehouse album my dad got me for my 12th birthday.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I think anything Joni Mitchell has written really or most recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Adrienne Lenker. I wish I’d written Vampire empire.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I usually try to go for a very long walk in nature to clear my head first, then I sit with a guitar and open my voice notes and just try random lyrics. Then when I’m done I’ll try to listen back and pick on the ones I like and develop a song from there. A good cup of tea as well is a necessity.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Right now I am deeply obsessed with Chappell Roan. I love everything she does. The new Adrianne Lenker and The Last Dinner Party album has been on repeat as well for me. My old Classics like boy genius and a lot of joni mitchell i always go back to. But I’ve just finished my dissertation so if you looked at my spotify right now I’m sure it would just show hours of brown noise or lofi hip hop for me to study.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I think Bruce Springsteen would be unbelievable, I think that would make my Dad the most proud. I’d love to play a show in Musgrave park in Cork with Hozier. I think that would be a surreal moment.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love the feeling of connection at shows. There's such a beautiful energy in the room where I get the honour to be on stage with my best friends and have people listening. Some of the best people in my life now I’ve met either from playing with them or they've come to see our shows and that has been such a joy. People coming up to you as well and telling you that your music means something to them is such a special thing that I will never get over.
And what is the most frustrating part?
There's a lot of self doubt that comes with being an artist. You have to really be sure of yourself and be confident in what you are doing. pushing through self doubt and realising that you are meant to be doing what you're doing has been a big struggle for me. What I find really frustrating about music nowadays is so many musicians are so pushed into promoting heavily on social media . I think social media is an incredible tool and beautiful to connect people but so many artists are being pushed to focus on making content rather than music. Or it's seen that if they don't make enough content they aren't taking their career seriously. I just feel this is so damaging to people's art, social media can be so harsh and people could become so discouraged if they aren't going viral or if they are getting hate.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Someone told me once to be excited by failure. I often feel quite insecure as I feel I don't know enough about music or I’m not as good as others. This guy said to me you should always see that not as an opportunity to beat yourself up but to learn and develop as an artist. I think it’s so true, don't let your ego get in the way by making it think you are shit, if you are shit be shit and be shit for as long as you need cause eventually if you keep working instead of beating yourself up about if you will get better . Big shout out to Ben who told me that I think it truly changed my outlook on the business.
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The Cliffords' debut EP 'Strawberry Scented' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.