Iranian-born, Dutch raised and London based artist Eyelar, has established herself as the leader of a new wave of alt-pop artists in the UK and has collaborated with some of the most exciting artists in the music scene.
We met her in Brighton at The Great Escape Festival 2023 in a beautiful park and had a lovely conversation with her, about her latest release, where she gets her inspiration from and fashion of course..!
Hey Eyelar, thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us, here in this lovely Park in Brighton at The Great Escape Festival 2023. Is it your first time here in Brighton?
I have been in Brighton a lot. I live in London and as much as I love London, I really love the beach and the overall vibe here. It’s very expressive and colourful and I love that.
You recently released your new song ‚Obsessed With Your Ex‘, which obliviously has a very personal background story to it. How does it feel to be able to let it all out and to perform the song?
When I wrote the song I felt a little embarrassed, because I didn’t think anyone would relate to it and it also doesn’t put me in the best light, but I had to write about it and when I finally performed the song for the first time on the tour with Upsahl (I supported her during her European and UK tour) a lot of people started singing the song after the first chorus and when I asked them if anyone ever obsessed over someone ex so many people put their hands up. So it basically made me feel like I wasn’t the only one.
How would you describe your stage persona?
My stage persona is basically me in real life. One time a close friend came to see me for the first time and he told me that the whole show couldn’t have been more me.
We heard you are influenced by artists including Madonna, Nirvana, Paramore and Hole, besides from musical inspirations, what inspires you for writing songs?
People, books, movies, past experiences. When I feel inspired I could write a song about anything, but sometimes I have writer’s block. When that happens the universe could send me all the inspiration in the world, but I won’t be able to see it.
What’s the best thing about being an artist and what’s the worst?
The best thing is that I make music for a living, I meet so many people, I travel around the world to perform and create. I am really fortunate and grateful that I can do what I love every single day. The worst thing is that often I don’t feel good enough, or I’m not doing enough. I think creative people are set up to feel like that when it’s so competitive and when the thing you are competing with is you.
Have you ever wanted to become a musician when you were younger?
I have always wanted to be a singer.
Do you have any idols?
I used to be a huge Tokio Hotel fan and a Harry Potter fan. All the walls of my room were covered in Tokio Hotel and Daniel Radcliffe.
You already collaborated with some big names in the industry, like Charlie XCX and Fred Again. How does it feel to be asked for collaborations like this and if you could, who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
It feels good to be respected by your peers in the industry. Other people id like to collab with are Upsahl, Fletcher, Beabadoobee and so many more!
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
One thing l do before any show is buy a book from that specific city. This ritual started on the last Europe tour with Upsahl. Every city I go to for music (whether is performing or doing sessions) I buy a book from that city, I write the date and the name of the city inside it and i keep it as a memory from that time.
What’s the last song you’ve been listening to on Spotify/Tidal/Apple Music?
The last song i listened to (5 min ago) was “sza – gone girl”.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
I meditate, I journal, I dance and I try to keep my mind healthy. I also love working out so thats all part of my daily routine.
What means fashion to you?
I love fashion. Its one of the ways I express myself. Sometimes it’s also a way to play a part or a role. For example when I feel sad I put on so many colours so it makes me feel better.
How would you describe your style?
My style is quirky, expressive, a bit of bohemian and a bit of grunge.
What influences you in the way you dress?
My mood. I also don’t like to stand out with my clothes.
Indispensable piece of clothing for you?
Vintage black leather jacket and vintage Levis jeans (its hard to find the right fit so I have I hold on to it for dear life).
How important is the way you dress (especially for your shows)?
The way I dress is really important (unless I’m at home). I like feeling different. I think it started as I grew up in a small town in the Netherlands where people had normal names and made fun of how different my name was. Instead of feeling sad about that I just embraced being a bit different and ever since it made me feel more empowered to be different and to look different.
What did you pack in your suitcase – do you have any travel essentials?
My book, clothes, in ears. I don’t travel anywhere without a book.
Music is …
Music is life in lyrics and melodies.
That’s a very nice one – thank you so much Eyelar, for taking the time to have a chat with us and for letting us dive into your world of inspiration and some storytelling in between the lines.
We are looking forward to hearing more from Eyelar at future festivals and great big venues – keep your eyes and ears peeled! For tour dates, merch and more, follow Eyelar on her socials.
STAY TUNED!
xx smoke and echoes
FOLLOW EYELAR:
In cooperation with Sony Music UK
smokeandechoes.com 