We found out some more about emerging trio IONA SKY following the release of their soaring sophomore single ‘Savior’
Releasing their debut single ‘Better’ at the end of September, it has taken indie pop trio IONA SKY no time at all to make a name for themselves in the UK music scene, earning over 100,000 streams on Spotify alone with their first two singles thanks to their engrossing and thoughtful style.
Their sophomore single ‘Savior’ continued to showcase their appeal, melding anthemic indie rock with EDM to expand upon a sound that feels both familiar while entirely their own, anthemic and soaring while feeling grounded and personal too. The sky looks to be the limit for IONA SKY, a band who’s creativity and guile is matched with an abundance of passion and charm. We had a chat with the rising outfit to find out some more about their journey and what else they have planned for the future.
Who TF are IONA SKY?
We are an indie-pop band based in Cambridge, UK. We’re originally from all over – Anna-Sophia is from Kansas in the US, James is from England, and Simon is from Wales. We write a lot of really hooky guitar based songs, with a synthy edge to them, combining our range of interests in EDM and indie-rock. We blend it together for a few weeks, stir well, and it comes out of the oven as indie-pop!
How long have you been making music?
As Iona Sky, just this year, but we’ve all been artists before this band. James and Simon were in an indie band for the last four years, Anna-Sophia has been writing as an EDM artist for about the same. We’ve all been musicians since when we were troubled, angst-ridden teenagers though, like most artists! Some of us have never grown out of that…
Why do you make music?
We all love listening to music, first and foremost. If we didn’t write and perform, we’d all still be going to live gigs and festivals. We’ve been to loads this year, and already have plenty booked up for next year. There is also a catharsis in writing; it’s a nice way of reflecting on events, past or present, and sharing the story. Anna-Sophia and James write the lyrics and often have pretty deep conversations about what the narrative is in a piece. It’s often quite personal, thoughtful, and sometimes hard to get it written down, but that makes it meaningful and that’s what we want to share; something authentic and real.
What are your biggest influences?
Everyone says this of course – many and varied. Right now we’re listening to a lot of Holly Humberstone, Declan McKenna, and Billie Eilish. All of us love Wolf Alice and Sam Fender. And across the board we like a bit of country (Kacey Musgraves), a bit of EDM (Flume, Lonely in the Rain), and a bit of rock (Foos, Fleetwood Mac). We’re a veritable potpourri of musical genres.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Playing a July 4th gig knowing the X Ambassadors were about to take the stage was very cool! We got to meet them afterwards too. Sam was very nice and had very smooth skin. Like a dolphin. We’ve had some nice fan mail recently too, which is always so nice to receive. Makes you realise there are people really listening on the end of those YouTube and Spotify numbers!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Incredible. Please like and subscribe.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Having the X Ambassadors open for us?
We love your sophomore single ‘Savior’, what more can you tell us about it?
Anna-Sophia wrote a demo she shared earlier in the year and after about 9 months of blood, sweat, and tears we managed to turn it into a tune she was happy with. The final mix was likened to a long labour by some of us… But we got there! It’s a song about resigning in your role of saving those around you, and wanting to be saved for a change.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
LOADS! 2024 is already looking massive. We’ve a new single coming out in January and an EP in March – we’re just finishing recording that at the moment. This will be accompanied by a tour of the UK and Ireland which is being finalised. And a few other things we can’t talk about just yet!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Anna-Sophia’s mum. Hi Amy!
