Convo With iLana Armida

From Worcester, Massachusetts, iLana Armida is a Grammy-nominated lyricist and highly skilled pop and RnB performer. iLana was raised in South Florida and fell in love with music at a young age. Writing and performing in a community musical theater. Ilana attended Florida Atlantic University after high school, where she earned a degree in Commercial Music Business and learned how to refine her voice.

iLana relocated to Los Angeles in 2017 to focus on writing and has collaborated with some of the world's most creative musicians, songwriters, and producers. iLana has also performed as an opener for rapper Lil Dicky and pop artist John K. Ilana was nominated for a Grammy this year for her co-writing of Doja Cat's song "Ride."

With over 30 million Spotify plays, she just released a tune called 'Bread n Butter' alongside X Factor winning talent Alex Kinsey; they have been releasing new music concurrently and will be embarking on a European tour together next month. 

They co-wrote and produced their most recent EPs, "Cali Kinda Love" and "Antisocial Person." Which is set to be released later this year.

1- Where did you come from, where are you based now, and why?

I was originally born in Worcester Massachusetts my parents moved us to Florida when I was little. I grew up in South Florida and I live in LA now.

2- Why Los Angeles?

I always knew I wanted to live in LA. It just kind of called to me. There was not a lot of opportunities for pop and R&B music where I grew up and I wanted to be around creative people. Moving to LA definitely changed who I am as an artist for the better.

3- When did you begin your musical career?

I have been performing since I was 3. I grew up in musical theatre and dance then studied music and business in college. College is when I started writing original music and performing professionally.

4- What is the message behind Bread n Butter?

Bread & Butter is just a vibe :) the message is open for interpretation. I think Alex and I had different ideas and we wrote them both at the same time.

5- How were your experiences opening for acts like the rapper Lil Dicky and pop singer John K?

The Lil Dicky show was dope but SO random. I got the call to open for him at a private event in LA the day before the event. Shared a green room with him. He is exactly how he seems. John is a homie and I always love working with him Seeing his career take off is so inspiring.

6- How does it feel to be nominated for a Grammy for co-writing Doja Cat's "Ride"?

So wild! I worked on the song with Yeti Beats a long time ago for my own project and then Doja heard the track and did her thing. I still can’t wrap my head around it.

7- What do you hope to achieve with your music career?

I just want to make music that makes people feel good. I would love to tour the world with my songs and bring a little joy to as many people as possible.

8- What obstacles did you have to overcome to establish yourself in the field?

Being a woman in this industry makes things a little harder. You come across a lot of people that want to take advantage. I have had money stolen from me and been set back years by signing the wrong contracts.

9- What do you consider to be the most significant aspect of your music career?

The most significant thing for me is being able to share my ideas and make my audiences feel something

10- What type of vocalist do you consider yourself to be?

I have had a lot of vocal training in my life. I studied vocal techniques in a lot of different genres and styles so for me I think it is all about making choices depending on what I think a song needs.

11-What is next for iLana Armida

Releasing my EP “Cali Kinda Love” August 30th followed by a European tour in September. Visiting family and releasing more music later this year!