At just 13 years old, Iris Danbury is already beginning to make an impressive mark on the emerging UK music scene. The Huddersfield singer-songwriter introduced herself with the infectious debut ‘I Don’t Care’, and now returns with sophomore single ‘About You’, revealing another side to an artist whose confidence appears to be growing remarkably quickly.
Drawing on the youthful pop-punk energy of Paramore, Avril Lavigne and Olivia Rodrigo, ‘About You’ is a spirited celebration of friendship and those unexpected people who enter our lives at precisely the right moment. Live guitars and punchy rhythms provide the backdrop for a song that feels bright and immediate while retaining the personal perspective at the heart of Iris’ writing.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Singing first and then the piano although I am only just learning.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Disney songs then my sister introduced me to Faouzia and Harry Styles.
What was the first album you remember owning?
At 13 I don’t own an album, music is different now and I just listen to songs on my phone or Alexa.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I play random things on the piano until I come up with something that I like and I also turn my phone on silent so it doesn’t disturb me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
A bit different but I like AC/DC, Olivia Rodrigo, Raye and lots of different things, not a single genre or style as I am still exploring.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Olivia Rodrigo or Ariana Grande.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The way it makes people happy and the feeling it gives me when I am performing also making me happy.
And what is the most frustrating part?
When things get hard and seem like you can’t do it and it can be frustrating like at the moment I’m trying to learn the guitar.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Just believe in myself and remember you can do anything if you put your mind to it and practice.
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Iris Danbury's new single 'About You' is out now. Check it out in the player below.