As one of six rangitahi who featured in the 2021 Crescendo Trust music mentoring docuseries The Collective, Iris G publicly revealed plenty of her back story, in particular the loss of her voice in 2017 due to the trauma of an assault. Four years later the then 22-year old hip hop/RnB singer-songwriter was still learning how to overcome resulting issues, but revealed the strength of purpose she is increasingly known for. Made with New Music Single Pan-Asian funding, her latest single GPS also featured on NZ On Air Music‘s May NewTracks compilation. 

What’s your full name, where are you from and what instruments do you play?

I’m Iris Guevarra. I’m from Avondale til I die – but a recently converted G.I. girl. I play guitar mainly but have dabbled in other instruments like the harmonica, trombone, drums, keys and a tambourine kick pedal I made myself!

Any other projects that we might we know you from?

I released a song in te reo Māori called Aroha Taoke a few years back, through the help of a wananga named Taniwha. I was also a baldy in a RNZ docuseries called The Collective, which briefly explored my journey in healing and finding my voice again.

What’s the background to Iris G the recording artist project? 

I’ve been recording music since I was 12, when my school principal blackmailed me into writing songs! He mentored me throughout intermediate and I flew solo once I hit high school. I worked a lot with Dave Atai (Nesian Mystik) from Crescendo and Dominique Leauga (Adeaze) when I was younger. Now I’m working with my partner in crime JARNA.

How and when did you come up with Iris G as the name for the project?

I shortened my last name because I was sick of my surname being mispronounced as ‘Gooeyvarra’.

How has your music evolved from your earliest songwriting to now?

When I started writing songs, at 12 years old, I would write about things like Pokemon and being a nerd. My mum asked me why I don’t write about things like love, and I simply said to her, “Why would I write about love if I’ve never been in love before?” I’ve always written about things important to me. For the most part my music has mostly been folk/alternative/rock, until I lost my voice due to an assault, and wasn’t able to sing the way I used to. I then started exploring RnB and pop, but find myself slowly returning back to my folk roots.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date?

I opened for Elemeno P which was epic, and such a big dream come true!

Based on Spotify at least, there’ve been only a few releases from you over several years.

I spent a lot of years healing and trying to figure out who I wanted to be in music. I am also notoriously protective and honestly a bit selfish of my work. It’s such a precious part of me that I hold onto too tightly. The truth is I don’t like putting my art out into the world. But it is the one thing that keeps calling me…

What makes GPS stand out for you as a single choice?

I had fallen in love with GPS as soon as we made it. Some songs take forever to make, but this one oozed out of me without any struggle. I’m also super proud of all the car references I was able to sneak into the lyrics!

What is the story behind GPS?

I think when you’re coming to the end of a relationship, there is still a small part of you that hopes that you’ll make it through. I guess this song is about the complexities of that experience. Of knowing the end is coming, knowing you’re probably not the best people for each other, but still loving them and having that small part of you that’s not ready to give up on them yet.

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

I love the lyric, “You say I’m too much, but I know I’m enough.”

Who did you write/record/produce the song with and where?

My partner JARNA produced the song and we made it right here in our little bedroom! JARNA’s a singer in her own right (and a bloody good one at that!) but she wanted to learn how to produce her own music. The reason why we started working together is because she needed a guinea pig to practice on!

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

That you’re enough!

Who else is in your team?

I’m an independent artist, but I wouldn’t be anywhere without my partner, friends and family in my corner!

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for?

GPS is only the beginning of an exciting project I have lined up for this year.

Can you name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

spdrtwnbby ft. romiin – Fruits Of The Diaspora
Jujulipps – Game Over
Tei – Primal

Have any of your previous single releases been included on NewTracks? 

Yes, Aroha Taoke in February 2023.

Have you previously received NZOA (or other NZ music agency) funding?

I received New Music Single Pan-Asian funding for GPS last year. The first funding I ever received was for Aroha Taoke by Te Māngai Pāho. I probably most struggled with the 1000 followers criteria. I had met this requirement before, but had my social media accounts hacked and deleted. I was devastated that I had to start again, but in a way it freed me up to reinvent myself however way I wanted.

Have you got any advice around seeking funding for others starting out?

You have to keep putting yourself out there and keep fine tuning your sound.

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re into?

I am an OG NZ Musician fan!

How can we find you on social media?

Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Who did you make the music video with? 

I got to work with such an awesome crew for this music video – DOP JJ Farry and his boys Dingfly and Ariki on the assist. JJ and I really bonded over the fact that we were both filipino (hence all the swagapino references in our music video). We had awesome people turn up to be extras, and some really epic freaking sports cars that really made GPS everything it was. Our shoot actually got hijacked by a police helicopter and about 10 different cop cars which kept surveilling us and circling us. I guess you can officially call me a Bad Girl now!

Any last words?

Watch this space cuz I have some sick stuff coming!