Having spent a number of years behind the scenes, writing and producing with top name acts including Doja Cat and Jason Mraz as well as performing alongside Lil Dicky and John K, iLana Armida is stepping into the spotlight in her own right, and her own way, with the release of her single “Summertime Love.” PopWrapped caught up with her to find out more about her musical background and her plans for the rest of 2021.

Was music a large part of your life growing up?

Yes, my parents are big music lovers. My dad plays the drums and my mom is a music trivia legend. There was always loud music playing in our house and my parents always supported my dream and pushed me to focus on music and dance. They put me in dance and musical theatre when I was really young. My dad would have me stand on tables at restaurants and sing for all of the customers. I think it is because of their love for music that I also fell in love with creating and performing.

Which songs or bands and artists most inspired you to make your own way in the music world?

I fell in love with music while listening to Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding, specifically “I Never Loved a Man” and “These Arms of Mine”. There was just something magical about their voices that made me feel things that I couldn’t even understand as a child. Being a 90s baby, I became obsessed with Nsync, TLC, Spice Girls, Aaliyah and later Ciara, Usher – basically any pop/R&B artist or band that could dance while singing I was infatuated with. 

How did you get started in music production?

I’d been singing and writing poems ever since I was a kid but I started writing music in college. I went to school for music business and while there I created my first EP. My dad ended up building me a studio in my childhood bedroom and I learned how to record. I spent HOURS every day in my “vocal booth” which was just my closet with foam glued to the walls. 

Who’s the most exciting artist you’ve worked with?

It has been so incredible working with Alex Kinsey. We work together a lot. I have written several songs for his project and he has produced and written on several of my songs and really helped me to find my sound.

Tell me a little about your single “Summertime Love.”

I wrote “Summertime Love” this summer! It was a really quick turnaround from the writing process to the release. I woke up and it was beautiful outside and for the first time in a while I felt really optimistic and happy about the future and I know those moments can be fleeting so I wanted to capture that feeling. Even in the song, I kind of acknowledge how this love might be a temporary one but it is so important to be in the moment and soak up all of that joy while it is here.

Personally and professionally, how have you found the last year and a half to be? Have your life and career plans been changed at all because of the pandemic?

It has definitely been a crazy year and a half. I had plans to play shows all of 2020 and was kind of forced to re-evaluate a lot of things about my career and my life in general. I had a lot of time to reflect and write music, I also lost some friendships and made some life changes. I am really grateful that I had that time because I feel like my music has improved and I am finally beginning to hone in on who I truly am as an artist. Now, I am more ready than ever to share my art!

Are you planning any live shows now it’s safe, or safer, to do so?

I miss the stage so much! I am actually planning an East Coast tour for Spring next year. Currently, I have no shows scheduled for this year but would love to play around LA soon!

What does the rest of 2021 have in store for you? Do you have any more releases planned?

I have three more releases planned this year – two singles in September and one more in October.

Give “Summertime Love” a listen below and for more information on iLana Armida, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.