“Ieva has been immersed in music-making for much of her life. During her time in Lithuania, her initial flair for music materialised in her violin studies. After moving to the UK, she continued to foster her instrumental ability at the Purcell School of Music. During her time in London, Ieva was exposed to an eclectic range of music. Her interest in 20th century classical music led her to composers such as Prokofiev and Messiaen, who’s music inspired her to try her hand at composition. In time, Ieva’s interests expanded into the field of electronic music, and her work came to be heavily influenced by underground electronic dance music, as well as avant-garde electronic classical styles. This unique blend of influences has made some of her compositions hard to categorize stylistically. As a composer/electronic musician, Ieva has since been involved in many exciting projects. Highlights include writing music for experimental theatre at the Roundhouse and having her work displayed at the Lyric Hammersmith, as well as collaborating with practitioners of other art forms, such as choreographers/dancers and film directors. She is currently studying Electronic Music at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she continues to nurture her skills and develop her musical identity.”
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Ieva: They followed me on Twitter and after a few days to my surprise, asked for an interview. I was very flattered.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Ieva: I spent my early childhood in Lithuania, where I received my first musical tuition and at the age of 9, moved to the UK with my family. I have lived in London since and couldn’t have asked for a better location to live in. Many aspects contributed to my development as an artist, particularly the people and teachers I have met since I’ve been in the UK, as well as other artists I have been exposed to (visual or musical).
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Ieva: I don’t like my surname. It’s too long. But I felt like using a completely different name would shadow my identity, so I just cut it short.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Ieva: Online music sharing is great and artists such as Radiohead proved that a massive profit can be made from it. However people should never expect to get music for free and that is a battle that exists in this industry. I have given a track for free before, but I am more old school, in the way that I would like my music to be on a physical material, like vinyl or CD.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Ieva: I would just say to not turn down any offers for gigs or opportunities until you know you’ve made it. Maybe that student project that you will become your new passion?… you never know.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Ieva: I always try to rehearse and practice my sets. I want the audience to experience and understand exactly what I am trying to portray. Therefore making mistakes is avoided, but if it happens, then I just try and make it a thing — improvise around it. Make it like a ‘Limited Edition’ gig. It’s more interesting that way for myself and for the audience.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Ieva: A few years ago, we were doing a tour around Belgium and partly Germany. The gig before last, was at Germany and we had to get back to our hotel in Belgium. The journey was really long and there would be no time to celebrate our last night…so we just shut the curtains and celebrated the last night on a bus…with about forty other people in board. It was great!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Ieva: Every track is different and is born through a different method. For example, I love poetry, so sometimes I interpret my music to a poem or two. On other occasions, I have written for visual inspiration, or even past experiences. It depends on my mood really.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Ieva: Sure I have a website. It’s http://www.ievavaiti.co.uk … check it out!! I like to use Twitter to engage with my followers and Soundcloud to share music. At the moment I am still working on films and videos to put on Youtube…so be patient with that!
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Ieva: Generally, I am not embarrased to what I listen to. On my ipod you can find anything from twentieth century classical music, to old school dub, to pop and avant garde electronics.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Ieva: I would invest in a nice house in London, as well as a very much needed personal studio. It would also be nice to get my music on vinyl as well.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Ieva: I am planning on getting new monitors. I am not sure which ones yet, maybe even a surround sound system heh? I am working on several things. Making some music for visuals, doing some arrangements and remixes…you know. The usual.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Ieva: For me works best just sharing it with the people I know. If it is good, word of mouth will carry it.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Ieva: There are many artists I’d love to perform with. One of them who has been my favourite since being a teenager: Amon Tobin. His shows are so interactive and interesting, it would be an amazing experience.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Ieva: So far, everything is still in its working stage. But keep checking my Twitter for updates!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Ieva: I’m not quite sure whether I would stay in the arts or move to something else. I have had a very close link to visuals all my life. Sometimes I wish I became a visual artist. But I love Chemistry and Physics (I know…), but I guess I was way too cool for that in school. So maybe an artist or an actor?
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Ieva: I think the first album I bought was ‘New Forms’ by Roni Size. I heard my brother playing it in his room and I loved the warm jungle sound.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Ieva: I just let everything come naturally. I don’t force anything, if I feel like meeting up with a friend down the pub, I will. If I feel like locking myself in the studio the whole day and coming up with some crazy stuff, I will do that too. I guess I am at that stage in life where I don’t have many responsibilities.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Ieva: New, contrasting things are about to emerge. So watch my page and expect something big!
