Rising Pop Star iLana Armida Talks Doing It Her Way

Back Story – With her last two releases, iLana has set the streaming scene on fire, generating a strong monthly listenership of 30k+ monthly listeners on Spotify, with features on notable editorial playlists like Spotify’s Pop Chillout, along with algorithmic playlists like Release Radar and Discover Weekly. Check her out on Spotify.

In a time where the idea of the traditional record deal seems to be breaking down, iLana is releasing music through her own entertainment company. iLana has taken control of her career and is blazing a trail for female pop artists to do things THEIR WAY!

“I grew up hearing horror stories about contracts in the music industry, like how my idols from the group TLC got screwed out of a bunch of money. I vowed I would never let that happen to me. I got my degree in music business from FAU and started my own entertainment company. Nowadays, about 1 out of 20 artists that get signed to majors end up being shelved. I know I can do this my way and maintain creative control. I release what I want when I want and it is so empowering”

Now, after the release of two singles, iLana Armida returns with “Good Together,” a mellowed out electro-pop tune that is her most emotional yet. “I walked into the studio with this concept in mind: my boyfriend at the time and I were probably not great for each other. We would influence each other’s actions, say drinking too much for example; this song is about acknowledging the fact that we probably are not going to last forever, but damn it if we don’t look good together.”

iLana brought the concept to life alongside writer/producers Allen Mattox, A Tripp, and Nick Warner. “Good Together”, unlike her previous releases, showcases a more emotional and raw side of iLana.

From the outside looking in, who is iLana Armida the artist?

iLana Armida is an LA based pop singer, songwriter and performer. Originally from Massachusetts and raised in Florida, her music is eclectic pop, drawing from her diverse musical upbringing. Her sound lies somewhere between chill pop and danceable R&B. Her live shows are energetic and her mission is to spread love and positivity and be an outlet for people to dance their troubles away. 🙂 Check out iLanaArmida.com for more info!

What brought you to the entertainment industry, music specifically?

My mom says I have been singing since I could speak and dancing since I could walk. I was mesmerized by the voices of Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin as well as the great performers like Janet, TLC and NSync! I knew I wanted to do what they were doing! My parents got me into dance and musical theatre at a very young age and I haven’t really stopped performing. I made the decision to be an artist and start writing my own music in college when I was getting my degree in music business!

What do you get from music?

Music genuinely is like therapy for me. I get to express myself and work through my issues in a song and what makes it more rewarding is when I release a song and someone out there relates to it. I want my music to make people feel things and make people DANCE!

Tell us about your current project.

My single “Good Together” comes out March 29th! This is my 3rd release and definitely my most emotional. I walked into the studio with this concept in mind: my boyfriend at the time and I were probably not great for each other. We would influence each other’s actions, say drinking too much for example; this song is about acknowledging the fact that we probably are not going to last forever, but damn it if we don’t look good together! I worked on this one with writer/producers Allen Mattox, A Tripp and Nick Warner.

Who’s on your bucket list for collabs?

BRUNO, Diplo, Andre 3000, Dua, Sean Paul…

Tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music…

I love hanging with my family and my people! Dancing, traveling, yoga, trying new things and new foods!

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” aka WTF?! moment…

I participated in one of those singing TV shows and at my big audition, right before I walked on stage, the producers stopped me and said they were wrapping for the day because the judges were drunk/tired. I was there for about 16 hours and didn’t get to my audition that day. THEE MOST anticlimactic moment of my life. WHERE THEY DO THAT AT!?

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.