Note: Iris Dawn used to perform under the name Irene Doo. The text of this article has been updated.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Iris Dawn has a taste for rock but a voice for folk. On her meditative song “White Fences,” Doo invokes her wide range of influences — Dylan, Cohen, the Goo Goo Dolls — for a cello-driven recalculation of her life goals. The song has an irresistible groove to it, while Dawn’s soft determination gives the song an urgency that is arresting, even while you’re tapping your foot along to it.
In our interview, Dawn describes her influences, her songwriting process, and the importance of positive feedback.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I have way too many to count but I will list a few: Dido, Brooke Fraser, Li Ann La Havas, Celine Dion, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, etc
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
I wrote my first song on a sheet of paper when I was 14. It was about dreaming and achieving your dreams — that was on my mind all the time as a girl growing up in Nigeria. I’ve lost the paper but I still remember the melody and a few of the words. It was a very soft yet inspiring composition that would probably make a nice piano ballad today.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
I do it both ways. Sometimes I hear a melody in my head and then I hum it (while recording it on my phone) or I pick up my guitar and start to play chords to go with it. Later I think of a concept that will fit the melody and then write lyrics. This happens to me most often. Occasionally, I get an idea for lyrics and I write them down then I later find a melody to go with it — usually from my list of recorded melodies but sometimes a completely new one.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
By listening to my music, enjoying it and sharing it with others. Some constructive/positive feedback is nice too!
What is your vision for a more just music industry?
I hope that we can start seeing one another for what we are: “humans”, rather than for the different “isms” that separate us. I grew up in Nigeria where everyone is of the same race, yet there is separation and sometimes discrimination based on tribal differences…I suppose it’s partly in our nature as humans to do that — form tribes — which is fine. I only hope that as a human race we can unify and show understanding to one another, and bear with one another, dwelling on the things that unite us, rather than the things that separate us…everywhere, including the music industry.