Introducing: IORA – Brother, Sister

Manchester’s rising songwriter and producer IORA (Real name Holly Phelps) returns this Spring with her unique and powerful new EP ‘How Did We Get Here’. Supported by the PRS Open Fund – The project is a futuristic blend of alt-pop with layers of electronica, field recording and punchy samples providing the backdrop for Holly’s top-line. The first single from the EP ‘Brother, Sister’ showcases IORA’s undeniable ability to blend electronic elements with her hook-driven pop sensibilities. Speaking on the new single, IORA States;

“Brother, sister is a love song to people and communities that get stronger and stand together in the face of adversity”.

IORA’s creative vision, hard-work and songwriting flair has lead to critical support as well as consistent backing from some of the music industry’s most respected institutions. As well as receiving financial support from PRS, she’s also a Roundhouse Resident artist Alumni. She’s also picked up support on BBC Radio 1 from Gemma Bradley and The Chillest Show with Sian Eleri. She’s also clocked regular support from BBC Introducing as well as a Live Lounge special performance. Her impressive live performances have since led to events at Liverpool Sound City, BBC Introducing Manchester and the Roundhouse ‘Rising’ festival hosted by Moses Boyd. 

Her new EP Showcases an artist pushing the creative envelope – exploring sounds and ideas that take listeners to new spaces and experiencing highs and lows throughout. There are groove rich tracks which explore analogue synths and layers of percussion such as ‘Roots’ or ‘Brother Sister’ – whereas tracks such as ‘Ships’ have a hint of synth-wave and epic pop running throughout. Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, IORA States that;

“How did we get here?” is how I make sense of the things that make us human. Stories of positive protest, feeling stuck, being present in pleasure, growing and the drift of relationships as life ebbs and flows. We have to keep going like the turning tides and growing of seeds.”

Listen here: