Ilianna Talks New Single “A Year From Now” And Life In Nashville

Singer-songwriter Ilianna Viramontes opens up about her heartfelt new single, “A Year From Now.” Additionally, she shares insights on her journey in Nashville, the impact of The Voice, and the evolution of her sound. Be sure to check out this interview!

1. What was the spark that got your new single “A Year From Now” started? We’d love to hear the story.

The initial spark that got “A Year From Now” started was just wanting and longing for the feelings that I talk about in this song. Sometimes, when I write songs, I like to envision myself in places and situations that I’m not currently in.

I was in a weird and, truthfully, lonely phase of my life and had gotten through my fair share of sad songs and wanted to write something more hopeful – almost manifesting what I was longing for. It’s ironic that it’s been a year since I wrote this song, and now, at its release, I’m in a completely different phase of life that does align with what the song talks about.

I think songwriting is special in the way that your perspective of a song can evolve depending on where you’re at in life, and this is true not only for the listeners but for the artists themselves. I hope that people who listen to my song can relate to it whether it be manifesting a feeling or seeing parallels in their current situation.

➤ Download/Stream

2. How has relocating to a city known as the heart of Country music influenced your Pop sound?

I think being surrounded by a different genre than my own has definitely opened my eyes and allowed me to find my specific sound. Living and gigging in Nashville has also really improved my confidence and skill in playing and singing, especially with the guitar, and that has carried over into my writing.

It’s so inspiring to be around other musicians who all come from different backgrounds and have different influences. It’s also made me appreciate my own differences and see them as a strength rather than a weakness, allowing me to really hone in on what makes me unique as an artist.

3. What’s one thing about the Nashville music scene that surprised you coming from California?

I think the most surprising thing about Nashville compared to California is how almost everyone you meet in this city has some sort of musical background, as in California, there’s a huge mix of everything.

It’s obviously very different to constantly be surrounded by musicians, but it’s great and keeps me on my toes – I feel like I’m constantly learning, and this brings a level of motivation and urgency to keep going. It feels more like a community in a way than California.

4. What’s your favorite hidden gem spot in this city that’s become your go-to for inspiration or just hanging out?

My go-to hidden gem spot in Nashville is a place called Airpark. It’s a beautiful open field with old airplane runways that are perfect for walking or biking. I find myself going there multiple times a week to just get away from the city for a couple of hours and write, listen to music, or just sit with my thoughts for a while.

5. Having worked with both Miley Cyrus and Blake Shelton on The Voice, what contrasting perspectives did they offer that continue to shape your artistic development today?

Having an experience like The Voice at such a young age, I think it was natural to feel intimidated and be prone to doubting myself as an artist because it was my first exposure to the industry. But having mentors who not only supported me when I was succeeding but also encouraged me to keep going when things did not work out as planned made a huge difference, and that advice still stays with me today.

I think the experience I had was, in retrospect, very indicative of the music industry. You’re going to face a lot of hurdles to get to where you want to be, but it only makes you stronger. I’m grateful I had artists to look up to at such a pivotal point in my life, as it really solidified my drive and aspirations.

6. Do commercial expectations ever affect your songwriting?

In all honesty, commercial expectations did hinder me early in my career, especially during college, where I was being introduced to new rules and then expected to implement them in front of my peers. Showing the early stages of my songs exposed me to a new level of vulnerability, which was uncomfortable and led to unhealthy comparison.

I think that experience forced me to change my outlook, seeing commercial expectations from a perspective that’s more productive than paralyzing. Comparison really is the thief of joy, especially when navigating the music industry as an independent female artist.

Of course, it is natural to sink back into unhealthy habits when you’re learning something new or in a phase of your career that is in an in-between stage but now, I have really found my stride in setting the natural boundary of what feels comfortable for me when writing, and I use it as fuel to create things that feel authentic to me while also inevitably consuming parts of this industry that inspire me to try new things and push me to be better.

7. How do you decide which instrument to begin with when composing?

Usually, it is honestly really dependent on my mood. This last year, I have been really focusing on getting better at guitar and getting more comfortable with writing on guitar/performing on guitar, so most of my songs have been written on acoustic.

Piano was always my forte, so it has been so cool to see how my writing has changed and evolved with guitar-based songs now. I also have written songs that started on guitar but after writing them realized that some songs are more fitting with piano; it really is just dependent on the song.

8. As someone who turns life into lyrics, what experience has been the most resistant to becoming a song?

Because my music is so intertwined with my personal life, I think my experiences all eventually make it into what I write. I will admit that sometimes I put off writing about certain things because I know I’m not ready to think them through fully, and I can be extremely avoidant of hard emotions at first.

Ultimately, writing is my outlet for everything, whether that be musically or just in my journal. Everything that I go through in life is in my journal and will eventually be a song when it is ready to be. I try to ride a balance between using my art as an outlet while also not forcing my own hand.

9. When you play “A Year From Now” live, what part of the song are you most excited for fans to experience?

I think I’m most excited for people to hear the chorus live; that’s definitely my favorite part of the song. It has an electric feeling to me that makes me wanna just sing it and dance and have fun.

It brings me an almost contagious sense of joy that when people listen to it live, I hope they’ll feel the same way.

10. How do you envision your sound evolving over the next five years?

I think being a musician and loving music and writing since I was little, I am constantly evolving. Not only in the way I sound but in the way I experience life and the way I write.

Music is so intertwined with my being, and it is a blessing to get to grow older and wiser every day. Every new year has brought me new perspectives, journeys, and changes, and my only hope is to keep sharing my life as it evolves through my art.

CONNECT WITH ILIANNA VIRAMONTES!

Spotify
YouTube
Instagram