In this exclusive interview, we dive into the creative world of Ionne. From his early influences and formative experiences to the exciting projects on the horizon, Ionne shares insights into his journey and creative process. Join us as we explore the mind behind the music and discover what makes Ionne a unique voice in the music industry.
Was there something (an experience) or someone in your life that was the "catalyst" for you to start writing or performing music?
I've had so many encounters with music at an early age that I cannot say there was any single catalyst for me to write, produce, and perform. My stepfather was a church minister and organist outside of his Air Force career. He played by ear, and I learned how to play by ear as a young child by mimicking his technique. Later, by about the third or fourth grade, I was taking piano lessons and playing trumpet in the school band, both of which I stuck with through high school. My biological father had been a professional songwriter and would find ways to make music, especially pop music, central themes of our conversations and activities when I would visit him.
As a part of an Air Force family, I grew up a little bit of everywhere, from the USA to the UK, across Europe, and back again. I spent years in Germany in junior high and high school, which turned out to be especially formative in my early explorations of electronic music. At that time, I was listening to a lot of Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, and Depeche Mode, along with Soul II Soul, David Sanborn, and George Benson. One summer I borrowed a Casio CZ-5000 synthesizer from my high school—the school had bought it, but no one knew how to program it—and decided to teach myself. I learned that I could manipulate waveforms until they sound the way I want them to sound, feel the way I want them to feel. And my own creations started to sound a little more like the artists on my mixtapes.
Let's get this out of the way. What is the CRAZIEST thing that has ever happened to you in your music career?
I had flown to Los Angeles for a mastering session on a project for my longtime friend and collaborator Jennifer Fouche. After a hard day of work and a hard night of partying, I went back to LAX for a return trip on the red eye. I dozed off at the gate while waiting for my flight, and when I awoke, Ice-T, the rapper and actor, was sitting next to me on his way to Las Vegas, I believe, which was departing from an adjacent gate. Gobsmacked, and still half drunk, I asked for his autograph. The only thing I had for him to sign, though, was the CD jacket from the mastering lab. He autographed the Jennifer Fouche CD, and I gave the autographed disc to Jennifer as a gift when I got back to Cincinnati, where she and I were both living at the time.
What has been the high point of your music path? The high point of my musical path so far has been releasing the "Right Foot Front" E.P. For me, each new project that comes to fruition marks a new chapter in my development as a musician. I'm always challenging myself to grow.
So, how do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like?
Sometimes the songs are completely written and recorded in my head even before I go into the studio. For example, I had "Inducta" in my head for two full weeks before I finally cut the demo. I found myself chanting the hook while I was working out in the gym each morning. Other times, creation is the result of serendipity and play in the studio. Most often, though, I go into the studio with research notes on a topic that interests me, lyrical or musical fragments that have come through reflection on that topic, and a strong desire to create something that inspires conversation or change in others.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?
If I could ask the music industry to change one thing, it would be to focus less on social media as a talent acquisition tool, but rather to do the harder work of seeking out and curating inspiring work by hitting the streets and exploring underground trendsetters who may not have influencer-level followers but are producing excellent work. While I enjoy social media and engage as much as I can, I know firsthand that time spent focused on social content is time not spent producing my best music.
If you could share the stage with one other artist or band, who would it be and why?
I would love to share the stage and the studio with Eli & Fur because their music is everything I love about deep house, and I'd want to hear what we might create together, eager to learn a few tips and tricks from their production process.
Pick one song that was your greatest challenge to write. Tell us about it!
To be honest, writing just comes to me. I've never thought of it as a particularly easy thing to do, but also have never viewed it as a formidable challenge. The challenge is in resisting the urge to self-censor while I am in writing mode. I think this is something that all songwriters encounter, but when I allow the writing to simply come—when I get out of my own head—the experience is fulfilling, cathartic, and never challenging.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?
Three words to describe my music: Eclectic; Cerebral; Intriguing
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?
My favorite part about being an artist is working in the studio. I simply love the kinds of tinkering and experimentation that I can do in a studio environment. There's no fear of failure because I can always re-record.
Okay, this is a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
When I'm not "doing" music, I'm listening to it. I also enjoy hiking.
What's coming up in the future for you? I'm already halfway through production on a new album to be released in 2025! Stay tuned!
About Ionne
The musician, producer, and creative visionary known as Ionne (pronounced ee-oh-nay') has been making music since childhood, studying classical trumpet and piano. Raised in an Air Force family, Ionne’s upbringing was anything but static, taking him from the USA to the UK, across Europe, and back again. His years in Germany were particularly formative, sparking a profound exploration into electronic music and instruments.
“Ionne” was inspired by both the atomic ion and the holy isle of Iona, reflecting the artist's blend of futuristic and spiritual elements. This unique name perfectly encapsulates his approach to music—futuristic, thought-provoking, and capable of stirring both the heart and mind.
In the 1990s, Ionne embarked on his music career, working under various pseudonyms and contributing to projects released on major labels including EMI Records, Atlantic Records, Capitol Records, Universal Music Group, V2 Records, and Hollywood Records. He also co-founded 5015 Records with his brother, jazz guitarist Rod Harris, Jr.
Ionne’s music, which ranges from synth pop and dance music to hints of hip hop and jazz, showcases his ability to manipulate electronic sounds to achieve a refined, expressive sound.
His work transcends the boundaries of traditional music genres, elevating electronica to a level of serious artistry that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.
Explore Ionne’s music on Spotify, visit his website, or watch his YouTube videos.
Comments