Name: Iona Evans aka Ionzi
Occupation: Producer, educator, multi instrumentalist, mix engineer, sound designer
Nationality: Welsh
Recent release: Ionzi is one of the artists contributing to Tales of the Silent Hyphae, a ten track "exploration of the eerie liminal," featuring recent sound art by FLINTA producers. The compilation is out via KLEM.

If you enjoyed this Ionzi interview and would like to know more about her music, visit her official homepage. She is also on Instagram, and Soundcloud. 



Many musicians I am talking to at the moment feel somewhat disillusioned about the impact, meaning, and value of their work. Feel free to vent some of your own frustrations and/or disappointments – as well, if possible, something that you recently experienced (or a thought that you had) that might give hope to other creatives.

So I think the key thing about being a creative is holding onto your power and relentless belief and action in creating. My recently released track with KLEM deals with this. It is literally entitled “Rejection.” The lyrics in Welsh mean: “Moving forward, moving forward, the world keeps moving”.

I have faced so many rejections in all aspects of my life however I keep moving forward, having faith in what I do and I think this creates a depth and strength to the work that perhaps ease does not bring. I do not want to glamorize difficult times although I do think it is something artists encounter frequently and we need to learn how to navigate that and turn it into something positive.

My work as an artist is continually moving forward and its at each label / listener / potential collaborator's discretion whether they join or not - it will move forward towards something better, regardless whether they decide to be part of it or not.

I think this sheer determination and belief in the world they are creating is crucial for any level of artist and creative.

If, for a moment, we forget about streaming numbers, target audiences, social media followers, and sales - why are you drawn to sound and music as a creator and listener? What is it that you give and receive through it?

I consider myself to be quite genreless, having practiced primarily folk and traditional music for many years although also spending lots of time in the UK rave and festival scene.

I think good music can move people and bring peace regardless of genre. There is something so special about creating music with others, especially folk music as it requires you to really listen and feel other people's energy - it is like an intricate dance.

I try to bring aspects of this into my electronic music production by using traditional instruments occasionally such as fiddle and guitar as well as voice. I also enjoy using minimalist vocals and sounds. Whenever I feel disillusioned by the world of electronic music, I always gravitate back towards playing my acoustic guitar and 3 chords and the truth style songs.

Take us through a day in your life, from a possible morning routine to your work, please, and how music and sound accompany you through it.

I previously worked in tech and became unemployed from my work in September ´24 and have been focusing on my music career ever since. I never thought I could earn a living from sound, however I'm starting to realize it’s possible if you diversify.

At the moment I am heavily involved in my mixing work and taking on clients as a ghost producer. It is my dream way of living to work with artists and create something special - far richer in experience than I could imagine from a 9-5 job. I've met more people in the last few months than I did within 2 years working in an office. Some days it is the best thing ever, however other days I really struggle due to that lack of validation and occasionally people who do not appreciate your time and energy.

When you are employed it is easier to wait around for someone to give you an opportunity and be comfortable with this. However, I've learnt how important it is as a creative to make your own opportunities, create your job and income. This was a steep learning curve and a constant hustle, however recent experiences lead me to believe it is worth it and it is very liberating to adopt this mindset.

I try not to look at my phone within 30 minutes of waking up - I don’t want to be influenced by external noise, then I make a coffee and head to the studio to work on client projects and build my knowledge and craft everyday.

What artists, albums, performances, or even aesthetics and philosophies are inspiring to your life in and beyond music right now and in which way? Have there been songs, albums, performances, and artists that changed / influenced your life?

At the moment, I am really enjoying Ren's work. His production style is so interesting and I really admire people who do something different, stay true to themselves and go against the grain.



Doechii is also a big inspiration to me right now due to this and the way she stayed true to her art, despite pressure from others.



I also really like Hassan Abou Alam's music right now and the glitchy aspect of his work.



Aphex Twin's Ambient Works 85-92 album has been instrumental in carving my electronic sound.

What are some of the goals and ambitions you have for your music?

This year I would like to start performing my creations and go from studio to stage.

I recently attended Olivia Oyamas workshop at CTM about this and found It really inspiring as I learnt so much. It's very intimidating to me as I have concerns about the difference in using a PA as opposed to studio setup however its also very exciting.

My first gig will potentially be on the 1st March (with Berlin Cymraeg to celebrate St Davids Day, at Herman Schulz Café-Bar in Fhain). This will be a duo with singer/songwriter Jane Allison where I will accompany with guitar and singing harmonies:



I would also like to release an EP this year. However, with the amount of projects going on, this may be slightly unrealistic!

It's always a fine balance between output and quality - I am trying to figure this out as a perfectionist and I would like to contribute something meaningful to this cluttered world.

What kind of music/art do you feel the world needs right now - does it need “healing,” “shaking up,” “an escape from reality,” “consolation,” “a sense of community,” “holding up a mirror,” something else?

I am very concerned about AI generated music - here I do not mean using AI as a tool, which I do in Ableton for example, however solely generated by AI. The way I deal with this is by seeking out music from people within my community.

For example, my friend recently made a playlist of Berlin artists - unfortunately it's only available on Spotify at the moment. I try to look out for similar curation as I have some deeper connection to the artists and their work and know they are human.

This also encourages me to listen to more independent artists, which I believe is a good thing. The distance travelled between listener and creator is shorter and I think this is a very powerful idea to embrace.

What are some of the non-musical topics and causes you feel strongly about? Do you keep them separate from or try to connect them to your creative work?

I care deeply about the impacts of capitalism and the gap between rich and poor, the removal of truly public spaces and how we seem to be becoming more isolated and individualistic.

I understand capitalism has its place. However, this growth without repercussions is destroying society.

I do not explicitly mention this in my work, however in the future I am planning to create more lyrical work and no doubt these ideas will find a way into the pieces.

French Saxophonist Sakina Abdou told me that she "witnessed a powerlessness towards a world that is in absolutely no way in line with my values," and that she hasn't "yet found a way to overcome this in ways other than music, but I admire the activists around me who do it." Can you relate to this and what does it say about the role of music in overcoming our sense of powerlessness and actually empowering us?

Going back to my previous points, it’s easy to feel quite hopeless in the world today. Music is my way of obtaining inner calm and some sense of inner peace. I feel very blessed to be able to take solace in making music because I know not everyone has that opportunity.

Listening to music also has a similar effect. Although it’s difficult, I think there is something so powerful about making your own opportunities and realizing no one is waiting to give you an opportunity or chance - you must set out to do this unapologetically - this was a big mindset shift for me.