“You’re Finally Meeting Me”: From “Mood” to “Cycles” Iann Dior’s Shocking Confession
With the highly anticipated release of “Cycles“, Iann Dior invites listeners on a deeply personal journey. But what did life actually feel like behind the scenes of that transformation, especially in the wake of a song as massive as “Mood“? It wasn’t just a career milestone, but a seismic shift. In this exclusive interview, Iann peels back layers to reveal a vulnerability he hasn’t shared before, reflecting on the initial shock of ‘Mood’s’ success and how it ultimately shaped the artist he is today. “Cycles” promises to be a sonic and emotional exploration, offering a glimpse into the truest version of Iann Dior yet.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
We gotta start with “Mood” It’s one of the biggest songs of the century, literally. But what did life actually feel like behind the scenes when that song blew up?
Well I’d say it was a shock at first i wasnt fully aware of the situation. The first thing I asked as if the studio was open haha , it definitely gave me a whole new outlook on what is possible and I am blessed to continue on my journey as a creative.
When something that massive hits, do you feel pressure to repeat it… or rebel against it?
Yes and no, we made the song with zero intention of it being this big hit.
It feels like you’re opening up in a different way this time — sonically and emotionally.What does this album say about the version of Iann Dior we’re meeting now?
I’d say you’re finally meeting me again. I really tried to stay out of my comfort zone with “Cycles” and it’s a side of me that I feel I haven’t shown to everyone.
Did writing this feel more like therapy or a transformation?
A bit of both. It’s therapy every time but writing this album was a journey for me. I really felt like I was giving all of me throughout the process. A side of me that I keep closed off.
“Six Feet” is lowkey vibey but also… heavy. Synths are smooth but the lyrics hit.Where were you emotionally when you wrote that track?
Exactly where you think I was. In a fight. I personally think that this track is for those moments in life where it should all be bliss but something is off. Almost like what you do doesnt feel like enough.
@enfantsrichesdeprimes @alyxstudio
You’ve said your tattoos tell your story. If someone only saw your ink and never heard your music, what would they learn about you?
That I have really bad tattoos haha no, I think they would learn who I am as a person. I have tattoos that show my heritage, some that show my dreams and interest, and a few of my fears in life.
You were born in Puerto Rico, now based in L.A., and your sound is global.How much of your Boricua identity still drives your creative decisions?
Not as much as you would think. But it is my whole life. Theres nothing better than being with my family surrounded by their unconditional love. It’s something about a room full of Puerto Ricans yelling over each other that feels like home.
You’ve worked with everyone from Travis Barker to Lil Uzi… but you’ve also fronted MCM campaigns and landed on Forbes 30 Under 30. How do you balance being a musician, a brand, and a visual artist?
It’s all one thing to me. Fashion is just as big of an influence to me as music. They go hand and hand for me. I grew up working 2 weeks to just spend the whole check on what piece interested me at the time. Fashion will always be a part of who I am.
How would you define your style and who are your fashion inspirations?
Every time I put something on it is a representation of how I am feeling that day. For shoots I love putting my own fits together. It’s a different way for me to express myself .
What advice would you give your past self? And what advice would you give future artists?
If I could go back in time and talk to my old self I’d tell him that it’s all gonna be okay. Everything you’re dreaming is going to be a reality. Most importantly, I would tell him to stay focused on the things that do matter. Everything else will follow when youre on track.
@enfantsrichesdeprimes @alyxstudio
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida Garcia D’Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: David Herrera (@davidherrera000)
