Emerging from Sydney’s vibrant music scene, Paris Iliffe is quickly making her mark as an R&B artist who weaves intimate storytelling with soulful melodies. Relocating to London in pursuit of her musical aspirations, Paris’ sound is deeply shaped by her multicultural upbringing and her ability to draw inspiration from a variety of genres. With a rich history of songwriting and performing since childhood, she blends personal experiences with universal emotions, creating a musical journey that resonates with listeners across the globe.
A Unique Blend of Influences
Paris Iliffe’s musical style is a compelling fusion of her rock roots and her love for R&B. Influenced by iconic rock acts like Evanescence and Paramore through her father, and the soul-infused sounds of hip hop and R&B introduced by her mother, Paris has crafted a sound that’s uniquely hers. Her upbringing in different parts of the world—from Australia to Singapore and now London—has only broadened her artistic scope, making her sound as diverse as her experiences.
In her words, Paris describes her music as a reflection of her calm, spiritual nature, with moments of vibrant energy. R&B serves as the perfect foundation for this balance, where she can explore both her vulnerabilities and her strength. "Even in my upbeat tracks, there's a controlled energy," Paris notes, highlighting how her introspective songwriting tackles themes ranging from love to mental health, especially anxiety, which she explores in her recent single "Shut Up and Breathe."
Songwriting: From Love to Mental Health
Songwriting has always been at the heart of Paris’ artistic identity, ever since she began at the age of 9. What started as playful experimentation with her band at the School of Rock has grown into a mature process of storytelling, now often inspired by the people and places that leave lasting impressions on her.
Paris draws inspiration from moments and emotions that are deeply personal but also relatable. "I enjoy borrowing other people's stories and making them my own," she says. This can be seen in her earlier work about love and relationships, as well as her more recent exploration of mental health. For Paris, songwriting is an organic process that takes time to evolve, with each song gradually forming as she experiments with sounds, lyrics, and emotions. Her approach is rooted in authenticity, preferring to let songs come naturally rather than forcing creativity.
Visual Storytelling Through Fashion and Imagery
For Paris Iliffe, the visual representation of her music is just as important as the sound. She draws inspiration from her passion for fashion, which helps shape her image as an artist. With her latest single, Paris collaborated with a photographer in West London to craft visuals that mirror her artistic and personal growth. "Compared to my younger self in Singapore, I feel like I’ve grown and matured both musically and personally," she reflects.
The sultry, moody, yet bold imagery in her photos represents this new chapter in her life— one where her visuals and sound are evolving hand in hand. As she continues to experiment with her style, Paris is carving out a distinct identity that reflects her journey from adolescence to adulthood and her artistic evolution.
Looking Forward: Evolution and Future Ambitions
Paris Iliffe’s music is a testament to her evolution as an artist. From her neo-soul and R&B beginnings with her debut single “Hot Rock Pocket Duo” to her current experimentation with indie rock elements and more vulnerable themes, she’s constantly pushing the boundaries of her sound. Her journey has taken her from performing at intimate venues in Singapore to ski bars in Japan, and now, she looks forward to sharing her evolving music with new audiences.
As she moves forward, Paris is determined to continue blending genres and embracing new influences, with the goal of becoming more daring and bold in her creative decisions. Her music will likely keep reflecting her personal growth, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive.
Conclusion
Paris Iliffe’s journey is one of exploration and self-discovery, both musically and personally. Her ability to blend diverse influences, explore meaningful themes, and visually represent her growth makes her an exciting artist to watch. With her unique mix of R&B soul, indie rock, and heartfelt lyricism, Paris is paving the way for a sound that is both vulnerable and powerful. Her message to fans is simple yet profound: "Shut up and breathe."
