ORKID – Where Flowers Grow

By starrymag | July 29, 2024

By: Atiya Irvin-Mitchell

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Retro with a modern twist, the music of the ’60s through the ’80s has always resonated deeply with me. I draw inspiration from those eras aiming to create a sense of timelessness.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I often draw inspiration from Fleetwood Mac, The Cardigans and The Beatles.

Q) What inspired your single “Bed of Roses?”

A) “Bed of Roses” is a tribute to my parents, imagining them sharing one last day together. I was inspired to create a world where they could. “Bed of Roses” – a timeless space where they could exist forever.

Q) What are some of the themes or lyrics in “Bed of Roses” that listeners will find relatable?

A) “Kiss me slow to our favorite song, we’ll never know when the moment’s gone save your tears for tomorrow.” I love this line it’s so simple and really urges you to appreciate the moment you’re in. You never know what tomorrow holds or for how long someone’s gonna be in your life.

I think a lot of people can relate to the whole theme of the song, whether they’ve lost someone they love or are thinking about a past relationship or the one they are in right now. It’s about remembering and cherishing those beautiful times when love seemed like it could last forever. For me, love has no limits. It’s endless and its energy never truly dies.

Q) What makes your most recent music different from some of the things you’ve worked on in the past such as your song “Proud?”

A) The theme of “Proud” echoes throughout this entire EP, capturing grief in all its forms. “Proud” is more straightforward in its content and is honestly the most vulnerable song I’ve ever written. The difference between my new music and old now is mainly trauma. [laughs]

Q) What would you like anyone who hears “Bed of Roses” to get out of the song – either as an emotion or message?

A) “Bed of Roses” is a moment in time where love lives on forever. I want it to be felt and interpreted in whatever way resonates with the listener. My hope is that it helps many heal and cherish their loved ones.

Q) What are some themes you’ll be exploring on your upcoming EP Where Flowers Grow?

A) The theme is throughout different stages of grief, in all its ugliness and beauty.

Q) What were some memorable moments you had from putting together this EP that really stood out?

A) This EP has truly been my therapist, with each song healing a small part of me. One standout moment was when “Proud” was released. I was in the studio with Tobias Reinerstam and Niklas Carson, the two people I worked with most on this EP, and I just started bawling. We’ve worked on these songs for so long and it means so much to me, so it was such a relief to finally have one out in the world.

Q) It was mentioned that your latest EP is a tribute to your mother. In what ways does her memory show up in your music?

A) In every part and every song, her presence has been with me this whole time. In Proud you can hear her voice.

Q) What, if any, were some of the challenges of working on your latest EP?

A) As much as it has helped writing these songs, I think the hardest part has been re-living everything again and again.

Q) Who would you most love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Massive Attack would be a dream.

Q) What advice do you have for up and coming musicians?

A) Hang in there, this industry is not easy to navigate, find your safety net of people, speak your truth, don’t be afraid to put your music out and have faith in your art.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the music that you make?

A) Thank you for sharing this journey of healing with me. Your presence makes everything I do worthwhile, and I am profoundly grateful to have you by my side.