ILON’s debut single ‘selfish Love’ demonstrated the star quality that’s already seen her collaborate with the Grammy-winning FINNEAS (Billie Eilish, Halsey) and rising pop star JC Stewart. It earned the 21-year-old her first wave of tastemaking support, including playlists adds to Spotify’s Brand New Chill and Popjustice’s New Music Friday. She has also earned extensive airplay in her homeland of Finland as well as her first plays at US college radio.
The rising artist now presents another angle to her talents as she shares her second single ‘catch-22’. It opens with a spacious, understated verse before the beat hits home and lets the song’s magnetic hook take flight. It also captures the versatility of ILON’s enchanting vocals, as she ascends from softly enunciated elegance into a powerful chorus that displays her world class potential.
‘catch-22’ is the latest product of ILON’s creative partnership with producer Ilkka Wirtanen. Her storytelling lyrics and striking voice are complemented by his inventive sonic ideas to create something unique. It positions ILON as the next essential contender amongst a wave of Nordic artists who are making an international impact. The likes of Sigrid, Tove Lo and Mø have led the charge, but ILONoffers something new.
Her voice has a timeless quality which is adept in any setting – she excels at performing songs by Khalid and Shawn Mendes just as much as she does when stepping back to interpret Leonard Cohen or Bonnie Raitt. Just as importantly, her own songwriting is relatable, accomplished and poised to make her a global proposition.
