At just fourteen years of age, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Edie Yvonne has the world at her feet. She’s unveiled five singles thus far this year, and today marks the release of her newest track ‘On Your Mind‘. Penned after feeling the frustration of being unable to get through to a loved one, Edie showcases a storytelling and musical prowess that far surpasses her years!
We wanted to get to know the talented musician a little better and were thrilled when she agreed to an interview! Chatting with us about what she gets up to on non-music days, which albums she’d take with her to a desert island, and what song of hers she’d most proud of so far, please give a big welcome to our friend Edie Yvonne!
Hey Edie, we’re extremely excited to re-introduce you to our audience today! ‘In the Rain‘ was our introduction to your music – and we’re sorry for being a little late to the party. It’s only been out about a month and already has over 40,000 plays on Spotify. How on earth does that feel?
I’m so excited and so grateful. And it is great to get to know what resonates with listeners! The feedback so far seems to focus on the emotional tone of the music.
Apologies, I was actually getting a bit ahead of myself. For those who haven’t discovered your musical prowess just yet, who is Edie Yvonne and when did your love affair with music begin?
I am a 14-year-old singer and songwriter from LA. I grew up around music and have always sung with my Abuela who is a Nicaraguan opera singer. I was named after her favorite singer Eydie Gorme. I did musical theater at the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts (YADA) since I was really small and worked with vocal coach Katie Riggs early on as well. I started writing in my room during quarantine and quickly realized how much I love it.
Who would you put down as some of your biggest musical influences and who would you ultimately credit for helping shape and mould your overall sound?
I love Blondie, The Bangles, Mazzy Star, Fiona Apple, and Lykke Li. I listen to everything from Prince to Aaliyah to Florence + The Machine to No Doubt to Black Sheep. I also love SkyeChristy, their harmonies are mesmerizing. The sound I think is a combination of the natural tone and the exciting experimentation with my collaborating producers – Cormac Liotta and Nicky Swedin. They were channelling 70’s folk rock for this track.
German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said that “Without music, life would be a mistake.” What would your life look like without music in it? And what fills your days when you’re not busy creating?
Life without music would be impossible. But when I’m not writing, recording, and singing, I’m hanging out with my friends, going to the beach, going to art galleries and museums, going to my favorite place Gallery Dept., making a short film or at home watching Housewives of Beverly Hills. Also, school starts soon so lots of homework is around the corner.
What do you love most about being a musician? And on the flip side, what are some of the biggest challenges that you’ve faced so far?
Challenges are being told how young I am, and dwelling on that. Also learning how to navigate being true to your sound while absorbing feedback including a lean toward more pop commercial sensibilities. But what I love most is hearing how others might connect with the songs. Mainly, I love the magic of having a vision and bringing an idea to life.
So, I imagine this is like asking you to pick a favourite child, but which song of yours are you most proud of to date and why?
‘Stain’ is the most personal song to date. I really feel strongly about it and wrote a follow-up song to it that is in development. I am beyond amazed how people from the birthmark community have reached out from all over the world telling me their connection to the song and that we can use the song to raise awareness and funds for VBF the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation.
OK, Edie – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you choose?
Impossible! Albums from my grandfather’s collection – Beatles ‘Abbey Road’, Hendrix’s ‘Are You Experienced’, and Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I’ve just begun, so I’m trying to learn about the business and what it means to be a part of it.
Thanks so much for chatting with us Edie! What can you tell us about your upcoming single ‘Queen Bee’? And, I guess in a broader sense, what do you hope is in store for your musical future?
I would love to put out my EP ‘At Ease’ and an album titled ‘Girl Code’. I am excited about ‘Queen Bee’ and we are shooting a short film about mean girls and their minions. The song will also be featured on that project. I’m having a great time working on casting, artistic direction, and styling the film!
