Meet IIWAA | Recording Artist & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with IIWAA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi IIWAA, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Authenticity is directly linked to my success — I’m never burnt out maintaining a fake persona. Instead I cultivated this icon, IIWAA that takes shape from all the best parts of me. How I interact with fans, my wardrobe, every note I sing, it’s all from an informed place.

At the beginning of each year I set attainable, diversified goals for myself and decide on my platform for the year. Every collaboration, performance I give, all the way down to interviews and photosets are decided based on this framework. It’s been integral to bringing the feeling of “success” to everything I do; I’ve learned to stop viewing it as a lofty, “I’ll know when I get there” phenomenon.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
IIWAA’s primary function is to bring Indigenous excellence to mainstream music. It’s apparent that people’s perception of us is still largely tethered to the past: while land acknowledgements and traditional singers are now commonplace at almost all major events, we are still working to have modern Indigenous creatives on global platforms that showcase their creativity.

I write songs with stadiums and festivals in mind, songs I want to hear thousands of people singing along to. I try to create music with its own energy that is easily accessed & connected to. The live show is really what I live for. I train and have adjusted my diet to give the best live vocal performances possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Best week ever Flagstaff Edition would have to include Mimosa flights and Eggs Benny at Brandy’s, a trip down the switchbacks to Indian Gardens, & Matcha from Steep. Time spent outdoors at Buddha Beach to enjoy the creek or hiking in Sedona. I love Ko Ki Yo for its chic & minimalist vibe and FLG Terroir for great views, cocktails, atmosphere. Bookmans is a staple of the community, we’d have to spend time there digging for records and other treasures!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout is dedicated to:

– The Gila River Indian Community for their belief in me. My love for the people gives me an unwavering sense of purpose.
– My producer LavKai for honoring my artistry.
– HF, FF, Kyle Miller, Jabez, SC, ESP… anyone who’s been like family to me in the loneliest years of my life.

Website: www.sorrowcircle.com

Instagram: @queen_iiwaa

Youtube: iiwaa – official

Other: Tik Tok: @queen_iiwaa

Image Credits
photos by: Soledad M Photography