What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.

I grew up studying and playing classical music. I’d been playing the cello since the age of 5 and then at the age of 15 I was given a copy of ‘Reason’ and it totally changed the game for me. I’d spend every evening after school twiddling knobs, exploring sounds etc and within the space of a year or two I started releasing music on a variety of labels in the local Birmingham music scene.

Alongside my own aliases, I’ve been working as a sound engineer/producer since around 2005 and over the years I’ve worked on music in most electronic genres. Itona has been a project I’ve been thinking about for a year or two but it was in the first UK Lockdown last year that I finally found the time to explore and launch it.

Provide us with some info about your latest release…

My latest single ‘Hold Me’ is a chill deep house tune, but with indie-electronica elements to it, so it’s upbeat but soothing at the same time.

It’s part of a 4 track EP called ‘You’, coming out 14th May. The overall theme of the EP is around a relationship, whether it’s with a loved one, a friend, a place or something else, it’s about connections and the feeling you get when you feel connected with someone or something.

Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?

Music wise, I have lots of influences that have helped inspire this project. I’d say Bonobo, quickly, quickly, ford., Laxcity & Catching Flies are all up there.

Outside of music, my biggest inspirations are my family and traveling, these are the key parts of my life that give me the most inspiration and emotion behind my music.

In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?

I’d say my Itona project is covering a vast array of genres and styles, however the warm and soulful vibes are always present. I really want it to be all about good vibes, sometimes slightly melancholic too, and hopefully music you really want to chill with but at times motivational etc.

Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…

Albums:

Bonobo – The North Borders
James Blake – Overgrown
Laxcity – Catharsis

Movies:

Interstellar
The Revenant
The Departed

Books [Swapping To Podcasts]

Brian Cox Joe Rogan Podcast #610
Graham Hancock Joe Rogan Podcast #1284
Matthew Walker Joe Rogan Podcast #1109

Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?

Studio 100%. I do really enjoy performing live too, don’t get me wrong, but it’s the creative process and being in front of Logic and my keyboard where I’m happiest.

Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?

I once flew all the way to Canada to perform a DJ set under my other alias ENiGMA Dubz. I was performing at Valhalla Sound Circus and after 20+ hours of travelling I reached the festival for my 5am ‘sunrise set’. As I stepped up to the decks, the heavens opened and a torrential downpour called off the show for 30 minutes, leaving me with 30 minutes left before I had to come off and head back to the hotel. The next day I had to fly back to the UK as I had work commitments… totally ridiculous!

Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?

Out of the music I’ve released so far, I’d say my remix of ‘Ed Geater – Smile Vibrations’ is the most unique as it’s a real mixture of chilled out electronica, lofi and soulful vibes. One of my favourites to date for sure but I’ve got so much more in the pipeline!

Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?

After this next forthcoming EP I’ll be focusing on my first album and I’ve got a folder piling up of tracks to consider, which is being added to weekly. Can’t wait!

Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…

Where do your ideas for track names come from?

Quite often I play my new tracks in the car and ask my daughter to tell me what they make her feel like or think of. Tracks like ‘To The Moon’ were named from her ideas of flying up into space in a rocket and visiting lots of new planets and meeting friendly aliens. She’s the best.

Curated by: Christos Doukakis

Recommended listening:

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Connect with Itona:

Spotify: https://smarturl.it/itona-spotify 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itonabeats/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itonabeats 

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/itonabeats 

Bandcamp: https://itonabeats.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itonabeats