Iiris

Iiris Vesik, known professionally as Iiris, is an Estonian singer-songwriter and stage actress from Tallinn. Born in 1991, she performs as a solo artist and is also associated with Night Tapes. Her work is rooted in pop, with an electronic and synthpop edge in her wider profile.

Career

Iiris begins to draw wider attention in 2010 after appearing at the Tallinn Music Week showcase festival. In early 2011, she is named artist of the week on MTV Iggy’s blog, which helps further raise her profile internationally. She is known for a distinctive voice and stage presence, and her performances are described as combining strong control with an expressive, theatrical quality.

Debut album

Her debut album, The Magic Gift Box, is released on EMI Music Finland in 2012. The album receives five nominations at the Estonian Music Awards, including best album, best female artist and best pop album. It is also noted for its songwriting and performance.

Style and reception

Iiris is often described through comparisons with artists such as Björk, Kate Bush, Regina Spektor and Florence & The Machine, while still being seen as original in her own right. Her vocals are characterised as hypnotic and fairy-like, with the ability to shift between delicate piano-led material and more commanding, aggressive passages. Reviewers also note her interest in unusual soundscapes and alt-rock textures, alongside her pop sensibility.