Meet Iyana Ferrell | Songwriter, Producer and Artist

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

Hi Iyana, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Most recently I received my 6th Grammy nomination. This inspired me tremendously along with collaboration. I’ve been recently dealing with personal issues and it had me blocked for a little. But this nomination has my creativity spinning. Huge thank you to Antonio Vergara who believed in me to be apart of his album. The Grammy® nomination for The Fury reflects the magic that is created when artists from around the world unite with a shared vision. With contributions from renowned international artists, the album has crossed borders and reached a global audience. The inclusion of my work in this project highlights the power of music to connect people from different cultures and create a dialogue that transcends the musical.
This project reaffirms the place of Antonio Vergara and all of its collaborators at the forefront of contemporary blues, showing that the genre continues to evolve and resonate with new generations. The Grammy® nomination not only celebrates the individual talent of the artists but also the power of collaboration and the ability of music to transform and inspire.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So I’ll like to highlight the obstacles of my participation in The Fury. Before losing my dad I spent most of my days in and out of hospitals visiting him, which gave me not much time to focus on music. When Antonio Vergara contacted me to work on his project I was in a very dark place. This was after losing my dad and I was on a hiatus for months. I barely made the project in time before it was released and submitted to the Recording Academy. I’m really grateful for Antonio pushing me to do it because my participation was crucial to the album’s distinctive character. Antonio invited me to join a talented group of musicians and artists to create an album that goes beyond traditional blues, blending influences from various cultures and sounds. Collectively all of our personal contributions highlight the depth of the project and underscores the impact of collaboration in contemporary music. I wouldn’t be headed to the Grammys in February if it wasn’t for this. The past year I had felt like a life sentence. I’m extremely grateful to see a little sunshine here on the other side.

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?
Everyone that knows me, knows we are going to be in the studio from sun up to sun down and have food delivered. That’s how I have a good time and my friends love getting to hear exclusive music or placements first.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes I have a crazy long list but I’ll to try make it short. First to my mom Angelena, she’s who I get my writing from. Pops Alfonso who pretty much kept me in the music environment all my life and provided a professional studio for me whenever I decided to take it serious. My husband Demetre, son Zaiir, my grandmother Stella, siblings Deché, Devon, Darius. My favorite cousin Durand who told me I was wack as a little kid and inspired me to better my writing. To Momma Anita, my brother James and the whole entire #H.A.M family, you guys support has been crazy over these years, thank you! My friends Louissa, RJ, Kandace, Andre, Elyscia and Dollison. To Antonio Vergara for pulling me out of a dark place and asking me to be apart of his blues album which now has a Grammy nom. My girl Erynn for everything she’s done so far in making these plays, I know it’s not easy at all. To my girls the Shady Bunch love y’all lots and to my prayer circle Ty, Alicia, Tondalia, Taylor and Momma Kecia. And to all my angels in heaven who left this world too soon but is now watching over me. Words cannot express how much I love and appreciate everyone named on this list. But the biggest shoutout goes to God! He has been doing his big one in my life since the beginning!

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Image Credits
Executive Photography 757