Singer-songwriter Iris Gold radiates positivity not just through her personality, but through her music too. Her latest single “Smile” is a testament to her perseverance and longtime mission to make herself and others smile even when facing adversity. Including her family, friends, and youth she met during her time working with the organization Plan International Zimbabwe in the music video for “Smile” is just one way she strengthens her message. To learn more about Iris Gold and her new music, read on.

Where are you based?
Copenhagen, Denmark.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I grew up in hippie communes where I was often the only kid, so I had imaginary friends and a whole world where I was a pirate chasing gold. That’s when I made up my first songs then poems that turned into songs. My first release 2015 “goldmine” is about pirate gold chasing gold rainbows.

Are there any artists, time periods, or cultures that inspire your music style?
I love 70’s pop and rock music and the 90’s hip-hop era. Tina Turner, Jeanelle Monet, Prince, Outkast, Sun Ra, Rico Nasty. I love artists with strong visuals.

We love your song André 3k. Can you tell us a bit about this song
When I first saw André 3000 in Outkast’s music video for “Prototype” wearing a short white wig and galactic charm. I hoped I could be his Prototype. It was a magical moment and I felt an instant connection and I thought I would write a song about it.

Congratulations on your new single “Smile” which released on August 29th. What was the inspiration behind the song? What are some things listeners can expect to hear from it?
The song is about my life which didn’t really have the best beginning. But I always found that humming in the shower, for example, had a soothing effect. My grandma has hummed around me all my life, and now my son does too. The song in general is about smiling through adversity. It’s psychedelic pop, hip-hop fusion. I call it hippie-hop.

The cover artwork for “Smile” shows you with two middle fingers positioned as a smile. Why did you choose this as the cover artwork? What is the messaging behind the image?
The world is crazy right now and Smile is an anthem to say “F*ck you world. I’m gonna smile anyway”.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I think most people have been through ups and downs, and so have I, so I have tried to write “pick me up”-songs / Rocky Balboa anthems.

What does your writing process look like for a song like “Smile”?
I started off writing it on a roof in Hackney, London in 2017 with my uncles and finished about three years ago in a tiny studio in Copenhagen.

The music video for “Smile” features family members, friends, fans of yours, and youth you met in Zimbabwe through your time working with Plan International Zimbabwe. Why was it important to you to include them on this project?
I’ve seen darkness in so many places in the world in different ways, but I think human beings are so beautiful when they are able to smile even though they have nothing less to give.

What advice do you have for young girls looking to pursue a career in the music industry?
Be really sure that this is what you wanna do, because it’s really tough to be in a pro-dominantly male industry.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
I’m currently working on an album for spring 2026 along with a tour. I’m really excited to let the world hear what I’ve been working on. It’s definitely a fusion of styles. Its songs I’m exited and proud about going on tour with.

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
Sometimes even if I’m sad I force myself to smile to trick my brain at least for a little while. I try to surround myself with positive people and be kind to myself and the people around me. Smiles are contagious go infect the world.

What is your motto in life?
“Strange is the thing that makes you, baby”.

To learn more about Iris Gold, please check out the links below:
Instagram: @irisgoldmusic
Picasso Leon
Kate’s Joint
ELOI
Art Comes First
Amplifying Girls Voices

Iris Gold: Smiling Through Adversity