Following the release of her recent track “Armida,” which won Best American Music Video and Best Indie Music Video at the Paris Music Video Underground, the video has also been nominated for the Creative Film Awards happening in LA in February 2025.
Now, Ilana is set to make an even bolder statement with her upcoming single “Bleed” dropping on October 25th. Marking a shift into alternative rock, “Bleed” channels her rage over Florida’s recent political moves against reproductive freedom. Merging fury and empowerment, the song delivers a fierce anthem for women’s rights. The sci-fi horror-inspired music video, timed perfectly for Halloween, amplifies the message as Ilana leads a rebellion against the forces controlling women’s bodies.
What’s the story behind Bleed?
Bleed is definitely my rage anthem. I was so angry about the politics surrounding women’s rights, especially in Florida. It was like every day, there was another law trying to control women’s bodies or restrict basic healthcare. I had written and recorded an alternative song for another artist earlier in the week and it was so therapeutic to scream that I wanted to do one for me!
What’s made you want to make such a battle cry of a song? Any specific event or experiences behind it?
Honestly, it was this wave of frustration. There was a specific bill being proposed in Florida that would literally police discussions about menstruation in schools. It was just wild to me how these deeply personal, basic parts of being a woman were suddenly political. So Bleed became a way to channel that frustration. It had to come out.
Why shift genres with this track?
Why not? Bleed needed to be screamed , It felt like a natural shift because the emotions I was working with were so intense, and alternative rock just matched the vibe. Plus, I love bending genres. I don’t listen to nor am I inspired by just one specific genre. I think most people around my age would say they listen to a little bit of everything so as an artist I like to give that to people like me. You’ll catch me one day making pop, the next day alternative rock, and who knows, maybe a jazz flute solo in the future. Stay tuned.
Why a horror-inspired video? Are you a fan of that genre?
Yeah! I love the drama of horror. When I was in high school I got into theater and playwriting and I wrote some pretty disturbing plays with a friend of mine and we won a few awards. I think there is something so cool about diving into the creepiest, most disturbed parts of our minds. I think it connects us as humans and is just so entertaining. The Bleed video felt like a dystopian sci-fi horror because, well, that’s how this whole debate around women’s rights feels sometimes—like we’re living in a nightmare. Very handmaid’s tale. But it’s also about the catharsis of breaking free. Plus, who doesn’t love a little blood and rebellion?
What other genres and icons do you look up to for aesthetics and visuals?
I’m a big fan of artists who create full worlds with their visuals—people like FKA Twigs, Banks, Gaga, Tyler the Creator, Missy Elliott. Etc.. Their music and aesthetics are so intertwined, it’s like stepping into another universe. I also pull from film and literature. This project of songs is very much inspired by the character “Armida” from the Renaissance poem Jerusalem Delivered.
Who is your favorite artist of all time and why?
That’s a tough one and I’ll probably change my mind if you ask me again but I’d probably say Rihanna. She’s unapologetically herself, and she’s proven you can do it all—music, fashion, business—and still maintain your authenticity. She represents the kind of artist I aspire to be: fearless, genre-bending, and true to myself.
What is your message ultimately?
At the end of the day, my message is about owning your power. Whether it’s through songs like Armida, where I’m reclaiming agency, or Bleed, which is about fighting for your rights, I want to empower people—especially women—to take up space, be loud, and not apologize for it. We’ve spent too long being told to fit into neat little boxes, and it’s time to break out of them.
What are some other topics and themes you want to explore with your music?
I’m really interested in diving deeper into themes around identity and self-discovery, but also tackling the state of the world—things like mental health, human rights and activism . I think music is such a powerful tool for starting conversations, so I want to explore topics that get people thinking and feeling.
What kind of changes do you want to see for women in the industry and beyond?
I want to see more women taking the reins—whether that’s in producing, directing, or running labels. We need more female decision-makers because that’s how you shift the culture. This industry has been unsafe for women for forever and it needs to change. We need to do better. Beyond that, I want to see a world where women aren’t forced to choose between being seen as powerful or being seen as sexy. We’re multidimensional—let’s embrace that. And obviously, we need way more progress when it comes to equal pay and bodily autonomy.
What are your plans for 2025?
2025 is going to be all about continuing to break boundaries. I want to release more music, collaborate with some amazing artists, and maybe even get into film a bit more—I have loved writing and producing these videos! I’d also love to go on tour, bring Armida and Bleed to life on stage, and really immerse people in this world I’m creating. Oh, and more genre-bending chaos. Because, why not?
