Indivibes: Studio Sessions and Autumn Paws
Fall always feels like my personal new year. It is my favorite season because I love the fashion, wearing layers of clothing, the smell of the air when it cools, and the colors of red, orange, and yellow on the trees. I love the mix of cozy and fresh energy it brings. It takes me back to being younger, sitting in the library after school doing homework, or those quieter college moments when summer ended and the campus finally felt calm again. This time of year feels like a spiritual reset, like the world is giving me permission to slow down, reflect, and start fresh.
I have been back in the studio with Mani, who helped bring “Cycles” and “Old Energy” to life. Being in that space again felt like reconnecting with an old friend and reminded me of why I love creating so much. We laughed, got serious, rewrote, and let the music take us where it wanted to go.
Right now, I am working on a song called “Shine My Eye.” It is inspired by the Nigerian saying that means to wake up, pay attention, and protect yourself from what is not good for you. Fall makes me slow down and really look at what is around me, and this song is exactly about that moment when everything clicks and you realize what you need to do to move forward. My Virgo moon has me getting more disciplined and organized this season, and my Sagittarius rising is giving me the adventurous push to take my music to the next level.
One of the best parts of this season has been bringing home a new cat. His name is Thai, and I have my friend Amber, the beautiful bride whose wedding I am honored to be a bridesmaid in, to thank for connecting us. Amber told me her manager was looking for a good home for a Siamese cat. When I met Thai in person, he was so calm in my arms, like he already knew we belonged together. Now he is fully at home, always chilling on the window balcony and quietly watching the world go by. He has the most relaxing energy and might be the real producer behind this next project. If he falls asleep while I am working, I take it as a sign that the song is a hit.
With open mics popping back up, I am excited to bring some of this new music to the stage. There is nothing like testing out a fresh song in front of real people and feeling that instant reaction. It is nerve-wracking in the best way and reminds me why I share music in the first place.
This season is teaching me to stay present, trust my instincts, and enjoy the little moments, whether it is a late-night lyric breakthrough, a good studio laugh, or Thai curled up near the window reminding me to slow down and just breathe.
Happy Fall,
-IA
