Being an independent artist has always posed challenges — and with the ever-evolving internet landscape, the rise of TikTok, and an intense focus on streaming services — it appears to be becoming increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, creative musicians are eager to showcase their work to audiences despite the obstacles, even when their struggles are more intricate than those of their peers. Enter ILENE, a genre-defying, sound-exploring hyperpop alternative artist. Her impactful pop hits catapulted her into the spotlight in 2019, as fans discovered her on BandLab, connecting with her incisive delivery and bold lyrical expressions. The DIY spirit of the platform suited Monica Ilene Lackey perfectly, who had been crafting songs throughout her life, leading her to win two of BandLab’s global songwriting contests and becoming the inaugural recipient of their Creator Grant in 2022. Critics took notice, with NME identifying her as an artist to keep an eye on, describing her tumultuous tracks as “enticingly dark delights.”
Equipped with talent, charisma, and the courage to pursue her ambitions, chart success seemed like a natural progression for ILENE. However, as a Black artist creating music that defies the conventional categories of R&B or rap, she encountered difficulties in reaching audiences and gaining acceptance from an industry and fans who expected her to conform to specific norms.
Currently, she is collaborating on an EP with Grammy-nominated producer Epikh Pro (known for his work with Bryson Tiller, Cardi B, and Eminem) and is eager to unveil her most unpredictable lyrics and soundscapes to date. The initial offering from this collection, “HONEY NUT,” is a cheeky yet amusing and sonically adventurous track. “I want it to be stuck in their heads,” ILENE expresses regarding the summer anthem. “It’s so enjoyable, and I want people to have fun singing it, even if they don’t sing the entire song; it’ll be hard not to chant, ‘Mario, cheerio, cereal’ repeatedly,” she shares with UPROXX.
In the following discussion, ILENE addresses the unique challenges of being a Black independent artist, her aspirations for change within the industry, and
