Meet Ilana Held | Songwriter/Musician

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

Hi Ilana, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important thing I’ve learned is how to be resilient. In an industry as tough as music, which is designed to knock you down over and over again, I’ve finally learned how to get back up a little stronger every time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s a very long story how I got to where I am. Easy is the last word I would use to describe it. I grew up playing guitar and writing songs and studied music in college as well, but my journey really began when I moved to Wales to do my masters in songwriting. I formed my band, Glass Jackets, and spent about four years performing around the UK, as well as writing songs for myself and other artists. After a while, the government kicked me out for playing music. Their exact words were “you look like you’re trying to succeed” to which I couldn’t help but wonder “who in the world isn’t trying to succeed?”. After a long nine months back in Boston, waiting for our record label to get a sponsor license to bring me back, I finally returned with a full battle plan for the band. We were going to make up for all that wasted time by recording our EP and touring the UK, performing in iconic venues such as the Cavern Club. But as soon as we found our footing again, the day after our kick off show, Covid ruined everything. During lockdown, my songwriting partner and I started our duo, Wyllows, which went on to garner attention from the BBC and several international radio stations. Eventually, I found myself back living in Boston where I grew up, just waiting and waiting for all the chaos to blow over but it never really did. I wasn’t happy in Boston, so I finally made the move out to Colorado and now I’m working to build myself up as a solo artist, under the name Mystee.

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?
Interesting question. I’m really not a planner. Most likely, I’d just wing it. I live in Fort Collins so I’d probably take them to Wolverine Farm for some coffee and local art, the Lyric to see a local band, the Atrium for open mic, and Looking Glass Escape Lounge for some escape rooms and fun cocktails!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so so so many people I should thank but most of all I want to thank my parents who have supported all my risky life choices, all my music teachers, and my old bandmates from Cardiff. Big thanks to my songwriting partner, Elliot Oakley and to my new collaborators in Colorado.

Website: https://mysteemusic.com/

Instagram: @mysteemusic

Facebook: @mysteemusic

Image Credits
Adam Parshall Little Piece Of My Heart