Photo credit: Emil Hamburg
Iris Gold’s work has always existed in flux—shaped by shifting geographies, hybrid influences and a refusal to settle into one fixed identity.
Born in London and raised in Copenhagen’s Christiania, her Indian and Jamaican heritage runs through a body of work that resists settling in one place for too long, pulling from soul, pop and psychedelia with a lightness of touch.
Nominated for Best New Live Act at the Danish Music Awards in 2019, Gold has since appeared at festivals across Europe. Her live résumé stretches further still, with support slots for artists including Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Robbie Williams, Miguel and Blur.
Later in 2026, she will take on the lead role in a Tina Turner musical—casting that carries a certain resonance, not least following Dave Stewart’s comparison of her to Turner. In the meantime, her focus remains on her third album, Sugar On My Lips, which she is touring across Denmark—her first full run of shows in the country in four years.
With Sugar On My Lips, Gold shifts again—towards something more open-ended, less concerned with definition than with feeling, and more willing to hold vulnerability alongside confidence.
What's the story behind "Sugar On My Lips" and how did you and Dave Stewart first connect?
"Sugar On My Lips" came from a deep desire to bring softness, sweetness, and love into a world that feels a bit heavy sometimes. I wanted to create something that feels like a hug, but also has power in it.
I connected with Dave Stewart very naturally. There was an instant creative spark. He's someone who really listens and creates space, and I felt free to just be myself from the beginning. It never felt forced—more like two energies meeting at the right time.
You've described the album as a "celebration of life." What did that look like in practice while making it?
It looked like letting go. Laughing a lot. Being present. We didn't overthink things—we followed the feeling. Some days were light and playful, others more emotional, but everything was welcome. It was about capturing real moments instead of trying to perfect them. That's life to me—messy, beautiful, alive.
There's a strong balance between softness and strength across the record. Was that intentional, or something you discovered as the album unfolded?
I think it's just who I am. I've always felt that softness is a strength. There's so much power in being open, in feeling deeply, in staying connected to your heart. So the balance wasn't something I planned—it revealed itself as I allowed myself to be fully present in the music.
Photo credit: Emil Hamburg
How do you decide which ideas are worth developing into full songs, and which ones to leave behind?
It's very intuitive for me. If something sticks—if I keep coming back to it, or it gives me a certain feeling in my body—then I know it has something. Some ideas are nice, but they don't have that spark yet. And I've learned to trust that. You can't force magic.
Working with someone like Dave Stewart, who has such a strong legacy, how do you hold onto your own voice while still being open to that level of input?
For me, it starts with being grounded in who I am. When you know your voice, collaboration becomes something that expands you instead of changing you.
Dave was really beautiful in that way—he never tried to shape me into something else. He supported my vision and helped me bring it further.
What does a typical day on tour look like for you right now—from waking up to going on stage?
I try to keep it very grounded and gentle. I wake up slowly, drink water, maybe do some breathwork or stretching. During the day I protect my energy—eat well, take walks, stay a bit in my own bubble.
Before the show I have my rituals—warming up, getting quiet, tuning in. And then stepping on stage is like opening a portal. That's where everything flows.
For artists preparing for their first tour, what are 2–3 things you wish you had understood earlier about touring?
Protect your energy. Not everything needs your attention. Rest is part of the work—it's essential. And stay connected to yourself. It's easy to get pulled in many directions, but your center is everything.
How do you balance performance, vocal health, and overall wellbeing during a busy run of shows?
I listen to my body. Hydration, sleep, and vocal care are non-negotiable. But also silence—giving myself space to not always be "on." There's a discipline in taking care of yourself that allows you to keep showing up with love and presence.
When you're on the road, how do you stay creatively connected—are you writing, collecting ideas, or fully switching off?
It comes in waves. Sometimes I'm collecting everything—little melodies, conversations, emotions. Other times I need to fully switch off and just live. That's just as important, because that's where the real inspiration comes from.
