Izza Gara - Superbia Hardcore (EP) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Claryn Chong
Izza Gara Channels Nostalgia and Self Discovery on Superbia Hardcore.
Following a run of standout singles and a Swedish Grammy nomination, rising electro pop artist Izza Gara has dropped her highly anticipated new EP, Superbia Hardcore. Known for blending early 2000s electro, pop and R&B with a modern edge, the Stockholm based artist once again proves why she is one of the most exciting voices in the Nordic music scene.
Spanning six tracks, Superbia Hardcore takes listeners on a journey through nostalgia, empowerment and self reflection. Opening track “Favour” sets the tone with a defiant message against the expectations placed on women, while “OVU” (“Over You”) captures the feeling of release and optimism that comes with starting again.
The hypnotic “Love Me”, featuring newcomer LYAM, dives into the push and pull between self worth and validation, before a playful “Grocery Shopping Interlude” gives listeners a brief breather. Things pick back up with “3000”, a UK and Sweden link up with Miso Extra that bridges futuristic beats with a touch of nostalgia. The EP closes with its title track “Superbia”, a moment of self acceptance and growth that ties the project together beautifully.
Speaking on the EP, Izza explains: “I wanted to channel myself as a young teen and go back to when I laid the foundation for my taste... I worked instinctively, without overthinking or overproducing.”
Inspired by the Latin word Superbia, meaning pride and historically seen as a “sin” for women, Gara explores the tension between vulnerability, independence and self love.
Born and raised in Gothenburg with Turkish and Swedish roots, Izza Gara’s artistry is steeped in movement, visual design and emotion. Her previous EP YOUNG marked a creative shift that has since earned her international collaborations, festival slots and widespread acclaim from the likes of COLORS, Ones To Watch and FAME Magazine.
With Superbia Hardcore, Izza is not just revisiting her past but redefining it, crafting a sound that feels both familiar and boldly her own.
Izza Gara sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember. Me and my dad learned viola together when I was six, and I played until I was about ten. Then my mom made me perform at retirement homes, which kinda killed the vibe, so I quit and started singing and playing guitar instead. I’d walk around the schoolyard writing songs in my head but was too shy to sing them for anyone.
Then, when I was 12, I saw Missy Elliott’s Work It video and wanted to be her so bad I started practicing popping and hiphop, falling deeper into rhythm and dance. And I think that’s when music and dance became my thing.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
The OG’s like Pharrell, Uffie, Missy Elliott, Robyn. They’ve all shaped how I see identity and music. I just love artists who push things forward but still keep soul and personality. Right now I’m inspired by people like Baby Doublecup, Khadija Al Hanafi, Lalleshwari and my friends alma, Venus Anon, Tiffi M, and Raghd.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My EP Superbia Hardcore drops November 14. It’s my most conceptual project so far and the first one I fully produced myself. I wanted the music to feel playful and raw as that’s what I’ve been drawn to lately.
The songs reflect a mix of inner thoughts and contradictions like the need to be desired versus the urge to be free and by that, disliked. I was reading a book about the history of beauty and came across the word Superbia which is the Latin for “pride, ” one of the deadly sins, often symbolized by a woman admiring herself in the mirror. I got so caught up in those ideas while working on the project that it kinda evolved into a feminist project, even though that wasn’t planned.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Playful, bouncy, emotional and stupid. Music you can dance or/and cry to. Also, a little sexy.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Getting nominated for a Swedish Grammy. I’m fully independent so that felt really special.
Also making my dream music video to my song Favour that I released in August. I got to create it with my friends and everything went so smooth and became so nice.
Picture Credit: Claryn Chong
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Protect your art and don’t lose your integrity.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Venus Anon, alma, and Tiffi M, Raghd.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I’ve been listening to ICE’s OSO CRUEL lately, it’s so refreshing. I also went back to Uffie’s Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans. That album’s a classic to me. Timeless. First Love is and will always be my favorite track.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I like to dance, paint, or hang out with my friends and cook, play Mario Kart, talk shit, drink tea.
10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio.
Snacks, preferably a cinnamon bun with vanilla flakes, what we call a “parmesan bun” ‘cause it looks like cheese on top. Coffee with oat milk if it’s early, a soda if it’s later. And a vape…..