Eden xo, Eden Wilson, Jessie and the Toy Boys, Jessie Malakouti… in short, these are all names that Eden has become famous and is known for in the world of music, art and fashion. For more than a decade I have passionately followed everything she does, and I feel happiness in my heart with each new song or project she releases and works on, because for me she is on the same level as Lady Gaga, Kesha and Charli XCX in terms of her skills as singer-songwriter.
In my humble opinion – as a lover of great music – Eden is still a phenomenon that will be BIG in every corner of this world, and if it were up to me she would have already became bigger than your fav.
I’m a fan of yours since 2011 and I think I know a little about you. This first question is kinda silly, but it’s serious: who’s Eden to those who never ever heard of yet? Like… what do you like, what are you passionate for?
I’m an artist. I’m a wife and mother. I’m an advocate. I’m an envelope pusher. I’m a trendsetter. I’m vulnerable, I’m insecure at times and confident others… and I put all of that into the art I make. I’m passionate about making art that matters. I love film making, writing music, performing, taking a dance class even if it’s just for myself.
Your music is so authentic and we feel the passion you put into every release. In the beginning of your Toy Boys era they even called you “the next Lady Gaga” but I don’t see such similarities. And you once sang “How do you spell plagiarism? Hmm I don’t know”. Anyway, when did you realize you had this talent for music? Was it a dream and if so, how’s been living the dream?
Thank you so much. I had never heard that before, but I love Lady Gaga so that’s a compliment. I love making records, but I actually wanted to act first. I didn’t have any friends in LA, so I started a band called “Shut Up Stella” to make friends and we just happened to get signed by a very big record executive at Sony/Epic records. From there I was offered a publishing deal and it takes so much time and focus making it in the music business, it’s the hardest business in the entire world – much harder to break into than acting – so you have to put 24 hours 7 days a week into it.
I just kind of kept going on overdrive and then I looked back right before the pandemic and realized I never got to really try my hand at acting, so I’m focusing on that a lot more in 2024 now that the strike is over.
You are a multi-talented artist and you rock in everything you do. You write your songs and for others, sing, dance and even act. How do you manage to make all this work?
It’s what I am passionate about, so I spend a lot of time learning and always wanting to be better. I think the moment you stop growing as an artist and you think you have all of the answers is when your career is in trouble. I will always be a student of the arts.
You already had a band called “Shut Up Stella”, had a project called “Jessie and The Toy Boys” which was quite conceptual and even led you to open for Britney’s shows, you released some material under your own name until you finally released songs under “Eden xo”. What do you think that has changed musically and artistically in you traveling and living this entire road?
I don’t really know… I suppose “Shut Up Stella” was more punk pop/rock based, “Jessie and The Toy Boys” was more electropop/hyperpop and now as Eden it’s a little more organic and grounded, but all of my previous genres still influence and can excite me.
You have some zealous fans in Brazil and I can even mention Laio (who “built” this bridge between us) and me too obviously. You have always been very close to your fans on social media, you even used to do livestreams in the past. So, do you think of or plan to return to the stage to promote the album and get even closer to the fans? And if so, please come to Brazil, please?
I’m not just saying this – it’s a true dream to perform in Brazil. I’m hoping I can get enough buzz on the album and maybe my agent can book me PRIDE in Brazil – that would be incredible. I love my fans everywhere, but especially in Brazil I want to have a closer connection in real life.
What song were you most proud of writing, the one where you looked at yourself and said “I’m the fucking best”? Why?
I never think I’m the fucking best… but there are moments when I know I have done my best and that I am the best for something… for example there is a very big movie I have been auditioning for that is on pause right now. In my heart I KNOW I am the best and the right person to play this icon. It’s me. No question. So I hold onto that confidence and hope when I feel I’ve earned it.
And what are your favorite lyrics?
Of mine?… that’s hard. I probably can’t answer that to be honest. Why don’t you tell me what yours are?
So answering your question, I can’t decide between Hitman chorus “You’re like a hitman, baby, like a contract killer / Like a gun fall higher with your aim in the mirror / It’s a cold blooded calculated kinda way you’re loving me” and Dirty Blonde bridge “I’m a twisted fisted dirty blonde / You want a battle, baby? Well, it’s on! / Take the crown in your mouth, shove it down / Shut shit down”.
You have always worked with good names in the industry, like Xenomania, you’re good friends with Bonnie McKee (which by the way American Youth French Kissing is my favorite writing collaboration between you), and you’ve collaborated with more people. But what about currently, have you been working with anyone for your debut album?
Lauren Christy and I wrote a song called “Fix It” that I think is really fresh. She’s so talented it’s insane. I don’t usually get intimidated in the studio, and even though we are friends and hang out all of the time, she still intimidates me because of all of the smashes she’s written and how fast she is with melodies. She’s soooo fast. I take a lot more time to find the melodies I love, but she’s kind of instant. It’s crazy!
What’s your dream collaboration right now?
Madonna.
A while ago you did a poll on X/Twitter about which song you should re-record. I don’t remember which one I voted for, but I replied suggesting “Perfect Shade of Red” and also “Hitman” which for me is the saddest discard ever in pop music world. What can we expect for your debut album?
I am talking with my previous label that I recorded those songs under and we are on great terms and I’m trying to work something out for the fans for those songs to be available on streamers, because I agree with you!
After you released your EP “The Question” (which I’m spinning right now on vinyl writing these questions), there were rumors or kind of a promise about releasing a second EP that would sound darker. What happened to not releasing or were only rumors at all? I remember that there was even a track that we (fans) were very excited to, which was called Forbidden Fruit. Is there any chance these songs will be released or reworked for the album or future?
Thank you, I love “The Question” and I’m very proud of it – but unfortunately no. I had a psychic tell me my aura is so pure and bright that dark forces are extremely attracted to it and want to feast on it and that I need to be careful. I couldn’t finish that project because I couldn’t be around a very disturbing energy anymore. It’s a shame but it’s okay.
And is there any possibility that we will ever hear “This Is How Rumors Start” entirely like the way you wanted and planned to be? Maybe an Eden’s Version?
Maybe… you never know. Do you know that I am pretty sure that I was the first person online to suggest to Taylor to re-record her masters? My tweet went viral, and her digital team even reached out to me. Then I think other artists like Kelly Clarkson kind of said the same thing and I’m sure Taylor was already thinking this – she’s very smart and savvy.
Besides your double single that features a cover of Chapel of Love that you sing in Persian, there were 2 essential releases this year. “All Day Every Day” is a BOP and the video is so visually beautiful. And “Bad Apple” is a BANGER from the very first verse. It’s a smart pop song with catchy lyrics and you gave us a choreography-driven music video, and you even worked with a former Toy Boy on it. Is it too early to say if we will see more of this recipe for the album?
It was so fun to dance and give choreo again. That’s definitely an edge I feel I have over a lot of other artists. So yes, I’d like to do that more. I feel really confident when I’m dancing.
What are you currently listening to?
“Idiot” by Taylor Bickett.
So, last question… Here on Gabcritic.com there’s ratings and reviews to albums, EPs and mixtapes at least once a week. Since your album hasn’t come out this year (at least not yet), in your opinion what’s your album of the year?
I didn’t really LOVE anyone’s album all the way if I’m being honest. But there were a lot of singles I liked… “Flowers” by Miley, “Padam Padam” by Kylie, “Unholy” by Sam & Kim… there’s this song by an artist named Conan Gray and I absolutely love his song “never ending song” I don’t know what year it came out, I think it was 2023.
In fact “never ending song” came out this year, but “Unloly” didn’t, it’s a 2022 hit.
Thank you so much for everything! It was really very special to have you answer those questions for us.
No, thank YOU! I love you and I love Brazil! And I want to say thank you to anyone reading this.
Follow Eden on all social networks:
Instagram / TikTok / Twitter (X) / YouTube / Facebook.
Special thanks to Laio Coelho.
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