Behind the music - ILA

Emerging from Antwerp’s vibrant music scene, the alt-rock ensemble ILA has recently released their second full-length album, titled Motherland. This follow-up to their 2024 debut album Ayna showcases the band’s evolving sound and thematic depth, anchored by lead vocalist and guitarist Ilayda Cicek alongside multi-instrumentalist Mattias Stynen.

ILA first gained substantial recognition in 2022 after winning the prestigious De Nieuwe Lichting contest, organized by Flemish radio station Studio Brussel. Their breakthrough single, "Leave Me Dry," not only secured them the contest title but also dominated Belgian airwaves, holding the number one spot on radio station De Afrekening for three consecutive weeks.

The band’s initial offerings included the mini-album Felt, which paved the way for their debut LP Ayna. That 2024 release featured impactful singles such as "All Again" and "Make It Easy," signaling ILA’s ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive alternative rock framework.

Motherland, according to insights reported by rte.ie, dives into the concept of human experience as one marked by incomplete fragments—elements of self left behind across various people, places, and aspirations. This thematic choice reflects a nuanced exploration of identity, memory, and the search for wholeness.

The diverse cultural background of lead vocalist Ilayda Cicek notably informs the band’s creative direction. Growing up immersed in both Belgian and Turkish cultures, Ilayda’s bilingual environment and poetic lineage—her father being a poet—have deeply influenced her lyrical approach and artistic sensibilities. This multicultural perspective enriches the band’s music, incorporating not only alt-rock but also Turkish psych-rock nuances, 90s grunge, jazz, and modern alternative styles as noted by Stynen.

Influences cited by the members include iconic and contemporary artists who blend musical innovation with strong visual or political identities. Ilayda highlights Turkish activist and artist Selda Bağcan alongside global figures like Rosalía, Radiohead, Sampha, and James Blake as sources of inspiration. These references underscore ILA’s commitment to crafting music that resonates beyond sound, engaging with social and artistic narratives.

Personal anecdotes from the band members reveal formative experiences that shaped their musical paths. Stynen recounts attending a Rolling Stones concert at age 14, an event that left a lasting impression. Meanwhile, Ilayda’s earliest music purchase, inspired by Ciara’s "Like a Boy," hints at her early connection to expressive storytelling through music.

The band’s eclectic tastes extend to their favorite tracks as well, with Stynen favoring nuanced production and alternative tuning exemplified by The War On Drugs, and Ilayda drawn to the protest poetry embedded in Selda Bağcan’s work. These preferences reflect ILA’s broader artistic ethos—one that values both sonic experimentation and lyrical substance.

ILA’s music is accessible on all major streaming platforms, and they actively engage with fans through Instagram and their official website. The band has expressed interest in expanding their live performances internationally, including aspirations to tour Ireland—a prospect met with enthusiasm from the members.

While the band’s trajectory is still unfolding, their second album Motherland cements ILA’s position as a compelling voice in contemporary alt-rock. Their synthesis of multicultural influences, thematic ambition, and dynamic soundscape positions them well within the European music scene and beyond.

Further details on ILA’s upcoming projects, live dates, or collaborations remain limited at this stage but will likely continue to attract attention as their profile grows.