Meet U.K.'s Rising Star + Triple Threat: Ionica (Exclusive Interview)
What inspires your artistry?
“Kind people. People with integrity. People that make you feel brave and that nothing is impossible. People with vision. People that work their hardest. Those that look out for you in an incredibly hard business. There is always a job for someone, we don’t need to tear one another down to be succesful. Talent used to inspire me but that has changed over the years. There’s nothing more frustrating than watching someone with a God given talent, either waste it or not appreciate it or not being a very nice person. Just because someone is good at what they do doesn’t mean they have a good heart. Someone once told me that ”hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” It took me a long time to really understand this and find out that it’s true! I always thought the most talented would always be the ones who work. Not true.”
How did you start your career?
“After drama school I joined a couple agencies for extras work. I know that they say you shouldn’t do a lot of extras work (which is true) but I think it’s absolutely crucial because like any job you have to work your way up. I didn’t even know what a “mark” was until I went on set. I think it’s a great time to watch, learn and observe whilst the heat is not on you. You see the way that the ship is ran, understand job roles, responsibilities, so when it’s your time it isn’t so overwhelming and hopefully you’ve witnessed “what not to do” as well. Also it surrounds you with like minded people and it can be a place to network and build a base of friends. I’ve worked with many people years after when we were all extras and now we have become successful directors, actors, singers, models.”
You’re also a talented singer! What are your plans for music?
“Oh gosh, Thanks! If I’m honest I never really plan anything and I never have since graduating or in fact my entire life haha. Of course we have dreams and aspirations but for me this is what has given me such a diverse career. Though I say I don’t plan, one thing I don’t do is ever stop working, striving and being ambitious. Making the most of every single opportunity. Never turning down an opportunity... On paper I should only be doing straight acting combined with stage combat, though you soon realise it’s not quite that black and white! I’ve gone from radio to presenting to feature films to stage to reality TV! In the singing department again, very varied... one week you’ll be performing/hosting at a switch on of Christmas lights then the next you’re a villain in a Panto in front of 1,200 people a night for two months and then the next you’re singing at an intimate wedding or sending someone a video of their favourite song for their baby shower!”
What is your favourite genre of music?
“Ballads for sure. I love a good song you can sing your heart out to and have a good cry at!”
Who are your influences in the arts?
“People that do credible work. People that are good at what they do. That are in it because of the craft. People that are exceptionally good at what they do; Sarah Lancashire, David Jason, Jodie Comer, Robin Williams, Mark De Lisser, are just a few of my favourites. One person for sure is Shona Lindsay. Shona has been a crucial influence in my career. From teaching me singing at college to helping me film a self tape or coming to support me on a job or just reassuring me when I’m out of work that I will work again! Not only that, on the flip side has she had the most incredible career, still working and that for me is important to have a long sustained, credible career.”
How do you define success?
“Being happy. Just because one persons goal is to be leading man/lady on Broadway it doesn’t make teaching drama at an after school club any less valid. If that is your vision and your heart is full, that to me is success.”
What can we expect from you in 2020?
“Screen time! Come on universe, don’t let me down now! Haha. I think it’s very easy to worry and fall in to a hole when you come out of a show and January arrives and work seems like it’s vanished off the face of the earth but you have to have faith in yourself and your agent, that work still exists! One month I didn’t have a single job then within four days I got the job at the BBC Radio York, I was confirmed for BBC Ones “All Together Now”, I got booked for Panto and I was nominated for an award and that’s literally how quick your life can change. I don’t ever think you should fall complacent but equally remind yourself that no matter how bleak, if you’re active and you keep your ear to the ground opportunities are everywhere.”
SOCIALS
Twitter: @ionica_official
Instagram: @ionica_official_ /
IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm5951663/