Illuminatè Steele

Illuminatè Steele is creating tsunamis with her string of songs among all her fans. Being multi-

faceted in her talents she has showcased her talents in roles such as a published poet, a musician,

music video editor and director. Her most anticipated album, Diabolique: The Phantom Darkness,

follows up on Steele’s avant-garde and funky blend of hip-hop rhythms, dark electronics, and

sensually charged lyrics drawing on her experience as a DJ and promoter in the Washington, DC and Portland. We receive this exclusive opportunity to get in-conversation with Illuminatè Steele just ahead of her release.

Q: What inspired your forthcoming sophomore album, Diabolique: The Phantom Darkness?

It was inspired by the life cycle of the phoenix. Perpetually rising from the ashes of devastation is a reoccurring theme in my life. The album artwork was created by renounce Lithuanian mixed media artist Natalie Shau. 

Q: How many different elements of music are used to craft this album? 

Various. It’s an eclectic mix of synth driven bass lines, distorted drum machines and catchy dance hooks. I’ve been told several times that my exact sound doesn’t really fit into just one genre. 

Q: What makes Diabolique: The Phantom Darkness so unique?

DTFD isn’t so much about novelty, as it is about the message. Production wise, I’m always willing to

take chances and experiment with sound. What sets great albums apart from subpar albums is the kind of impact they have.

Q: Which is your personal favourite part in this album?

The entire album, of course! This new album has more of an overall defining sound to it, which makes the album a dance floor classic.

Q: How were the looks in the videos styled to represent the emotion of the songs?

The majority of the looks were created by my director of photography Scott Hoffman, and I got my start in the alt fetish community as a DJ, and a lot of the “looks” that you see in my videos carry BDSM / military fetish overtones. I’ve also collaborated with other artists from various mediums like Ava Adore, Elektra Cute, who lent their vision of beauty to help conceptualize the overall look / theme for certain videos. 

Q: Previously serving as an active-duty U.S. Marine, what aspect of that do you bring to the music industry?

I’m able to stay consistent with my efforts and planning. Foresight and planning are like a second nature to me.

Q: What caused the transition to the music industry?

I have produced my own music since 17. I wouldn’t really call it a transition, as much as having the entirety of the focus shift. 

Q: Being an advocate of women empowerment, how do you reflect the same in your songs?

I actually advocate for women in real life. I am actually out here doing the work speaking out about

MMIW and sexual assault survivors. I don’t sing about “empowerment”, I work in a legal capacity

protecting victims from potential predators. Advocacy, music and Buddhism are the necessary

components that make me who I am.

Q: What would be your interview-parting message?

Gratitude to the universe and all of her majesty. You give me the will to wake up and take on another day. My bills are paid and I want for nothing. I wake up shining like a queen, and I give thanks to the universe for everything that she has blessed me with. She has given me the opportunity to hustle my heart out, bless others and make my personal dreams a reality. Words like “quit, failure, basic and mediocre” are not part of my vocabulary. “Why?” Because I deserve better.

The memory of my loved ones whose lives were cut short deserve better.

Avant-garde synthwave musician/producer Illuminatè Steele’s forthcoming projects are “Eris” EP and “Diabolique: The Phantom Darkness” that are releasing this fall. Prepare yourselves to dance the night away to the most diabolique songs of the year.

Written by Sonz