For Berlin-based singer, songwriter, and pianist JILIAAN, a trek through the dramatic peaks of Norway served as the ultimate catalyst for her striking single, ‘I Wish’. What began as a simple game of hypotheticals between two close friends transformed into a rich sonic exploration of human desire and the boundaries of personal liberty.
“My best friend and I were discussing what we would wish for if we could wish for anything in the world, whilst hiking through the mountains in Norway and being in what felt like endless and gigantic nature.”
JILIAAN’s musical identity is heavily informed by her nomadic upbringing and an early immersion in classical piano. Having lived across various international borders and studied in Amsterdam and London, she eventually returned to her creative roots full-time. On ‘I Wish’, she effortlessly merges that classical precision with warm R&B textures, soulful undertones, and contemporary pop sensibilities.
The track has a gorgeous ability to mirror the quiet, contemplative state of its mountain origins, beginning as a gentle internal monologue before swelling into a sweeping, emotionally resonant arrangement. A key element of this sonic evolution is the inclusion of the guitalele, which infuses the production with a distinct, organic warmth that grounds the grander pop elements. It is an impressive showcase of musical storytelling that manages to feel intensely private yet universally accessible.
Throughout, JILIAAN uses the composition to puzzle out the potential weight of our own expectations, posing a question that lingers long after the final note fades: “If we were free to do whatever we could, what would that freedom look like? And how far would we go in order to feel that freedom - would the longing for more freedom ever stop, or would we end up getting lost in the search for endless freedom?”
Following her captivating 2025 debut EP ‘L’, this single offers a brilliant glimpse into what lies ahead. With her highly anticipated debut album, ‘In the dark, what is there to do but sing?’, scheduled to arrive in September 2026, JILIAAN firmly establishes herself as an authentic voice operating entirely on her own terms.
You can stream ‘I Wish’ right now on Spotify to immerse yourself in its cinematic soundscapes. To stay updated on her upcoming album and future tour dates, make sure to follow JILIAAN on Instagram.
