Don Ivy’s music combines raw and poetic storytelling with ethereal, sometimes playful, and often haunting dream-pop productions. With comparisons to some of her biggest idols including Lana Del Rey, Mazzy Star, and Alanis Morisette, her influence by alternative singer-songwriters is evidenced heavily.
After keeping music locked away inside her through all of these years, it is now effortlessly flowing from Don Ivy through vulnerable and meaningful ways.
Upon first listen, the mellow vibes in the instrumentation of her latest single “Hate Sundays,” paints a laid-back soundscape dripping with carefree ease. Then we begin listening to the lyrical content closer and hear just how intricate the words she sprawls through this creation actually are. Don Ivy does an impeccable job of showcasing liberation, all while honing in on the reasons she hates Sunday.
There’s a buoyant groove that has you gravitating towards the pocket of immediate vibrancy as you fall into the lush timbres she charismatically radiates. This indie-rock, medley of musicality was a collaborative effort with prolific producer Jim Spencer. Don immerses us in lyrical motifs that brilliantly collide with the edgy melodies heard, and we latch onto verses such as, ‘So I block it out with whatever I can get. Booze, junk and soulless sex, hours on the internet.’
Allowing herself to live freely in the domain of her art, Don Ivy paints vivid imagery as we peek into the lens of her own perspectives, and somewhat relatable experiences. Evolving her songwriting techniques to a level where she fuels the fire inside of us all, Don Ivy’s “Hate Sundays,” remains larger than life in our musical universe.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Don Ivy, and congratulations on the release of “Hate Sundays.” We love the way that this track flows to get your narrative across. Could you please tell us about your vision for "Hate Sundays?"
I knew when I wrote Hate Sundays that I wanted it to have an indie rock production, so I waited until a suitable time and then got in touch with Jim. He got my vision and translated it even better than I could have hoped for. The whole experience has taught me how crucial production is in making or breaking a song. Being a decent songwriter is only half of it. Working with a producer at Jim's level has definitely been a learning curve, hopefully, I can continue to create music of this standard.
In terms of messaging heard, and emotions felt, what are you hoping that your audience takes away from this track?
I figured with the lockdown that now would be a good time to release it, as I imagine it probably echos the feelings of many people right now who are frustrated with the lockdowns and the effect it is having on their quality of life. I wrote this song 2 years ago, I think it was my second attempt at songwriting when I was feeling trapped and fed up with my life in London. Whilst I don't feel this way anymore, I am still proud of the song and I still think it's a very relatable narrative.
You’ve mentioned that your musical influences inspire you to express yourself authentically, and allow you to embrace the strange workings of your mind. Have you ever found that there was a time where you were hesitant to do so with your art?
I didn't start making music till I was 30, so I guess I spent most of my life hesitant. Now, there is no filter. I'm pretty private in real life but my art is an open book.
What is your mission statement as an artist?
Make music you truly love, and you will find other people who love it, too. Staying patient in that process is where the work lies.
What's next for you?
I'm dropping an EP late summer/early autumn, and hopefully, I will be able to get outperforming - Manchester has a great live music scene. then I will probably head to Mexico and Guatemala for the winter (I've spent the last 3 winters in Latin America and it's now my second home) and work on writing new material.