The Star Prairie Project Drops Playful Indie-Pop Gem “Down Boy” from New Album 'Little Gems'

The Star Prairie Project has officially released their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Little Gems, now available on all streaming platforms. True to its name, the album is packed with sonic treasures—none more immediately charming than the flirty, retro-tinged single “Down Boy.”

Written by founding songwriter Nolen R. Chew Jr. and performed by the ever-enchanting Ivy Marie, “Down Boy” is a lighthearted indie-pop ballad with irresistible hooks, shimmering instrumentation, and a story that toes the line between playful and provocative. Produced by longtime collaborator Rudiger, the track delivers a breezy groove and teasing vocals that radiate confidence and chemistry.

The lyrics follow a familiar setup with an unexpected twist: a younger man makes a move on an older woman, and while she initially brushes him off, his persistence and charm begin to wear her down. By the final chorus, curiosity has replaced hesitation, and the once-dismissive “no” has softened into a tempting “we’ll see.”

“It’s a fun song that’s not very serious,” says Chew. “It’s light and instinctive. Some naughtiness by suggestion can be intriguing in a song. I wanted a perfect pop rhythm with a mesmerizing effect, and this has that. It’s one of those tracks you don’t have to overthink. It takes you on a short ride, then it’s over, and you want to hear it again.”

The inspiration? A simple moment in the kitchen. Chew had Ivy Marie in mind from the beginning, and when she delivered the vocals, it was exactly the flavor he envisioned—flirtatious, rich, and effortlessly cool. Her performance turns “Down Boy” into a standout moment on Little Gems, offering levity and sparkle amid the album’s more introspective tracks.

While Chew didn’t perform on this specific song, “Down Boy” reflects the collaborative spirit that defines The Star Prairie Project. The band, based in Star Prairie, Wisconsin, continues to work with artists from across the world, from L.A. to London, bringing bold, genre-blending projects to life. Their past albums have explored everything from progressive rock to jazz fusion, and Little Gems adds yet another dynamic chapter to their catalog.

With over 15 million streams and a growing international fanbase, The Star Prairie Project shows no signs of slowing down. If “Down Boy” is your entry point, buckle up—Little Gems has plenty more where that came from.

“Down Boy” stands out with its flirtatious tone and playful storytelling. What inspired the decision to take a lighter, cheekier approach with this track, and how does it fit into the broader emotional arc of Little Gems?

Nolen: “Down Boy” was the last song recorded for the “The Little Gems” album. I had a guitar riff in my head in a loop, and I already knew this was going to be an Ivy song (sing/produce), so I started thinking from the female perspective, and the lyrics just rolled out. I thought it would be fun to look at the situation from her perspective. Ivy’s voice is perfect for the song, with her wooing and cooing, it’s a flirty and fun tune.

You’ve worked with a wide range of collaborators across this album. How did Ivy Marie’s performance on “Down Boy” elevate the track from your original vision, and what makes her voice such a strong fit for the song’s mood?

Nolen: When I first wrote the song and sent the demo tape to Ivy it was just two simple tracks a vocal and acoustic guitar. Ivy’s voice is like a second instrument, and she added that fantastic percussion beat, and it was like Wow! She does so much with her voice, the subtle fills and passing notes, it’s really exciting to see how these added dimensions add such texture and flow. We were both really pleased with how the song came out in the end.

The Star Prairie Project is known for its genre-blending and cinematic storytelling. How did you balance cohesion across Little Gems while still allowing each song, like “Down Boy,” to live in its own unique sonic space?

Nolen: It kind of all happened naturally. We had a few songs left over from the ‘New Day at Dawn’ recording sessions. About enough for half an album. It was easy to pick up from where we were and continue with the momentum. The songs on ‘Little Gems’ fit so well together because they all naturally speak of different aspects of the human experience. Love, betrayal, introspection, purpose, and meaning, these are the themes we touch on that every human being can relate to at some point in their life.

As someone who didn’t perform on this track personally, what’s your process like when handing over a song to another vocalist or producer? How do you maintain your artistic fingerprint while allowing room for creative freedom?

Nolen: The Star Prairie Project is all about collaboration and content. It is literally all about the song.  What’s best for song is the primary criteria. We aren’t a show band with gimmicks. We rely on the power of our product. We are disparate musical artists who come together for the same goal. To write and record original radio-ready records. I am surrounded by so much talent in this project. I act as the manager and initiator.  I’m the primary songwriter. I get them started, and for the most part, I step back and let them do their magic. I’m not concerned about my artistic fingerprint, I’m more concerned with giving my team a long leash and letting them express their talent. I’m never disappointed, and it’s what makes us so diverse and genre-bending.

“Down Boy” plays with themes of age, flirtation, and confidence. In today’s culture, how do you see music as a way to explore these dynamics playfully without crossing into cliché or overexposure?

Nolen: Music, it seems, is always out in front, influencing culture, and sometimes it defines the timeless nature of humanity and how many of these themes are resilient and cyclical. All generations address these themes in music according to that moment in time. Our habits, manners, boundaries, and prohibitions reflect our expression of these subjects today. It is a fun time to explore these dynamics in a fun and tongue-in-cheek manner. Sometimes, a sexy outfit is more alluring than a full frontal. Now, try putting that into music. That’s the task of the songwriter.