Crankbox-music

Erin Ivey

Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Erin Ivey

Smashing hits like "Sorrow no more", "Sing out", "Chocolate" and many, many more will bring you to one charming lady: Erin Ivey. 

Erin had some minutes for sharing her world with us:

You certainly hear that numerous times a day, but your songs are like a bomb. An incredible voice with smooth tunes.
How would you describe your style within the music industry? Have you found your niche/destination? Or do you still look for your spot in the world of music?

I describe my music as Urban Folk, or sometimes as Downtempo Folk. Although, we as people are constantly growing and changing. I am influenced by and interested in so many different types of music and states of being that it would be impossible to stay in one place. The niche that each artist carves is his or hers alone and we become more ourselves for and through music every day.

Your latest release "Broken Gold" received tremendous feedback. Can you tell us somewhat about the entire "making of" process. Can you name us the magic behind it?

There WAS magic in that project and that magic is accessible to anyone willing to make improvisational music. The band (The Finest Kind, an R&B/Dub organ trio) had rehearsed all these new songs with me a couple of times in order to perform a live show at The Rollins Theatre in The Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin. The show went so well that we decided to record some of those songs at East Austin Recording (EAR) studio a couple of weeks later. None of the arrangements were determined in advance. The tracks were cut live to tape and most of the album is first or second takes. The magic comes from playing together and listening and communicating musically every moment to create unique arrangements, trusting that would take us to new and exciting places, which it does.

Do you work on another stunning album? What can be expected then? 

Right now, I am working on a new live album called Dreamy Weather, Live at the Cactus Cafe. It had a very successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign and will be released to the world at www.erinivey.com very soon! This album is a bridge between my older work and brand new songs that may be on my next studio album. It was recorded earlier this year and is mostly just me and another Austin guitar player at a really vibey venue. It is very dreamy and ethereal. Very different from Broken Gold in style, I'd say.

What do your fans say when they see you performing?

How is it being on stage? What are your thoughts and feelings?

I love to hear when people connect with a song or something in my voice. Live performance is a wonderful way for us to connect and share... it's an exchange of energy that can be really invigorating and inspiring for all involved. Music is an easy vehicle for creating transcendent experiences that we don't often share in our day to day lives.

Being on stage is kind of like therapy, because you can lay all your bull[censored] bare before people and they can see right through you and see themselves reflected as well. Its a very intimate experience. I try to turn all my energy and thoughts to the music so I can get out of the way and be a channel for whatever needs a voice. I don't always succeed, but it's a very rewarding practice, like a meditation.

How would you describe your relationship with your music? Is it like dealing with a good friend? 

That's a cool observation. Music is like the most steadfast, patient, fun, and understanding friend. As they say, "the deeper you go, the deeper it gets."

What is your favorite song you have performed so far. Why?

My favorite songs to play are usually the ones I've written most recently, because they're still full of the very emotion or thoughts that made the songs in the first place. Although, the older ones can take you back to places you were in the past, which is cool, too. Tough question!! :)

Where will you see yourself in 2014?

In 2014, I'd like to be writing and collaborating in the studio more, letting other people take over more of the administrative work of being an indie artist. I always want to be traveling and writing, connecting with people who are passionately in love with music.

Where can we find/purchase your music?

Thank you for asking! My music is available at www.erinivey.com and at iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/broken-gold/id419159373).

Thank you for taking your time, Erin. It was my pleasure.

The above mentioned songs can be checked here:

http://www.reverbnation.com/erinivey

and since you are there, become a fan of her :)