Project Description
.
Interview with
IVY-LEE
(6th July 2025)
Interview by Dave Bruce
.
.
Congratulations on the release of your debut EP! Can you walk us through the creative process behind Heart On The Line? Did the songs come naturally or were there growing pains?
Thank you so much! Heart On The Line came to life over a period of two years, and follows closely some ups and downs I experienced during this time. From relationship struggles, to challenges with balancing such a busy life and commitments whilst wanting to be creative and pursue my music, and just general confusion and perplexities about this world and why it is the way it is. I’ve always struggled with being a very feeling and emotional person, and have been good at being a ‘chameleon’ to fit in with different environments. This EP is introspective and raw, and I think tells a story of growth and acceptance.
Have you always wanted to be an artist? When did you get the song writing bug?
I’d always wanted to be a singer growing up. I’m a kid of the 90s, so I was raised on Atomic Kitten and Aqua, and forced my poor mum to watch all my performances. I remember writing one of my first ever songs in year 6, and singing it to my friends on the bus to school. I continued to write music occasionally and eventually wrote my next song for my dear friend Kam who passed away in my first year of university. It was a part of my grieving process. The big shift came when I was living in Sydney at 22, I had moved there for a job and I was searching for myself as a person and artist, and that’s when my first proper song was written. That song ‘If I Fall’ was my debut single.
Briefly describe your journey to date.
After going into production for the first time and releasing a bunch of singles in 2022, I discovered a new found love for music as a form of both expression and connection. The experience has been full of excitement and curiosity, and I have adored all the people I’ve met in the creative industry; other artists, videographers, producers and photographers. At times, music has been a calm in the storm that is life, and getting to delve deeper into my mind and create something beautiful has been truly cathartic.
How would you describe your sound? Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
I would say my sound leans towards indie/pop with some electronic elements such as electric guitars, synths and filtered percussive sounds that create depth and ambience. I like to create music that feels complex and layered, and truly evokes the depth of the meaning behind the song. I think fans resonate with my music because it’s catchy yet not overly cliche pop, and I express honest emotions or stories that perhaps people avoid speaking about in person, because they’re scared of judgement. Listening to my music is a bit like reading my journal.
.
.
Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
Jewel is my all-time inspiration, specifically her 1998 album ‘Spirit’; she presents such depth and highlights her emotions and voice in a raw but explorative way. She possesses talent and artistry in such a meaningful way, and expresses language and vocals so playfully yet skillfully. Other artists that inspire me include Olivia Dean, Meg Mac, Vera Blue, Lana Del Rey, Zeph, Banks and Gracie Abrams.
If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
I would have to say, the incredible Hayley Williams. She has a soaring voice and her stage presence is just addictive. I would just love to go on tour with her and experience her day to day, I think it would be so inspiring.
What are your long-term aspirations as a music artist and how are you progressing towards them?
I hope to keep writing more and more, and refining my sound whilst diving deeper into traditional instruments, and a more stripped back, raw approach. It would be a dream to play more live music, festivals and work with some phenomenal producers and song writers, to keep growing and getting better. I think the way I’m pushing my music as an independent artist, whilst juggling a busy life and full-time job, and playing in my band and acoustic duo, each day I am inching closer to my goal each day. I’m trying to be more honest and truthful in the way I approach life and my writing style.
With that in mind, what piece of advice would you give to an artist starting out?
A piece of advice would be to listen and absorb music from artists that inspire you, surround yourself with a supportive community, and connect with other artists and producers to help you achieve your sound and goals. Surrounding yourself in nature and prioritising a little bit of time in your week to write and play music will go a long way.
.
.
What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
My favourite parts about performing live are the adrenaline and forgetting your fears to just get into show-mode – it has been so fun when I just let myself enjoy it and feel with the audience. I loveeeee the energy from the crowd and just the simple fact that people can go through the motions and really feel the words and sound of the music. My career highlight has to be the release of my EP…it’s really been a huge commitment whilst juggling my busy life and I’m absolutely proud!
Let’s finish with some quick-fire questions:
1. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done? I went solo travelling to NZ and went on the canyon swing, bungee jumping and even went sky diving with a hangover. And I’m terrified of heights!
2. What is the one topic you can talk about for hours? I could yap on for hours about anything but one thing I’m very passionate about is just analysing people, culture and behaviour (the study of anthropology) – people honestly fascinate me!
3. What is the thing you like most about yourself? I like my authenticity and humanity, and that I always try to navigate life with grace, logic, kindness and honesty.
And finally, what are your favorites in these categories:
Album – Spirit by Jewel
Artist – Jewel and Hayley Williams
Movie – Lady Bird
Place to visit – Morocco
Venue to play – Any venue where the hosts are supportive and accommodating, and just simply love live music!
Food – Ethiopian and Moroccan food
Drink – Hot chocolate
Person in History – I will always celebrate women, but for this one my mum will always be on the top of my list.
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) Ginkgo leaf tattoo
.
.
Follow IVY-LEE
Spotify – Instagram
.
.
Press Release 6th June 2025 (below) HERE
IVY-LEE
releases debut EP
“HEART ON THE LINE”
.
.
