Exclusive Interview: Ivy Levan Discusses 'Biscuit' And Her Debut Album
After hearing 'Biscuit', we couldn't resist interviewing Ivy Levan. The stunning singer is already one of our most played artists this year!
We could try and compare Ivy to other vocalists in the music industry today but it really wouldn't do her justice. In our eyes, the 28-year-old singer-songwriter is completely unique in her own right. She's 100% Ivy Levan.With an incredible style and some killer tracks under her belt already, Ivy is certainly one to watch out for this year. We honestly reckon that 2015 could be her year so watch this space; the dame's about to take over.
In our exclusive new interview, Ivy spoke about the meaning behind her new single 'Biscuit' and she teased the sound that we can expect to hear from her debut album. She also revealed which magical powers she'd love to possess.
Despite being done via email, Ivy's loveable personality definitely comes across in the interview. As mentioned by herself, she loves to paint pictures with her vocabulary. Check out Ivy's answers to our questions below.
For people who haven't yet heard your music, how would you describe your sound and style?
"I call it "Swamp Hop". What do you think of when you picture a swamp? It's dirty, messy, dark yet vibrant and swarming with life all at the same time. On top of that I'm from the south where swamps are a common thing so it makes sense. The Hop part is the groove of it all. The definition says "an informal dance" so that all tied together makes for a perfect description of what my sound and style is. I like to paint pictures with vocabulary."
Your latest single 'Biscuit' is taking the internet by storm, congratulations. How've you found the response?
"Thank you. It puts me over the moon!! Response has been amazing and such a hoot to be apart of. People are really grabbing the meaning of biscuit as their own and running with it. There's been some debate on which area of the body I'm talking about when I say "kiss it, my biscuit" but I wouldn't want to put any ideas in anyones head that could detour them from using their own imagination of course and wouldn't want to spoil the fun *wink wink ! Fans of "BISCUIT" have also been making tons of art and wacky collages which I love getting those lil surprises on my twitter and Instagram feeds. Its like a warped Christmas everyday for me! My co-star Beau Biscuit has somethings up his sleeve coming out soon too. He has asked me to keep my mouth shut but lets just say he has a lot on his mind and he's been a lot of places. So keep your eye balls peeled for that takeover! haha"
In the music video, you bring an actual biscuit to life. If you could have one magical power in the real world, what would you choose?
"If I was in a beauty pageant I would erase hate, create world peace and put a end to hunger...but I am not... so I choose teleportation....I'd probably go to all the haunted locations around the world first then hit Dubai. Oh yeah that and unlimited condiments would dispense from my mere fingertips at will....After all... I am a Saucemen."
The video for ‘Biscuit’ also features an awesome dance routine, did it take lots of rehearsals to master that or did it come to you quite quickly?
"I had two rehearsals to get it down. Luckily for me Tucker Barkley is a wizard of choreography and whipped me into shape in a snap. I looooove to dance and get down. I've always been one to move. I'm pretty energetic and if "my jam" comes on anywhere I can't help but to freak out. I took dance classes as a kid but I think music just lives in me so I just let it take over and flail like hell!"
Some of your previous videos tell one continuous story, can we expect a follow-up to 'Biscuit'?
"The magic 8 ball says......Maybe ;)"
‘Biscuit’ is slightly more dance than the songs heard on your previous EPs, is that a good indication of how the album will sound or will there be more jazzy tunes too?
"Its a big melting pot of all the music styles that I love past present and future infused into one record. Blends of Whitney Houston, Tina Turner all the way to Wu-tang, Misfits, Type O Negative, Depeche Mode, Annie Lennox, and Portishead. I'm quite the mixed bag when it come to musical influences. I tend to love strong female voices and unique textures in sounds. The record touches on every emotion a human can experience. Just like any person, I've evolved so the music has too but the roots are still there. I've had to learn to stay true to those roots and not fully rebel like I did as a angsty teen. Honesty is key. I have blues as my core so that'll never go away. I always tend to write and create music that has a ying and yang to it. Dark and Light. Glamour and dirt. You get the idea. I like to call it tongue and chic."
You're currently signed to Cherrytree Records, the label who helped launch Lady Gaga's career, how did that come about and how've you found working with them?
"I was intro'd to Martin Kierzenbaum over 3 years ago and I haven't looked back since. He really loves music and the entire creation process. I feel like hes a rare gem in this business. I can easily call that label my family. I am one lucky little DAME to have such a supportive team."
Who would you say some of your biggest musical influences are?
"Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Queen, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Annie Lennox, Portishead, Tom Waits, and the Misfits. I love deep round voices along with dark vibey tracks. I also love empowerment concepts with a fun groove. A mix of classic and interesting always dahhhhling!"
You previously starred in the film 'Drop Dread Gorgeous', do you want to do more acting in the future?
"Absolutley but music will always be my first love and first priority."
You're based in the US but do you have any plans to visit the UK for some shows at some point?
"YES, I’LL BE COMING OVER THIS YEAR AND I CAN’T WAIT! For the time being I'm doing New York Fashion Week and then back to LA for some local shows and then I'll be playing a ton at SXSW this year!"
What does the rest of 2015 have in store for Ivy Levan?
"PERFORMING ALL OVER, DOING TV, PRESS, FASHION SHOWS, YOU NAME IT. IF IT’S FUN AND GLAMOROUS, I’M GONNA BE THERE…. keep me busy or I'll implode! haha"
If you could leave a message for everyone who’s supported you on your journey so far, what would you say?
"Man I just can't believe I get to do what I love and be acknowledged for something that is my heart and soul. Its very humbling. I get inspired by it everyday. Without getting too cheesy I'll just say this... I hope my stories can continue to resonate with others because I promise to keep telling stories and creating with 200% honesty! Thank you for making my dreams come true all you beautiful weirdos! To my Empire of Dames #DAMEPIRES"
Did you hear that guys? Ivy Levan is actually going to be coming to the UK later this year. At the moment, we're not sure what her reason for visiting will be but we hope that it'll involve lots of touring and meeting fans.
'Biscuit' is currently available here on iTunes and Ivy's eagerly-anticipated debut album is expected to follow later this year. We can't wait to hear more of the dame's original material. While we may not have a noose tattooed on our finger, we're certainly going to 'Hang Forever' forever with Ivy and her awesome tunes.
