By: Shayla Lee
For fans of hard hitting R&B, Colorado-raised, Brooklyn-based musician IYVES is one to keep your eyes on. The diverse use of electronic, R&B, soul, and pop elements results in IYVES’ music being lush, atmospheric, and fresh. Although the production of her tracks is always ear-catching, her powerful voice is always what stands out the most. We had the chance to chat with IYVES about her new track ‘Gold,’ her musical influences, and what we can expect from her new music.
To people unfamiliar with you and your music, how would you describe yourself to them?
Hi everyone! I’m IYVES a Colorado raised, Brooklyn based artist. I’ve been living in New York for the past 6 years making music and performing. I would say my music is a hybrid of R&B soul meets pop/electronic.
Where do you draw inspiration for your music? Who are some of your musical influences?
I draw influences from all different time periods from — classic soul like Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers to classic rock and blues The Rolling Stones The Beatles, to my 90’s childhood of Destinys Child and Christina Aguilera to more modern sounds of today like James Blake, Amber Mark, and Lianne La Havas.
How do you approach creating music? Is it the same process each time or does it vary depending on the situation?
I often begin my songs with a melody I have in mind and then take it from there and develop it. Sometimes I have a track a producer and I are working on or we base the instrumental off of the melodic idea I wrote prior.
Earlier this year you released “Gold” after a year-long hiatus. Can you tell us more about this track?
The story behind “Gold” is about that moment you find someone better than you could have ever imagined. It’s that time in the beginning when you are skeptical but pulled in by the mystery and intrigue of it all. The song arrives at a place that you can’t get enough of this person and you are in absolute euphoria.
Mental health is something that is really important to us at Femme Riot and we love hearing about how others maintain balance in their lives. As a busy musician, what practices do you implement to ensure your health and well-being are taken care of?
Mental health is something I also take very seriously in my own life. If I feel out of sync mentally it affects everything else in my life. I make sure to keep exercise as a regular part of my week as well as eating a balanced and healthy diet. I really believe you have to begin within to make sure you are able to put out the best possible version of yourself. I also have learned to really honor what I am feeling whether I am feeling the need to be surrounded by friends and be social or just need a night in a some good rest.
I really believe you have to begin within to make sure you are able to put out the best possible version of yourself.
Have you faced any challenges being a woman in the music industry? If so how did you overcome adversity and do you have any tips for other women going through similar issues?
I have absolutely experienced challenges as a woman in the music industry. As women we are expected to show up and act a certain way. I have been told countless times of what “I should” do or what pictures “I should” use. Men have tried to use their power or connections to inappropriately overstep boundaries or undermine and manipulate me. I have overcome these things by knowing what I need and who I need to surround myself with to succeed. Trust and respect are crucial components when it comes to the people you choose to let in to your innermost circle.
What else do you have in store for 2019?
I have so much new music to share! I am so excited to put out this latest music I have been working on for the better part of the last year and a half. It’s evolved and has taken on some new sounds also speaks about my more recent life experiences. You can hear a sneak peak of my upcoming single “My Way’ used in the Todd Snyder Pride Month Campaign.
What songs are currently listening to?
I have been listening to a lot of Lizzo and HER as of lately. I think my female empowerment songs are really kicking into full gear right now.
Anything we haven’t asked that you want to add?
Thanks for the interview Femme Riot!
You can stay up-to-date with IYVES by following her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Fall in love with her beautiful music below!
FEMME RIOT 