We’re excited to feature a talented artist who’s making big waves in the music scene—IVORY BLUE. From her early days playing in coffee shops in Washington, Indiana, to pursuing her musical dreams here in Kansas City, IVORY BLUE's journey is as inspiring as her music. With a unique blend of pop and rock influences and a modern twist, her sound is something you don’t want to miss. Ahead of her live performance at ULAH on August 15th, we had a fun chat with IVORY BLUE about her musical journey, inspirations, and what you can look forward to at her show.
Can you tell us a little about your musical journey and how you got started?
I started writing music at the age of 14 as soon as I could play guitar well enough. I then continued playing in coffee shops around Washington, Indiana. After that I migrated to Kansas City to pursue a career as IVORY BLUE.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest influence has to be The Beatles. Fleetwood Mac and over these last few years I have been listening to Miley Cyrus and LP.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?
It’s basically an array of pop and rock influences with a twist of techniques that give it a modern feel.
What is the story behind your stage name, IVORY BLUE?
I was originally IVORY BLACK. It was a name that meant bringing darkness into the light to show the unknown for what it is. Part of a duality. whether that be a misunderstanding of something or just the complete unknown. But then I had to change it to IVORY BLUE cause of trademark issues. Which in my opinion means a new beginning.
Bad Dreams was a song about the events of the world unfolding. I was putting out Howl, Flashback, and Batter Up… they all had negative connotations that told a story of pain and suffering. This song Bad Dreams is really about just realizing it’s not as bad as it seems. Like our dreams, everything has a reason and a meaning.
I hope to convey hope and peace with my music. My goal is to write music that transcends people’s emotions and lifts them up when they are feeling down. Music is very influential so I want my music to influence people in a positive way.
My live performance will be acoustic renditions of my produced songs that I’ve released as well as some on the back burner.
Buck Moon, (aka Buck Wimberly, co-owner of ULAH), will be playing his song Indigo Night that I produced in my studio with him. I will accompany him with guitar and possibly my vocals as well as I did on the track itself.
I practice a lot. Practice makes perfect!
Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac. He just knows how to produce and makes the coolest guitar licks I’ve ever heard. I could learn a lot from him.
The best way for me to unwind after a show is to treat myself to a good drink and join with my fans and friends and answer any questions they have about my music.
Take On Me is my go to karaoke song
