One West Magazine Catches up with Ivan Ives

Who is Ivan Ives and what kind of music do you make?

Ivan Ives: My music has changed a lot from when I first started in the mid-2000s. I’ve always had a passion for lyricism, but I feel like my songwriting has gotten more focused and specific since I started.

Who has been your inspiration behind your music career and when did you first realize you wanted to pursue rapping?

Ivan Ives: I’ve always loved hip hop. The greats I listened to growing up are who inspired me: DITC, Notorious BIG, Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde, and the Beastie Boys.

I also am inspired to talk about the place I’m from. Los Angeles is a place that is so beautiful on the surface layer that it makes the reality even uglier. There are a lot of conceptions about the city that I like to play with in my music. Growing up here has given me the perspective of how it used to be, how it’s changed, and how it hasn’t. That’s why on my “California” song, I talk about how the people are so fake, they smile all day, and their faces really take that shape. Something about so many people here pretending to be nice, to get an audition, or to be discovered – turns them into this hyper-real overly-nice breed of mannequins. But then there’s a whole other part of the population, the real people, with real jobs, that provide a true juxtaposition to the glossy world people think of when they think LA.

I really loved your most recent album “Stranger”. What was your inspiration behind creating that?

Ivan Ives: Thank you. I spent a long time on the record and it means a lot to me on a personal level. This is by far my most introspective album to date. It draws a parallel on feeling like an outcast in both life and hip hop.

When people hear your music what message do you want to leave with them?

Ivan Ives: I’ve always been into really subversive lyrics put into more palatable formatting. Above all, I’d like for people to take a step back and see what’s going on in our world.

Your music videos are very unique who comes up with the vision and how do make them come to life?

Ivan Ives: I am a filmmaker, so I have an intense passion for visuals. I usually come up with at least the base idea for my videos, even though I do love collaborating with as many other talented artists as possible.

Is there any new music in the works?

Ivan Ives: I’ve been collaborating with my friend Aaron Marsh on our project, THE LULLS IN TRAFFIC. We are looking to finish the debut album in the near future.

Do you have any upcoming shows that your fans can come out to support?

Ivan Ives: The Lulls In Traffic will have some shows to coincide with the album release!

Who are some recording artists that you would like to collaborate with next?

Ivan Ives: Well.. 50 Cent is rapping still..

Do you have any advice for the struggling music artists who do not know how to get their music heard by the right people in the music Industry?

Ivan Ives: There are no “right people.” Everyone that hears your music is the right people. You never know what fans can do for you. I’ve met fans that ended up really helping push my music to really unique places and for that I’m grateful. Just be authentic, and put out music that you yourself would like to listen to. Do shows, meet people, and make music videos. The rest will come together.

How can your fans and supporters find you on Social Media for any updates about your music?

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/realivanives/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/thisisives

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ivanives/

About Doc Herbalist 299 Articles
Hey, I'm Doc Herbalist and I'm the Online Editor-in-Chief as well as the web developer and designer here at One West Magazine. I hope you enjoy the online magazine articles and website that I've put together for your reading pleasure. Peace and Love. ~DoC

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