Good things take time, and The Ivy, the Oklahoma-based synth-pop duo, proves this adage with their much-anticipated debut album, ‘A Door Still Open.’ While their earlier works, including the 2017 single ‘Have You Ever Been In Love’ and the EP ‘Next Stop,’ already showcased their talent, this latest release marks a significant evolution for the band, both sonically and in their songwriting.
Comprising Wyatt Clem and Shawn Abhari, The Ivy has been recognized as rising stars in the indie pop scene. ‘A Door Still Open’ solidifies their position, demonstrating their growth and musical prowess.
In an exclusive interview with Road Trip Playlists ahead of the album’s release, The Ivy delved into the creation process, shedding light on the introspection and honesty that became crucial elements of the record. Shawn, the band’s synth player and bassist, emphasized their improvement in expressing life experiences genuinely.
“I feel like we’ve gotten better at expressing where we are in life and in an honest way. Last year was a lot of introspection for me, and it kind of felt like I just had nothing else to write about,” shared Shawn. “I just had to say what I’m feeling and what I’m dealing with in this stage of life.”
Both Shawn and Wyatt acknowledged that their growth as songwriters contributed to producing their “most honest music yet,” and their vulnerability became a driving force in their songwriting.
“There’s only so much to write about while, at the same time, you are dealing with your own internal struggles as you grow and figure life out. So that’s where we’re at. And hopefully, it reflects in the album and becomes a relatable piece for the people listening,” Wyatt added.
Contrary to expectations, the album’s introspection doesn’t translate into a melancholic tone. The band intentionally embraced a happier and upbeat vibe, influenced by their experience writing and recording parts of the album in the Mexican surf town, Punta Mita.
The DIY studio, constructed from shipping containers owned by a family friend, played a significant role in shaping the album’s overall vibe. Wyatt explained, “I think being in such a sunny, warm place, at least for me, I feel like where some of the songs might have typically taken a sadder and more emotional tone, we decided to go with a happier kind of upbeat vibe for a lot of the ideas.”
The influence of the Mexican beach town extended beyond the music’s tempo and pace, as evident in tracks like ‘Street Dog,’ inspired by the feral street dogs roaming Mexico’s streets.
‘A Door Still Open’ represents another milestone in the nine-year musical journey of Shawn and Wyatt, who first crossed paths at an Oklahoma Music School. Reflecting on their meeting, Shawn shared, “I came up with the name The Ivy and knew I wanted it to be a band, but I didn’t have any members in the band. After literally posting Craigslist posts and meeting with random people, I finally met Wyatt at a music school, and we hit it off and shared the same taste in music.”
Starting as a one-show collaboration, the duo’s musical connection led to a lasting friendship and the birth of The Ivy. Their debut on Spotify garnered millions of streams, and subsequent performances alongside bands like LANY and The Band Camino, as well as appearances at festivals like Lollapalooza, solidify The Ivy’s position among the great synth-pop bands of today.
In summary, ‘A Door Still Open’ not only showcases The Ivy’s musical evolution but also serves as a testament to the power of introspection, honesty, and the influence of unexpected locations in shaping an artist’s work. The album positions The Ivy as a force to be reckoned with in the indie pop landscape, and their journey is undoubtedly one worth following.
