St. Louis-based Ivey Amour isn’t one for diaries or subtweets. Instead, the understated R&B powerhouse gets her due in the studio, where desire, angst, & remorse fuse into empowering confessionals.
For Ivey, being her authentic self, even in the face of judgment, is true strength. Healing. So, you can catch her enchanting audiences near you with alluring vocals and brazen lyrics. Upbeat & emotionally-driven, her imaginative soundscapes draw listeners into her impassioned world.
Music is a lifelong venture for singer/songwriter, Ivey, mastering the piano at age 9, the flute at 12, & dabbling in guitar. As a teenager, she performed on stage for the first time at summer camp with her local arts program. The same year, Ivey performed in her school talent show. Being on stage so young – & loving it – Ivey realized her purpose. Letting her sound evolve as she’s grown through the years, replaying her experiences in her head as she writes, she masterfully bridges the soulful elements of classical R&B with the staggering confidence of today’s scene. But her work weaves through various styles & sounds. It allows her to stay creatively fresh, and explore universal human concepts like love & heartbreak.
Ivey’s attitude toward her work drives her success in the industry. While many artists only desire fame, Ivey has a deep passion for her craft. Music is, always has been, and always will be, everything to her.
What first got you into music?
I probably got into music the way most people do – listening to whatever their parents are playing in the car or around the house. My Grandma was always singing gospel songs around the house, and my Mom always blasted her favorite R&B and Rap favorites in the car on the way to school.
I’ve always naturally been drawn to music, and I tend to become instantly enamored with an artist if I really click with their music. In feeling those deep connections, I always wanted to have that level of emotional impact and connection with the world and my community.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I think a lot of my music has kind of a theme of coming from a place of defeat and fighting for a way out. Standing in what you feel and admiring the strength that is inside you even when it’s hard to be confident.
Have you always been interested in music? Was there a particular song/performance that made you say Woah! I want to do that.
When I was younger, I really enjoyed watching Hannah Montana. I thought it was so cool how she was able to balance her home life and make time and sacrifices to do what she loves most – which is singing. The first huge live concert I had ever been to was Katy Perry. After that, I was hooked!
What is your favorite song to perform?
I love singing Streets! I think it’s such a fun song and I always receive a strong response from the women in the crowd.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Don’t let anyone make you second guess yourself. If you have a strong feeling about someone or something, always trust your instincts!
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
If I could talk to a younger version of myself, I would tell her it’s okay to make mistakes and that failure is a part of the learning process. I would encourage her to embrace her uniqueness and follow her passions without fear.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Love & Growth by Ivey Amour
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?
If I were a superhero, I would still use the name Ivey Amour, and I think I would choose the power to speak telepathically. Being able to truly understand and connect with others emotions would be incredibly powerful. I’d also love to fly!
What is the best advice you have been given?
My family always tells me to have patience and be persistent. Patience and persistence form a powerful combination that enables us to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and determination.
What is next for you?
I plan to make more music while I’m on tour! I don’t want to keep the listeners waiting.
Haze” is a reflection of Ivy’s journey over the past few years. This EP touches on the different sides of love and what feelings or actions it can bring out of someone, as well as the idea that you can be at peace with your own company.
Musicians
Nick Chandler – Piano
KJ King – Bass
Jeremy Haymon – Guitar
Dorian Simms – Drums
Stream Ivey’s music here https://open.spotify.com/artist/0i7kCKpYy3ewWFJ6yGh8aW