Live Review: Alice Ivy goes old school with a twist on new track, 'Be Friends'
Alice Ivy blends Motown, hip hop and electro influences into an euphoric tune that will definitely make you want to be her friend.
Each week, we select one artist to feature as our Spotlight Artist. This week, we’ve chosen ALICE IVY. For more Spotlight Artists, head here.
Melbourne-based producer ALICE IVY (AKA Annika Schmarsel) has proved once again why she deserves the hype, with new track 'Be Friends'. The tune is a joyful tribute to new relationships and best mates that will have you nodding your head from the first beat. Ivy refuses to be categorised, blurring the boundaries between genres as easily as she writes relatable lyrics, and 'Be Friends' is no exception.
"When I wrote 'Be Friends' I wanted to capture that endless rush of excitement you get from listening to the music of Motown," Ivy says, and the tune definitely channels some funky retro vibes. However, it is by no means old-school, incorporating contemporary hip-hop elements alongside the snappy drums and pounding synths. The lyrics are cute without being cutesy, and the sunny melody is countered by the groovy breakdown and electric guitar riff, creating a tune perfect for picnics in the park as much as nights out on the town.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
Ivy's work is inherently collaborative, and she consistently brings out the best in the artists she makes music with. On this track, she teamed up with Adelaide-based emcee and one half of Man Made Mountain, Caseaux O.S.L.O.alongside Singaporean singer Tim De Cotta, whom she met while touring there in 2016.
"I've always had heaps of time for 'Man Made Mountain' so working with Cazeaux O.S.L.O was like ticking something off the bucket list," she explains. "I met Tim Di Cotta whilst on tour in Singapore last year, as I was watching him perform I was thinking holy hell I need to work with this guy - he sounds like Justin Timberlake!" We couldn't agree more.
Alice Ivy's debut album will be out later this year. Catch her at the following dates:
Listen Out Melbourne - Saturday, 23rd September 2017
Listen Out Perth - Sunday, 24th September
Listen Out Sydney - Saturday, 30th September 2017
Listen Out Brisbane - Sunday, 1st October 2017
Karova's Carpark Festival - Saturday 07 October 2017
The Plot Festival - Saturday 18 November 2017, Parramatta Park
Image: Michelle Pitiris
Words by Molly McLaughlin
SEE MORE
More From Our Network
