We had the good fortune of connecting with Ele Ivory and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ele, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’ve tried to reframe “risk” as unexpected adventure in my life. A few years ago a friend asked me about the balance of staying comfortable & in control while pursuing a creative path; I had never really verbalized my thoughts on this before but I realized that the artistic path is constantly living outside of your comfort zone. Taking a lot of risks means often failing, but continuing to walk forward and watching the path unfold before you is so beautiful. By my nature, I love to plan. I have so many goals and plans for my life but I’m realizing more and more that each step leads to something unexpected.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For a long time, I didn’t know how to describe my music. I knew what I was making lived left of center of the pop or singer-songwriter genre, but didn’t have the verbiage yet. Early on in my career, maybe 12 years ago, a songwriter told me not to stress about the box/genre that I labeled my work in. She encouraged me SO much in the freedom of pursuing my unique sound. Now, since I’ve grown into my artistic skin, when someone asks about my musical genre, I feel elated to tell them “poetic pop”. My sound is heavily chamber pop influenced, with string & horn arrangements; lyrically, I want to keep a dialogue going even after the song has ended. I write about how our personal heartbreaks and joys intersect with the major issues we face every day in this sometimes overwhelming world. I’m so proud of the journey that has brought me to my upcoming EP, “Age of Grace”, releasing November 17th. I feel like it’s the most “me” project I’ve ever been able to create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh what a fun questions! Nashville has so much to offer outside of downtown, so I would for sure day trip to Columbia, downtown Franklin, spend an afternoon with live music at Arrington Vineyards, and show them scenic Leipers Fork. East Nashville would be a must; brunch at Hearts, coffee at Living Waters, vinyl shopping at Grimey’s and exploring vintage thrift at Anaconda, Starstruck, and more. A snack at Authentique wine bar & dinner at Once Upon a Time in France sounds like the perfect way to end the day! For live music, we’d explore Rudy’s Jazz bar & an eclectic show at The Blue Room; they always have a good time in the works. Before they left town, we’d need to see the view of Nashville from Love Circle Park!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Fleming & John Painter! Two of the most incredibly talented people I know in Nashville. I believe that good mentors encourage you, but great mentors challenge you. Fleming & John have challenged me in my artistic journey and I’ve grown immensely as a vocalist, writer, and musician thanks to them. John produced my debut album, “Drama Club Days”!

Website: https://eleivorymusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleivorymusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eleivory/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EleIvory

Image Credits
Mishi Mode (NYC, September 2022) Emily Rios (Chattanooga, September 2022)

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