Ele Ivory
Ele Ivory is one of the best artists I’ve ever heard lately. I’ve been following her since the release of her debut album and I’ve been waiting for her to release new music. The time has finally come.
Her new single “Silly Me” is an emotional and empowering record about believing in ourselves and fighting for our dreams. As usual, the production is orchestral and cinematic. Ele Ivory’s songs have some of the best productions and I am never disappointed. Shout out to Jonah Folsom for co-producing this one.
”Silly Me” is the beginning of a brand new chapter for Ele and I cannot wait to hear more.
The new single is now available everywhere.
Hi Ele, how are you? What have you been up to since our last conversation?
Virginie! I’m doing so well. Always wonderful to talk with you. I’ve been busy dreaming up this next project in between playing shows for the last year. It’s been a sweet season of leaning into what I’m hearing next in my musical journey.
"Silly Me" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
Sonically, “Silly Me” is a singer-songwriter, chamber soft rock track for fans of Regina Spector, Ashe, Matt Maltese and Jake Wesley Rogers. I wrote this song as a cry to the void - existentially questioning the plight of an eternal optimist who is coming of age in this “chronically online” era. I believe for so many things in my life: in this wild journey of being an artist, in seeing the best in the world, in my faith and purpose here on this planet. Sometimes I can feel overwhelmed by my beliefs and wonder if I’m just a lunatic. Creating music that asks these existential questions has been so freeing for me, and often connects me with dreamers who are asking the same thing.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
I’m so thankful for the team behind this song. The first verse & chorus of "Silly Me” felt like it dropped out of the sky one day, always a joy in writing but not the norm, and I knew I needed help crafting this world and getting out of my own head with the song. I brought the idea to one of my most trusted songwriter friends, Maia Kelly, and she joined me in crafting the world of “Silly Me”. Maia is such a rare talent, so game for an out of the box idea & melody, and always ready to be vulnerable in her emotions during a write. I’m so thankful she’s a part of this song that means so much to me. Maia always reminds me how much she believes in me as an artist and I certainly needed that belief in this chapter of my journey. I produced the song with my fiancé, Jonah Folsom, in his Nashville home studio. I’ve collaborated with Jonah on many a song before (he was in my band before we even started dating) but we had never produced something for my project. I felt so free in the studio because I know he believes in my voice, message, and ideas and is more than willing to see the vision with me. He’s an incredible producer and I’m so thrilled by how this whole project came out. My future mother in law, Kristen, even makes an appearance on the trumpet.
What does this song make you feel?
Writing this song challenged me to keep fighting to believe in myself & my dreams. I’ve always been ambitious and optimistic; this song reminds me I’m not alone in this journey. Singing the bridge is especially cathartic.
What's your favorite lyric on "Silly Me”?
The bridge: “Maybe I’m alone in this / Maybe I’m a lunatic / Strangely comforted by the thought that a stranger might feel the way I do".
What made you want to release "Silly Me" as a single?
If I’m feeling this way, I know there’s other people fighting for their beliefs right now. Whether it’s their beliefs in their dreams, in their faith, in the world, I wanted to release this message to encourage people to keep going. It’s so worth it to continue to dream.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
My longtime friend and photographer, Emily Rios, and I were hanging out this time last year in Chattanooga while I was in town for a show. We had an idea for a photography session that would mimic a “painted” look, so we went to trader joes for some fresh flowers and then headed to her local favorite park. I love creating with Emily; her adventure behind the lens is always exciting to be a part of. For the lyric artwork, I found a piece of scratch paper at home, some vintage stickers, and photocopied the result. Pretty DIY and I think it’s pretty cute.
What biggest lessons have you learned since the release of your debut album? How did things change for you since that release?
I learned the importance of following your own intuition & path. I’m so thankful for the genuine connections I’ve made with people since releasing “Drama Club Days” & it amazes me to see how songs resonate with folks in their own journeys. I’m so thankful for how making that album challenged & grew me as an artist.
As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?
For me, it’s all about telling a story & making a personal connection. I write to connect with myself and with other people who might feel like they’re alone in their experiences. Music brings people together like nothing else; if I can accomplish new friendships and connections through my music, I’ve achieved my goal.
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