International Pop upstart Just Ivy is in the midst of something special. Having already worked with Akon, getting numerous industry co-signs, and working with the legendary Laurieann Gibson, Ivy is definitely heading in the right direction. She recently released her Akon-assisted debut single, "Paradise," and is prepping her DJ Khaled produced second single "Bad Girl Takeover," featuring hip-hop star, Meek Mill, for release. We caught up with Just Ivy to find out more about her, and how she is handling her newfound success.
How did the collaboration between yourself and Akon come about, and what were some things you learned working with a superstar so early in your career?
It came about as our managers thought it would be a great fit to do this song together, and we made it happen! It was an incredibly elevating experience working with Akon, watching him help craft this record in the studio, bringing his legendary vibe and energy into this song, which gave it that extra pop, and good-feel party record that we were aiming for.
Your upcoming single, ‘Bad Girl Takeover,’ also features a hip-hop star in Meek Mill, how does this song differ from ‘Paradise’ and how was it incorporating Meek’s street edge into your more pop/soul soundscape?
I'm in love with the 'Bad Girl Takeover' song! But it's something totally different to Paradise. It is produced by DJ Khaled, with whom I’ve worked with for a while now, and it's been an honor for me. He is very talented and amazing to work with, and his energy, professionalism, and enthusiasm is everything!
When we were working on ‘Bad Girl Take Over,’ DJ Khaled said "we need to get someone that has the streets on fire on this track," and suggested Meek Mill.
Meek just hit it off from the second he walked in the studio. It was an incredible experience to see the whole process, him writing lyrics and going straight to the booth, he is so talented... His part on the record makes it edgy but beautiful, a gritty feel. He just "brings it."
You’ve noted some of your influences as Beyoncé and Michael Jackson, and you are currently working with the legendary Laurieann Gibson. What has it meant for you to have such influential talent guiding you in the performance aspect of the business, and has anything caught you by surprise as you have worked with Laurieann?
Working with Laurieann Gibson means a lot to me, I feel so blessed. She is the best in what she does. She is wonderful, talented and a very smart woman, and I love her not only for her work, but for her heart and personality. Spending everyday together perfecting our show you get to know and feel each other pretty well.
Laurieanne brings out a lot out of me, we are working very hard, and I love every minute of it. I gained a great deal of knowledge from her and she has an incredible work ethic.
I always knew that she makes you work really hard and that's what I love, so there were no surprises.
Having lived in both Europe and the U.S., and with each having a fairly distinct sound, do you think your sound favors one or the other, and how would you personally describe your sound?
I have records, which differ from one another. From pop to urban, and both mixed together, but at this stage it’s too early to describe my sound. Same when it comes to U.S. and Europe sounds favoring one another...maybe some listeners will feel that, and some not but to me its all about music, I never really thought of that differentiation aspect...
You’re currently working on your debut album, what can listeners expect from the project?
The album is a work in progress, but I can tell you already that it will have everything from hip- hop to pop elements, which is one of the reasons that we chose to release ‘Paradise’ as the first single, and follow that with ‘Bad Girl Take Over.’
I am still in the studio working and writing new songs with very talented producers and songwriters, and we are doing our best to please the music lovers.
You already have huge A-List co-signs, do you have any dream collaborators you’d like to work with?
I am already overwhelmed and very happy with the number of great and talented people I have worked and still working with. It’s really a dream come true and we have more songs coming!
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