IYVES
Brooklyn-based artist IYVES unveiled her latest single “Gold” on April 19th.
Written by IYVES, Mori Einsidler, Lucas Hass and Myles Avery, the r&b-pop single is about that moment you find someone better than you could have ever imagined. Accompanied by a poignant music video directed by Nwabisa Tolom, “Gold” is a well-produced record highlighting big melodies and harmonies.
The Colorado native revealed the acoustic version of “Gold” on May 19th.
“I believe when you can hear the song more stripped down it lends itself to be seen and heard in a new light. The mood, lyrics, melodies can take on a new meaning, or be received in a different way than the full production,” says IYVES.
“Gold” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Lissyelle Laricchia
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
Hi there, my name is Hannah Taxman aka IYVES. I'm originally from Boulder, Colorado and currently live in Brooklyn, NY.
What's your story?
I grew up in the beautiful rocky mountains for Boulder, Colorado. I began singing younger than I can remember (probably and formally around 7/8 years old). I then went on to attend Berklee College of Music. After graduating I moved to New York where I have been primarily writing and recording music for the past 6 years!
Could you describe us your childhood a little bit? Any favorite memories?
Growing up in Colorado I spent a lot of time outdoors, whether it was playing around in my backyard (the mountains) hiking, or camping trips with friends. I grew up in a home that music and art was very valued and at the forefront of my home experience. Both my parents are music and art enthusiasts and constantly housed touring musicians. My sister and I both musicians would play and write music on a regular basis. Some cacophony of sounds were almost always happening in my home.
Growing up, what were you passionate about?
At a very young age I chose music or music chose me to be their muse. I was always singing and quickly gained the identity of the singer/musician amongst my peers and teachers.
How would you describe yourself today?
Today I would say I have maintained this strong identity a a musician and artist. I am very curious and constantly expanding what that means. My sound, lyrical content is always taking on new shape and form.
When did you decide to fully pursue music as a career?
School and higher education was something that was very encouraged and valued in my family so I suppose as soon as I graduated from college my journey for becoming a professional musician began. I had been writing songs well before but to really pursue and put the pieces together to make a career out of it began shortly after moving to New York.
When did you realize the music you are making right now was the right sound for you?
As I mentioned before I am constantly working towards getting closer to my "authentic true sound". I find that my sound and what is inspiring continues to shift and change. I think the key is that if the sound, message feels true and real to me while creating it then I know that I've arrived at a good place.
How would you define IYVES, the artist?
I'd like to think IYVES as an artist is a strong force, that can withstand challenges and obstacles. I want my music to inspire, move and communicate human emotions and experiences that some can't put to words.
How did your sound evolve after the release of your first EP Chromatic?
My sound is constantly evolving based off of my growth, life experiences and current inspiration. I'd say my music took on a bit of a larger sound and has more pop sensibility as of lately.
"Gold" is your new single - what's the story behind this song?
The story behind "Gold" is about that moment you find someone better than you could have ever imagined. It's that time in the beginning when you are skeptical but pulled in by the mystery and intrigue of it all. The song arrives at a place that you can't get enough of this person and you are in absolute euphoria.
When did you start working on "Gold"?
I began working on "Gold" early 2018.
You worked with Mori Einsidler, Lucas Hass and Myles Avery on this song. How was it like to work with them?
I have been working on a ton of music with this group of people. "Gold" was actually the first song we ever wrote together and it really set the ton for the music we have continued to make. We all really balance one another and are all able to use our strengths to create something we are all very proud of. It's overall just a safe and nonjudgemental place to experiment, we often try things we aren't sure will work or sound good but we aren't scared to try-- which ultimately lends itself to a great place to create something amazing.
What made you want to release an acoustic version of this song?
I believe when you can hear the song more stripped down it lends itself to be seen and heard in a new light. The mood, lyrics, melodies can take on a new meaning, or be received in a different way than the full production etc. "Gold" is a song that is about a very personal experience so putting out a more vulnerable, bare track made a lot of sense for this song in particular.
What do you like the most about this particular song?
This song is so special to to me because I was able to channel a lot of my musical inspiration -- I have moments that are intimate and sensual and then I get to channel my big gospel vocal moments. This song was one of those tracks that sort of just wrote itself. We didn't over think this one.
Could you tell us a little bit about the music video? What was the inspiration behind the video?
The concept of the video was to have a group of people come together who have been constrained and have held themselves back and finally have their true desires unleashed by the enchantment of a divine feminine. The idea was to challenge that taboo of desire and sensual indulgence. The song speaks of finally feeling "gold" after only have experiencing silver. And I as the dinner host have this opportunity to pass this gift off to my dinner guests. It's meant to be seen as euphoric, over the top, much like the first experience of true pleasure. We purposely set it to be in no specific time era because we wanted to illustrate a feeling that has existed for years and years but still holds relevance for today.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
To be an artist means you have the opportunity to show your humanity in various forms, to channel some inner truth or expression into a new shape or experience. Being an artist has edges, vulnerability, and is bold. The hope is to move people even if they don't like it the hope is to get them feeling something.
As an artist, what message do you want to deliver to the world?
I hope my message can give people understanding, words or sound to emotions they couldn't quite articulate on their own. I hope my music triggers emotion and inspiration the way that my favorite music does for me.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Understanding. We are all so much more alike then we are different. If people could stop focusing on the little gaps and realize we all more or less want and feel the same things then we would be a lot closer to a beautiful world.
What biggest lessons have you learned as a human being and as an artist?
I think my biggest lessons I learned as a human being also very much apply to being an artist and that is, be authentic and get out of your own way! Being human and artist are one in the same -- getting to be an artist is a gift but also a responsibility to speak my truth and be as human as possibly. The things that are the most felt and well received are the things that come from the heart and soul. You can't overthink that because then you take away from the humanity of it all. I find myself unlearning all the time.
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