Ivy James isn’t afraid to embrace the dark complexities of emotion and existence in her new EP Ghost Of You — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Although she’s just turned 17, emerging singer-songwriter James unveils a soul-stirring collection of songs that suggest wisdom, talent and maturity beyond her years. Written entirely by Ivy, Ghost Of You dives deep into heartbreak, love, anger and sadness. Traversing the depths of emotion, this release serves as a cathartic release of past pain. Through cinematic melodies, Ivy shows people that they are allowed to feel big feelings and to let go of the idea of handling everything with grace. Ghost Of You is a collaboration with esteemed producer Mr Hudson (John Legend, Jay Z , The 1975) and is mixed and mastered by renowned musician and engineer Paul Hicks (Coldplay, Elliott Smith, Paul McCartney).
“Sometimes you just need to lose your mind, you know?” says Ivy. “Just be messy, get it all out, and just not care at all about people’s response. Ghost Of You means just that, what people have done to me and who they will become is something I just cant control and it is not a part of me or my story anymore, it’s just a bunch of ghosts in my rearview mirror.”
A California native, Ivy is a self-taught musician, singer and songwriter. Her compositions resonate with a depth and complexity that belie her age, weaving together lyrics and melodies that are dynamically rich and uniquely original. From her earliest moments, her affinity for music was undeniable, propelling her on a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences including Phoebe Bridgers, Title Fight, Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks, Ivy found her true calling within the music.
Despite the demands of school, Ivy’s dedication to her craft knows no bounds. In testament to her versatility, Ivy has started exploring co-writing with Mr Hudson as well as Michael Tighe (Mark Ronson, Jeff Buckley, Adele). These collaborations have further enriched her sound and expanded her creative horizons. From intimate performances to acclaimed venues, Ivy commands attention with her emotive performances and raw talent. In preparation for shows, Ivy spends days arranging every note sung by the members of her band, creating complex and chilling harmonies to further display her capability as a writer and composer. She is a captivating storyteller, weaving narratives that are deeply personal and stay in the hearts of the audience and listeners.
Hear Ghost Of You and watch her videos below, and follow Ivy James’ artistic growth at her website, Instagram and TikTok.