The Ivy on Songwriting, Inspirations, and New Music
interview
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interview ✦
The Ivy, the Tulsa-based duo of Wyatt Clem and Shawn Abhari, are gaining traction as a standout indie-pop act with their magnetic blend of sharp songwriting and innovative production—weaving together elements of electronic, rock, and indie-pop to forge an undeniably engaging sound.
Since their emergence with viral singles like "Gold" and "Have You Ever Been In Love," The Ivy has used each passing release to captivate audiences, crafting both introspective and anthemic music. Their 2024 debut album, A Door Still Open, showcased this vast potential as standout artists, solidifying their position as a rising force in the indie-pop world. And now, the duo has returned with their addictive single “Don’t Fall Asleep To This,” becoming one of their most potent, impactful tracks to date.
So needless to say, with a unique sound, captivating stage presence, and a growing legion of dedicated supporters, The Ivy is poised for continued success as they embark on their upcoming North American tour.
Photo Credit: Jordan Lynch
Your music seamlessly blends indie-pop with elements of electronic and even a touch of rock. But in your own words, how would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with your music?
Shawn: We like when people use the word “nostalgic” to describe our music. Each song has its own distinct style, but at the core, we really just try to make music that sounds good to us in the moment. By taking that approach, we’re able to make every track unique while still staying true to the indie-pop elements that define our sound.
You've been gaining a lot of traction with singles like "Gold" and "Have You Ever Been In Love." What are some of the key elements that you think have resonated with audiences?
Shawn: I’d like to think it’s a mix of the chord structures and top-line melodies—I think there’s something about them that people resonate with. The 80s inspired sounds also played a big role. It felt like the right sonic fit blending nostalgic sounds with something new and exciting.
Photo Credit: Jordan Lynch
Your debut album, A Door Still Open, was a significant milestone. What were your goals for the album, and how do you feel it reflects your growth as a band?
Shawn: Our goal was to write and put together a well-rounded group of songs that we felt showcased what we do best, while also implementing new elements and styles. The best albums are ones that feel like a dynamic journey and we think we accomplished that with A Door Still Open.
You've recently collaborated with Lyncs on the single "Don't Fall Asleep To This", and I have to acknowledge that it’s such a strong track! What was the most rewarding part of that collaborative experience?
Shawn: Thank you! For me, the most rewarding part was seeing the song evolve from a simple lullaby-like piano melody into the vibrant, uptempo electro-pop song it is now. Lyncs brought such a unique energy and perspective to the song as well. It wouldn’t have been the same without her!
Your live shows are known for their energy and captivating stage presence. What can fans expect from your upcoming North American tour?
Shawn: We’ll definitely be bringing the energy this tour! We’re so excited to get back on stage and play for our fans again!
Photo Credit: Jordan Lynch
How has your songwriting process evolved since your early days? What are some of the biggest influences on your creative process today?
Shawn: The biggest difference is how much more experience we now have to pull from. In the beginning, we were still figuring out how to achieve certain sounds, which sometimes dictated the direction of our music. Now, with a stronger musical understanding, we have the freedom to experiment and refine our sound in ways that feel truly intentional.
When it comes to music that you’ve been working on—how would you describe the next chapter of your career?
Shawn: I would say the next chapter of The Ivy is a lot more raw and authentic. We’re always trying to find the best way to tell the stories we want to tell.
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