Grace Ives: The Rising Star of Lo-Fi Pop

Grace Ives is an American singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the indie music scene with her catchy and minimalist lo-fi pop songs. Her music has been praised by critics and fans alike for its originality, honesty, and charm. In this article, we will explore who Grace Ives is, what her music style is, and what her latest album Janky Star has to offer.

Who is Grace Ives?

Grace Ives was born on April 3, 1995, in New York City. She grew up in the Gowanus area of Brooklyn, where she was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences. Her father, Tim Ives, is a cinematographer who has worked on shows like Stranger Things and House of Cards. Her mother, Sophia Ives, is a creative director in the music industry who has collaborated with artists like M.I.A. and Britney Spears.

Grace Ives started making music while she was in college, studying New Media at the State University of New York at Purchase. She began working on music in her dorm room, using a Roland MC-505 groovebox to create beats and melodies. She also started singing and writing lyrics, inspired by her personal experiences and observations.

She released her first EP, Really Hot, in 2016, followed by her debut album, 2nd, in 2019. Both projects received positive reviews from publications like Pitchfork, Stereogum, and The Fader, who praised her unique blend of synth-pop and electronic music. She also gained a loyal fan base online, thanks to her DIY aesthetic and charismatic personality.

What is Grace Ives’ music style?

Grace Ives’ music style can be described as lo-fi pop that is both nervy and laid-back, but always irrepressibly fun. Her songs are often built around a Roland MC-505 beat, which gives them a retro and nostalgic feel. She also uses simple and catchy keyboard melodies, as well as sparse and witty lyrics that capture the essence of modern life.

Her music is influenced by artists like M.I.A., Britney Spears, Charli XCX, and Yves Tumor, as well as genres like bloghouse, dance-pop, and R&B. She also draws inspiration from her own experiences as a young woman living in Brooklyn, dealing with issues like love, loneliness, anxiety, and ambition.

Her music is not only enjoyable to listen to but also relatable and empowering to many listeners who can identify with her struggles and aspirations. She sings about topics like finding happiness in the mundane (“Lazy Day”), being confident in yourself (“Angel of Business”), and coping with isolation (“Lullaby”).

What is Grace Ives’ latest album Janky Star?

Grace Ives’ latest album Janky Star was released on June 10, 2021, via True Panther / Harvest. It is her second full-length album and her first collaboration with producer Justin Raisen, who has worked with artists like Sky Ferreira, Charli XCX, and Yves Tumor.

The album is a dynamic and diverse collection of songs that showcase Grace Ives’ growth as an artist and a person. It features more polished and varied production than her previous releases, as well as more introspective and mature lyrics that reflect her journey of entering adulthood.

The album title Janky Star refers to the idea of imperfect beauty and resilience. Grace Ives explained in an interview that “Everyone has a shitty star tattoo/stick n poke that’s never perfect or is rough around the edges. A beautiful thing to think about is that stars on earth look like blobs but in space really defined structures.”

The album consists of 10 tracks that range from upbeat and danceable tunes like “Loose” and “Back In LA” to mellow and melancholic ballads like “Shelly” and “Lullaby”. The album also features guest appearances from rapper Nappy Nina on “Burn Bridges” and singer-songwriter Kaya Wilkins on “On The Ground”.

The album received critical acclaim from various outlets like Paste Magazine, Pitchfork, Stereogum, and Rolling Stone, who praised Grace Ives’ creativity, versatility, and authenticity. The album also received positive feedback from fans who appreciated her honesty, humor, and charisma.

Conclusion

Grace Ives is one of the most exciting and promising artists in the indie music scene today. Her lo-fi pop songs are catchy, original, and relatable. Her latest album Janky Star is a testament to her talent and potential. If you are looking for some fresh and fun music to brighten up your day or make you feel less alone, you should definitely check out Grace Ives’ music.