In these times of uncertainty, when most of us might be found fluctuating wildly from bursts of cooped-up energy, to bouts of existential dread, there is one artist keeping it positive: London-born singer-songwriter Guy Ivory.
Blues and psychedelic-hued soul intertwine, with gospel elements soaring like a leap of the heart – bolstered by his raw and husky vocal prowess.
And his latest track “I’ll Be Okay” is no exception – an empowering and self-assured ode to lifting yourself out of troubles and finding inner-peace at times of strife. AKA exactly what we need right now.
Influenced by the seismic likes of Aretha Franklin and Shuggie Otis, later this year, the artist will be dropping his debut EP which is an intimate portrait of longing, love and ambition – all wound together with cinematic intention.
We caught up with Guy Ivory on early inspirations and his biggest pinch-me moment so far…
Who were your inspirations and who did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to blues and soul from the 1940s – 1970s. I tend to get fixated on musical decades, listening to them almost in their entirety before moving on to the next one. My biggest inspiration would be Aretha Franklin who helped me hone my writing, vocal phrasing and dynamics. I also love 2000s R&B grooves.
Your first single “I’ll Be Okay” looks at finding inner peace at times of turmoil – was it sparked by anything in particular?
Composing this song helped me connect with myself and find some comfort during a time when I had to make difficult decisions. The process of finding inner resourcefulness and reassurance is particularly relevant at this moment in time.
The song is empowering and lifting – why was the gospel aspect so important to you?
It is a powerful form of music that holds so much intensity and depth of expression. I love artists from The Caravans to Smokie Norful – their virtuosity and use of harmony is on another level and continually inspire me.