Melbourne-based artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Alice Ivy grants us a captivating insight into her creative odyssey and thought-provoking artistry through her latest release, the music video for the single “Broke My Heart.” This exceptional collaboration features the talents of Jelani Blackman and Mallrat, with each of the three artists capturing their segments in the US, London and Australia. “Broke My Heart” infuses elements of soul, electronica and pop to create a fresh, immersive sound which lends itself perfectly to the charms of the unexpected-but-perfectly-matched collaborators.
“The hardest part about collaborating with artists all over the world is that we’re rarely in the same place at the same time. I wanted Mallrat and Jelani Blackman to be in the music video for “Broke My Heart” so badly, but between me working in the studio in Melbourne, Mallrat being a rockstar on tour in the States and Jelani releasing his album in London it didn’t seem possible,” Ivy shares. The result is a charming homemade collage of personal footage that collectively weaves an immersive tapestry of experiences that you can watch exclusively here, at Wonderland.
“I had a wild idea to send each of them an old-school camcorder in the post with a scavenger-hunt style list of things that evoke being heartbroken. It’s always the little things like going grocery shopping or making a cup of tea alone that really hit you in the feels, as well as the requisite wandering the streets, cuddling your fur babies and getting all introspective and moody on the piano or guitar. I was like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for those camcorders to come back and both Mallrat and Jelani hit it out of the park,” she says.
The single is the latest from Alice Ivy’s forthcoming third album, Do What Makes You Happy, which is due out next year on the legendary electronic label, Helix Records. “It was so interesting getting everyone’s different perspectives of the shot list! It’s a fun clip with two bonafide superstars that I had the great privilege of working with, plus I got to smash a cake at the end of the clip, which is a thoroughly enjoyable experience whether you’ve just had your heart broken or not,” she finishes.
Watch the music video…
Read the full interview with Alice Ivy…
How has the year been for you?
Honestly, I’ve been busier than ever! I released new music for the first time in two years, the first two singles off my new album, Do What Makes You Happy. I’ve been spending loads of time in the studio producing music for other artists in LA and Nashville and at my studio back home in Melbourne. I’m about to go back into touring mode, which is super exciting! This week I’m flying to LA for more recording and rehearsals, then I’m playing my first show in Mexico at Corona Capital Festival which is going to be huge. I’m so excited!
Congratulations on your new single, “Broke My Heart”! Talk us through the meaning behind the track?
“Broke My Heart” features some of my best friends and favourite artists, so this song is extra special to me, but if you’re wondering what the meaning behind the track is, it’s more or less a break-up song from the perspective of both partners. Mallrat and Jelani Blackman are both incredible lyricists, so true to their artistry and super visionary.
Why did you choose to collaborate with Jelani and Mallrat? How did the collab come about?
The bones of “Broke My Heart” began in one of the many studio sessions Mallrat and I had back in Melbourne. I love working with her and we always have a few things brewing! I loved this demo so much I knew I wanted it to be on my new album, so I went away and kept working on it in the background. A few months later I flew to the UK to play the Great Escape festival and saw Jelani Blackman play and I was like damn I would love to work on something with him one day, so I sent him the track and he added a verse that perfectly complemented what Mallrat had started and the rest is history!
Is this a sign of things to come from you?
I’ve got a new album coming out next year that features an incredible bunch of artists from all over the world. It’s called Do What Makes You Happy. I’ve spent the past two years travelling between my hometown of Melbourne, Australia and London, New York and Los Angeles working on it. I feel like it’s next level compared to anything I’ve worked on before and I’m so proud of it and I can’t wait to share it. I’m also super excited to be touring again, especially in the UK and US once the new album’s out.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
One thing I keep telling myself is I just want to make music that’s timeless. My favourite artists of all time are Marvin Gaye, Amy Winehouse, Kevin Parker, Mark Ronson, Tyler the Creator, people that have revolutionised music and make music that stands the test of time. In the type of world we live in today where people consume music faster than ever I think it’s important to continue to grow and adapt, but most importantly to make meaningful music that’s going to appeal to people across generations for eras.