FULL MOON FESTIVAL - A MATTE PROJECTS
As NASA's Science News reported, a “super moon” will be dominating the sky – yes it was not only the sky but also everyone's heart.
TWELV recently had the opportunity to chat with up-and-coming singer/songwriter Ivy Levan, who just released her debut EP, “Introducing the Dame,” on Cherry Tree/Interscope records. The four-song EP does precisely what it sets out to do: Introduce a lifetime of singing exemplified in 26-year-old Levan’s powerful and punchy voice, a world around her trying to mold her into something else, and a radical and effectual refusal to conform, found in her wonderfully unique musical direction and vintage femme-fatale look.
How are you?
I’m great. Just slapping on my face for the rest of the day.
That’s great! Before we start the interview, I just want to make sure I have the pronunciation of your last name correctly. Is it Le-Van? Lev-an? Le-Von?
It’s Le-Von.
You just released your debut EP, INTRODUCING THE DAME, on Cherry Tree/Interscope Records, and have a very unique sound and style—is that something that you stumbled upon, or was it your plan?
My style and sound is based off of my roots and where I was raised, [I was raised in the south] my background, and my bloodline—my daddy is a rockabilly singer. I always kind of fought my roots and who I really was. I was just against the whole twangy or soul sound, and I wanted to be a darker, more serious artist, so really, it was just me embracing who I am.
You define your music as “swamp hop.” Where does that name come from?
What do you think about when you hear the word swamp? You think of raw texture: dark and eerie, and there’s a lot of realness and rawness to it. That’s what’s in the music as well. We kind of painted that same picture.
I’d like to talk a bit more about the recording process. Why did you decide to go with an EP as your debut release instead of a full-length record? Is that a way of easing you into the public’s eye?
Exactly, it’s an introduction. More of a “Hey, this is who I am” rather than, “Hey, look how cool I am.” It’s a chance for people to either fuckin’ like it, or not like it. Take it or leave it, whatever, but this is what I am as an artist. You don’t want to get married the first day. You wanna take them out, wine and dine them.
It kind of echoes the name “Introducing the Dame.”
Exactly!
You’ve introduced a series of music videos to accompany three of the four songs, “Hot Damn,” “Money,” and “I Don’t Wanna Wake Up”. Was this to give people a visual introduction as well?
I wanted to make sure that this world was created around the project, that each song has a different look. The three videos are actually a trilogy, and together, they can create a story.
Alright, I guess finishing up, you just did a tour with FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS. What’s next?
Well, right now I’m shooting in Chicago, and I’m going to do the VH1 Rules Party for the Lollapalooza Festival, so that’s the next thing. After this, I think there’s going to be an album coming up, so I hope to get back into the studio and start working.
Interview By: J.P. Basileo
FULL MOON FESTIVAL - A MATTE PROJECTS
As NASA's Science News reported, a “super moon” will be dominating the sky – yes it was not only the sky but also everyone's heart.
Lisa Loeb is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who was the first unsigned artist to have a number one platinum-selling single, her hit “Stay (I missed you),” without a recording contract.
For decades music and fashion has been closely intertwined.
TATI ANA and NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB performed last week at the BROOKLYN BOWL. The crowd was everything you would expect from the cool electric bands.
TWELV readers and Lorde lovers listen up, here’s a chance to snag VIP passes for you and a friend.
Little Daylight is Brooklyn’s newest synth-pop project, bound for glory.
[My editors told me I could “go crazy on this one”, they're going to regret that.]
There was a time when the word 'pop' was deemed a dirty word in the music industry.
TWELV got the chance to chat with Paige Brubeck and Evan Sult of the band "Sleepy Kitty" to discuss muses, life in their favorite cities, Robert Rauschenberg, and welding.
NYC-based DJs Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall from "The Chainsmokers" recently let TWELV dress them up and pick apart their brains.
TWELV recently had the opportunity to chat with up-and-coming singer/songwriter Ivy Levan, who just released her debut EP, “Introducing the Dame,” on Cherry Tree/Interscope records.
Interview with Gabe Simon
Musical roots hold a bond thicker than blood for this "family."
Fashion icon, Daphne Guinness, has released her first music video, “Fatal Flaw.” The heiress croons on about love while flashes of color dance in and out of focus in a melodic trance.
TWELV Magazine is pleased to unveil this exclusive track from Neon Trees upcoming Lessons in Love (all day, all night) Remixes with this track by Michel Heyaca.
If we may be so bold as to introduce Motive’s new EP, It’s Illicit.
In no-nonsense rock 'n' roll style The Vaccines ascended the Terminal 5 stage at 10 pm Thursday storming straight into 'No Hope'.
Join Kitsune Friday night to honor stars of the NYC downtown music scene at Le Bain, The Standard Hotel's penthouse discotheque.
Charlene Kaye is not your typical singer songwriter. Her hit song “Animal Love” crosses more genres than a Girl Talk album.
Twelv considered hundreds of bands before deciding which to include in issue 2. As a New York based magazine, Twelv is always on the hunt for emerging music talent in the New York area.
The young California native, who currently calls Los Angeles home, said she knew she wanted to be a musician all her life and begun self-teaching at the age of nine.
Her name means nothing to most Americans, but Paloma Faith has the spirit of fame.
Five hundred anxious New Yorkers stretched down blocks of Franklin Street last night – and not just for the complimentary booze.
Is it really August already? Well we here at TWELV know how fast time flies when you’re having fun. Or when you’re vibing on the coolest new music videos.
Fiona Apple has been known as many things during her decade-spanning career: Jazzy. Sensual. Sociopathic.
It's strange to see the word "accessible" appear again and again in interviews with the notoriously abstract Dirty Projectors.
Not sure what your summer should look like? Well neither are we, but we've assembled five new music videos filled to the brim with sunny, stylish escapades.
The txalaparta, an ancient Basque instrument, is traditionally played through the use of partnership.
What if you took your favorite rap beat into the sauna with a bottle of red wine?
Brooklyn-based band DIIV, brainchild of Beach Fossils guitarist Zachary Cole Smith, was only formed about a year ago and played their first show late July of last year.
“Tu Fawning return this May with their sophomore release, A Monument.
1. You guys are playing at Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn on 6/11 and at Beacon Theatre in NYC on 6/15. What do you like the most about performing in New York?
Hailing from Westport, Connecticut; Canyon Sharits is a self-proclaimed "Song Peddler and Storyteller" who takes a confessional approach to all of her melodically distinctive Indie/Fo
“Armed with big choruses, blazing guitar solos, and powerful melodies, WILDSTREET is a sex-fueled rock n roll explosion beckoning the glory days of 80s arena rock.
Blonde Redhead is an American alternative rock band composed of Japanese vocalist and rhythm guitarist Kazu Makino and Milanese twin brothers Simone and Amadeo Pace, who play drums and vocals/lead...
