Who exactly is Just Ivy? And, what in the world does “Purban” mean? Well, look no further, because the lady herself is happy to tell all.
Tell me about your whole inception into music. When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it actually all begin for Just Ivy?
I fell in love with music when I was little, and it always fascinated me. The power and influence it has on people, the emotions it can spark; music gives life to everything. It moves you. Makes you remember or forget things.
… As a little girl, I would always put on shows with my friends and force everyone to watch. I started singing in the choir, and then went on to solo, performing as a child in every possible concert in town. Oh, it was the best feeling! Then, the moment I recorded my first song in the studio, I knew that making music is what makes me happy and this is what I want to do.
… And then, it took time, but it started happening. I recorded a song, which ended up in DJ Khaled’s hands. We met in Jungle City Studios in New York where he was working on his album and he did a remix to it, and our energy clicked so well that we started working together. Two songs that Khaled produced for me are already out, “Bad Girl Take Over” featuring Meek Mill, and “Light Me Up,” and we have more coming. Around the same time I met DJ Khaled, I recorded my first official single, “Paradise,” and my team believed that Akon would be a great feature for it and he jumped on the hook. I’ve been so lucky with the people I’ve worked with; this all seems unreal to me even now.
Now where do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I was born in Ukraine and moved to Europe when I was little. Music from those places left an imprint on me for sure, but if we talk about biggest influences, of course it was Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Madonna and Whitney Houston.
At what particular point in time did you even opt to pursue music on a professional level?
I started getting serious about my career on a professional level in 2013 when DJ Khaled listened to my song, liked it and did a remix to it. After that, I was sure that this just got serious.
Where does your moniker originally derive from?
It’s a combination of my long last name and my first name.
That being said, how do you classify your overall sound and/or style?
I’m still working, and experimenting with my sound to find that perfect lane that is totally me. My friend and colleague Corey Chorus, who I write songs with, describes my sound as “Purban,” a mix of pop and urban.
Your recently unleashed entry is entitled “Adderall.” Tell me about this particular track? How did it come to fruition?
I fell in love with it from the first beat! I heard it in Miami while working on my upcoming album. When Corey [Chorus] played it for me and I was like, “It’s mineeeee; I’m in love!” Then we wrote the lyrics and recorded my part in Los Angeles. It’s a “live now” catchy song with a sexy vibe and great energy.
For it, of course, you teamed up with rapper French Montana. How did this collaboration even come about?
“Adderall” is a club anthem, and French Montana has enormous impact both in the club and at radio with his songs, so we felt it would be a great feature collaboration. It also helped that French loved the record!
What do you feel you bring to the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?
Every performer is unique and brings a part of their heart and soul into their music, their energy and life. All artists are so different from each other, so what you bring is a part of you, and that’s what I’m doing.
Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?
There are always problems and tough times in any career and music is no different. Everything takes time. You need to be patient and disciplined. You need to learn not to take things personally and expect the unexpected at any time because plans fail, people change, things go wrong and take you to places you didn’t expect going. It’s unpredictable.
What do you want people to get from your music?
I want them to get happy. To get positive vibes and good emotions, be able to relate to it. It’s as simple as that.
When can we, the masses, expect some other music from you, like maybe perhaps that full length solo album?
It’s all a work in progress, but you can expect a new single soon. I can’t wait for it to come out!
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Madonna! She is a phenomenal artist and woman. I absolutely adore her and everything she has done throughout her career.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
It’s not about the venue to me, but about the people that come out to see and listen to my music with a desire to do so. That can be at any venue, no matter how big or small. Because you feed off their energy and you give them your energy, when the feeling is mutual, the venue doesn’t matter.
One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
All my songs are different, yet each one of them is a part me. So it’s a mix of all of them that makes me, me. After all, only five singles are out, and I need to give you more songs for me to be able to explain what defines me by combining all of them together.
In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?
Hard work and dedication.
Do you have any other outside/additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I like fashion, cinema, art and I also think helping others is very important. When something is given to you, you need to share it with others.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?
It’s a big moment everyday. I meet amazing, talented, and interesting people. I learn every day. When you’re living your dream everything looks big, even if it’s only the beginning. I appreciate each day.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Having a family and a career. I will not only be making music, but working on other things that I will discover along the way. But as they say, if you want to make God laugh tell him your plans.
As for the immediate, what’s next for Just Ivy?
The new single, EP and album.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention? And, any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
I want to thank my supporters for their love! Without it, nothing would be possible.
