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Grace Ives

Biography

Grace Ives is a singer-songwriter and producer from New York City, known for her energetic, lo-fi synth-pop sound and confessional lyricism. Raised in a creative household by parents involved in music and film, Ives began experimenting with music at a young age, even forming a short-lived childhood band with Greta Kline (Frankie Cosmos)[1]. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), earning a degree in graphic design, and briefly studied poetry at SUNY Purchase before fully committing to music[1][3].

Ives released her debut EP 'Really Hot' in 2016, followed by her first full-length album '2nd' in 2019, which established her as a distinctive voice in indie pop with its catchy, minimalist production and candid songwriting[3]. Her 2022 album 'Janky Star' further showcased her blend of blunt honesty and playful pop sensibility, exploring themes like sobriety, mental health, and modern relationships[1][4]. Ives' music is characterized by its stripped-down arrangements, quirky melodies, and a DIY ethos, drawing comparisons to both 1980s twee-pop and contemporary pop icons[5].

Despite her rising profile, Ives maintains a grounded, self-deprecating persona, often addressing her anxieties about performance and the pressures of artistic perfectionism[2][4]. Her work resonates with listeners for its vulnerability and relatability, positioning her as a unique figure in the current indie pop landscape.

Fun Facts

  • Grace Ives once considered making jingles for commercials and would score TV shows with the sound off, but always ended up writing pop songs instead[2].
  • She struggles with intense stage anxiety and perfectionism, often making multiple versions of her songs before releasing them[2].
  • Her album 'Janky Star' was described by Pitchfork as 'pop music made from the inside of a maraca,' highlighting her unique production style[4].
  • Ives' music has been featured in skateboarding videos by Abe Dubin (Orange Man), whom she met after a particularly memorable show[2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Parents (music and film industry) - Raised in a creative household; early exposure to music and the arts (Childhood musical activities, early inspiration) [Childhood–present]

Key Collaborators

  • Frankie Cosmos (Greta Kline) - Childhood bandmate in a short-lived group (Early band (unnamed)) [Childhood]
  • Abe Dubin (Orange Man) - Used Ives' songs in skateboarding videos after meeting at a show (Skateboarding video soundtracks) [2019–present]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
Has Page
No Page

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Janky Star 2022-06-10 Album
2nd 2019-04-22 Album
2nd 2019-04-22 Album
2nd 2019-04-22 Album
2nd 2019-04-22 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Lullaby (Janky Star)
  2. Babyyy (Really Hot)
  3. Mirror (2nd)
  4. Icing on the Cake (2nd)
  5. You or Nothing Else (Really Hot)
  6. On The Ground (Janky Star)
  7. Shelly (Janky Star)
  8. Me Me Me (Really Hot)
  9. Isn't It Lovely (Janky Star)
  10. Back In LA (Janky Star)

References

  1. truepanther.com
  2. theisisnicolemagazine.com
  3. purchase.edu
  4. officemagazine.net
  5. scaruffi.com

Heard on WWOZ

Grace Ives has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 30, 202500:10Icing on the Cakefrom Icing on the Cake - SingleAdjacentw/ Benny Poppins
Dec 16, 202500:34Lullabyfrom Janky StarAdjacentw/ Benny Poppins
Nov 18, 202501:15Avalanchefrom Singles - SingleAdjacentw/ Benny Poppins