Fast-rising Norwegian emcee, Ivan Ave enlists US talents MoRuf, Zee and iconic London artist and producer Jay Prince to deliver the jazz-infused “Orbit”. The new track feels like an ode to true Rap and Hip Hop infused with R&B.
If you've kept up with us, you'll know Ivan was on our 2022 One's To Watch list and this new track (with a new album on the way) is the perfect example of why we think he's here to stay and takeover the music scene in and out of Europe.
Tell us a bit about your story: who are you and what has your journey looked like so far?
At the end of the day, I’m a hip-hop kid who’s been given the chance to make a life and a living doing the types of music I love the most. I’m still chasing the energy of the music I fell in love with as a kid, while exploring how I can fuse those styles with more recent finds and fascinations. I think my path has been one of hit and miss artistically, still is, which I’m cool with.
Who inspires you musically and creatively?
Creatively I look up to people I know who work with wood and ceramics, and the way their process is oriented around enjoying the work, enjoying the act of creating something. I can get too caught up in somehow perfecting the end result, and that can be a real buzz kill. I’m working on this, and think I’ll get there. Musically some of my inspiration lately has been Gigi Masin, Michael White and the Soon Come tape Touching Bass put out.
What is the creative process behind your music?
The process behind my upcoming album All Season Gear was obviously shaped by the isolation and waiting game of the pandemic. I sat on music for too long, and didn’t really know which direction I wanted the album to go in aesthetically. So I ended up going in all directions at once, all of my favourite sounds, an album with all purpose music for all seasons. Sonically, "Orbit" sits in the middle of that plethora.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during your journey?
Been working on speaking to myself more kindly, not finding too much of my self worth in my work. So not really a piece of advice I’ve received, but a topic I have good conversations about with my friend Jo, my girl and other close ones. I would say it comes down to diversifying the ways in which you perceive and recognise your value.
How do you nurture your creativity?
I go crate digging!
What do you hope your music will reveal to your listeners?
This new material is meant to continue a dialogue with my listeners, maybe bring some new ones into the fold. The songs say: "I’m still here, and so are you, and so are most people. Let's keep going."
Are there any upcoming shows or projects we can look forward to?
I'm excited about all the new releases from various artists coming out on Mutual Intentions, so I would recommend people check out the label!
Is there any advice you want to give to new artists?
Don’t get lost in the sauce.
Stream the new track here:
Images by Kim Dürbeck and Mohamed Chakiri