What is your name and role within the band?
My name is Devin but I go by Ivøry Black. I do it all except for drums and bass. Call me rhythmically unartistic haha probably not a good thing actually don’t do that. I can do them beats on a drum machine but definitely not on a kit.
How did you start?
I started writing at the age of 15, using my dad’s tape recorder and looping melodies to make harmony. Sang in the school choir several years and even played in a band with some friends.
Where are you based?
None other than the show me state! The center of it all KC Missouri. I was originally from Indiana, moved to Oklahoma and Seattle and came to Kansas City MO to build my music career in 2014.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
It used to be just gibberish free-styling with a guitar over a little drum beat. Now it’s just gibberish free-styling with a guitar over a little drum beat. I typically get some kind of melody begging to come out through what I do. Its good fun but I probably sound like an idiot if you’d walk in on me haha probably.
What are you working on right now?
I’m now working on my album. I’ll release the details on my social media outlets soon when I am satisfied with the direction it’s going. I DO have a name for it tho. And a concept too. Till then…
What is your gear setup?
This is for all the lovely techies out there. Anyone else feel free to skim through. Right now, I’m using a pretty non conventional looping setup. An RC 300 split out with different lines (acoustic, electric and drums) going into a mixer that goes directly to the FOH. I’m also looping my vocals with an RC 505 split out into my mixer as well then back out again. Then of course I have my trusty non-fussy bassist (Keenan) who runs his rig into the mixer as well then back out. It’s a fast setup with good results. It works for now. We don’t have amps.It’s all looping. I could go into the guitar effects too if you like. I have a fender telecaster that I run into a Bogner XTC then that into a Tech 21 Liverpool pedal I use for amp simulation then all that goes right into my Strymon Big Sky. The bag of chips goes directly into my looper. For my vocals I use a TC Helicon Play Acoustic.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I watch A LOT of movies. Depending what movie it is depends upon its affect on my writing tho. But usually it affects my writing very much regardless what it is.
How would you describe your music genre?
I consider myself a writer as well as an artist. Typically a writer first and artist second. Only cause what I write ends up being my art. I’m very philosophical in my lyrics at times but I have been known to cave in and make something simple and fun like Ready Get Set. I would consider my music to be groove driven with some experience and a little insight on what’s up in the world. Or at least from my perspective. Simply put… Alternative Pop with a little attitude.
Do you know any music theory?
Eh. I know enough to do what I want with my songs.
What are your plans for the future?
It would be nice to take my music on the road. Just to see the many places that are out there and gain some experience in front of different audiences and learn from mistakes I might make. Then I hope to throw a band together and do it all over again.
How did you get into music?
I’ve always liked it. Some of my earliest days inspired me to write how I do today. Over the years I just took control of what I thought music could sound like and have continually changed it since.
What are you listening to at the moment?
The news lol JK I’m listening to some local artists as I’m always working on my craft or playing out. So there’s a lot of my tunes daily while I’m working on them and a lot of local talent when I play out as well.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Nobody really sticks out to me but here are some influences off the top of my head.
Fleetwood Mac (Lindsay Buckingham is tops)
Stone Temple Pilots
The Beatles (Lennon and his philosophical self)
Rob Thomas (he’s kind of a hit machine)
Bee Gees (not their funky stuff) tho I like funk but they also did things that weren’t funk. Look up the song This Is Where I Came In. Hurry up I’ll wait…. okay see? Not funk right? Yes exactly. Moving on.
When are you playing next?
June 9th, I’m playing at a BBQ for the homeless. I’ve always wanted to give back (as I was homeless awhile now I’m not) and this is a really awesome opportunity. Free wings!
Please feel free to include any extra info.
I’m also doing a show for a documentary “Real Boy” on June 10th. It’s an LGBTQIA event that is showing the life of Ben Wallace who is trans. It is shown nationwide.
www.facebook.com/ivoryblackmusic
