INTERVIEW: Ivy Flindt

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Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Thank you so much for having us!

Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Seal My Lips”?

It‘s the sweetest song on the record, it has a young vibe to it, naive even, but shouldn’t be mistaken for a love song.

Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?

Yeah. His name was Tim! No, just kidding. Usually there is something I am touched by, a certain mood that gets intense and leads into poetry and writing music. For me a creative process starts with an intense feeling and I take it from there.

How was the filming process and experience behind the video?

Everyone has heard of low budget productions. This one is a DIY-no-budget-production: it was just Micha and me and a camera in my living room, 2 lights and two shower curtains. Impact has nothing to do with a huge budget, to us at least. It sure helps, but you need an idea anyway. However, we wanted to focus on the story only. You can follow it in the protagonists’ eyes.

The single comes off your new album In Every Move – what’s the story behind the title?

It’s the title of our debut. It‘s about feeling a deep connection to someone, a connection that might not need any words. It tells of longing, keeps you warm on a winter‘s day.

How was the recording and writing process?

The songs were mostly completed before the recording process began. In the studio, we mainly worked on arrangements, a sound concept, sometimes on the song structure.

Micha and I played each song to Per, our producer, only voice and an instrument. We started by talking about every song’s intention first, understanding the mood that lives in each song. Then we double-checked on every note, every lyric and every sound: did we make the right choices?

What was it like to work with Per Sunding and how did that relationship develop?

It was pure pain and pure pleasure. He was pushing us to the limit and beyond. We were all dedicated to make this record as beautiful and intense and poetic as possible. We just wouldn‘t stop. If anyone had any concern about anything we‘d all work on it as a group until we all were happy with it. We trust him 100%. He is a kind soul, very funny and incredibly talented. We admire him for his curiosity. Very open minded.

How much did he get to influence the album?

That’s a little hard to measure I guess. It‘s the studio, the instruments used, the sound we chose, the jokes we made, the strong Swedish coffee, the hot summer outside that we didn’t get to enjoy much of as we were dedicated to work in the studio close to 24/7. Per surely was some sort of quality control. When we got stuck he offered different points of view how to continue. Sometimes he would appear in the studio without notice getting us back on track, and then dissolving into nothing. Almost spooky! I remember him well saying: “Yeah, that’s great. But I am sure you can come up with something even better“. And off he went!

What role does Germany play in your music?

I am used to travelling since my early childhood days. I was 12 years old when I flew unaccompanied on a plane to US for the first time, I wanted to visit relatives in Virginia who had invited me over to come and stay with them. When I was a teen I spent a year abroad in New Zealand. Later on, returning to my host family who I love dearly, I played my first solo shows there, just the piano and me. I also studied fine arts in Wellington, New Zealand is my place to escape to. We recorded our debut in Malmoe, Sweden, toured Russia and played the first shows in UK this year. To us, Micha and myself, being a musician is all about exploring: Exploring countries, people, ideas. Travelling prevents you from the old routine. Keeps your views fresh!

How has Feist and Portishead influenced your writing?

My friend I met during my philosophy studies had once given me a mixtape of Feist: I was impressed with Feist’s great musicality, profound and wise lyrics. There is a certain lightness to her music that I enjoy too. And it‘s exactly the opposite with Beth Gibbons: It was Beth Gibbons’ album “Out Of Season” that we used to listen to a lot in Sweden after long hours in the studio. It‘s so fragile, rather dark, deep and simply beautiful. Completely timeless.

Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?

It happens out of the blue. Sometimes nothing happens at all. I can’t make it happen. At least I never tried to force it. I think you can’t force it.

Any plans to hit the road?

Currently touring northern Germany and Denmark.

What else is happening next in Ivy Flindt’s world?

Hopefully coming to tour US next year?!