Shaped by Music: Ivy Roots

A Songwriter’s Manifesto

Words by Abby L. Johnson Photos by Eric Morales

Ivy Roots is tender and smooth, unwavering in delivering a message that cuts to the heart. She offers up an explanation of her personal philosophy. “I believe there are three aspects of life:  love, art, and growth,” she says with conviction. 

Her commanding voice is housed within a body that is somewhat deceptively diminutive in stature. Her background in jazz vocal groups, reggae, and singing in church adds a storied texture to her R&B-inspired, soulful sound. She takes the stage equipped with a guitar and her life affirming words. On her latest project, Love Art Growth II, Ivy takes a stab at sonically exploring the subjects of the album’s name.

There are seemingly simple questions the 90s R&B inspired song “Often” beckons listeners to ponder as she runs over the notes with ease. “It’s like, ‘Oh, I have a crush on you. I want to know if you feel the same way.’ But it can also mean ‘I want to know if you have the same love that I have for myself,’ like it is for me.” Ivy explains as she sings her lyrics. It’s about self-love and taking ownership of personal worth. Do you love me as much as I love myself? If not, then it’s time to move on, the song suggests. It’s a radical notion, one that is part of the album’s overarching thesis.

Ivy arrived in Austin from her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, just before March 2020. Despite the setback of arriving in a new city only to be sequestered to her own home, Ivy is now fully immersed in the rich Austin arts scene. “Building relationships is really important. That’s what I’ve realized since I’ve been here.” Ivy goes on to explain, “Everybody has a passion and a purpose. Even if they don’t, you might be the person they’re supposed to meet who inspires them to find that purpose. Every connection is a relationship.” This mindset has helped her to find a niche in a saturated market. 

She is currently collaborating with playwright Oktavea LaToi, creating original music to accompany a new work entitled, “I See You, You’re Seen,” set to premiere at The Vortex Theatre in April 2022.  

Contact:
@ivyrootsmusic
Listen to Ivy Roots on Spotify
Listen to Ivy Roots on Apple Music