Grace Ives ’18
Grace Ives ’18 is a singer/songwriter lauded for her catchy lo-fi, synth-pop tunes.
Ives released the EP Really Hot in 2016, followed by two LPs, 2nd in 2019 and Janky Star in 2022. Before that, she released an album of ringtones, Ringtones!! vol 1.
Inspired by British rapper, singer, record producer, and activist MIA, Ives began using a Roland MC-505 Groovebox and created the album 2nd entirely with beats from the synth.
Ives had transferred to Purchase, where she also found inspiration from a fellow alum, singer/songwriter Mitksi ’13.
“…a chance opportunity to witness a house show by then-unknown, now indie-scion Mitski served as inspiration for what her sound would develop into…,” reports thefader.com.
After the release of Janky Star, Ives performed her song “Lullaby” on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Ives has garnered critical acclaim, including:
The 40 Best New Bands Of 2019 by Stereogum
Grace Ives fits her huge anger in bite-sized synth-pop gems on thefader.com
“It’s one of the best little pop albums of the year.”
—Review of Janky Star on pitchfork.com
“Grace Ives’ aptly titled second album is a junk drawer stuffed with offbeat gems. Though the palette is pop, the color combinations she devises atop that base are endless.”
—#14 on Pitchfork’s “The 50 Best Albums of 2022”
“Ives is always curious, always hunting for the next spark. She’s not content to complain lightly over a four-on-the-floor trot.”