By Erica Leon (Instagram: ericarleon)
Nathan Gagné, Kyle Ruggiero, and Jamie Snytte are Ivytide, an indie pop band from Montreal who have created synergetic musical gems since releasing their first EP in 2018. Their latest release, ‘Moving Song,’ envelops the affliction caused by the mayhem and chaos encompassing July 1, also known in Montreal as “moving day,” an enforced tradition since 1973.
‘Moving Song,’ a light, airy anthem brimming with 70’s vibes, brushed with vacillating lyrics, illustrates the sentiments of having to move.
“A piece of me is leaving when I’m calling, oh, oh
I’m needing what I’m selling, it’s a problem, oh, oh
Don’t like change, I love it
Don’t like nеw shit, I need it
I don’t like changing, I love it.”
Nathan and Kyle joined me on Zoom to discuss their musical influences, writing process, and how the pandemic created a space to build an allegiance between the band and their fans. The musical inspirations that motivate Ivytides’ creative process include indie, folk, rock, and hip hop, including, Clairo, Phoebe Bridgers, Joy Division, and The Beatles.
Kyle explains that the blending of musical influences is from diverse eras, integrated with each band member’s frame of mind, facilitating the results of each track recorded. The band’s writing process is collaborative, combining personal histories and brainstorming techniques such as rhyme word idea trees and recording in rented cabins in remote locations providing unique sounds that cannot emulate a city’s prosaicness.
“There is something about imperfection that creates something unique. There isn’t one recipe to create our songs; every experience will affect the outcome,” Nathan explains when discussing the band’s creative process.
Covid shifted the song writing process due to the isolation measures ratified by the government. The band used this time to explore different genres and recording tactics such as streamlining and looping, which influenced the upbeat melody that permeates ‘Moving Song.’ Social media prioritized public engagements, creating a connection between the band and their fans on a level that wasn’t possible before the world stopped. The Ivies discord server was started so fans could talk to the guys about music. Instagram updates became more frequent with photos, and music videos using Quebec watersides as backdrops and were uploaded in place of live shows.
If you are in the Montreal area be sure to catch Ivytide at the McGill Festival on September 2.
Be sure to check out their social media for tour updates.
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