JOHN IVES

Finding Fate in Sound and the Search for Summer Synths

Melbourne artist John Ives has built his musical world on a sound he calls "summer synth," a vibrant, reflective style born from a path he never initially planned. The singer-songwriter’s journey, which began with a pivotal last-minute decision to study music, is now defined by a focus on crafting atmospheric electronic soundscapes and building a career on his own terms.

For John Ives, there was no single "pivotal moment" that ignited his passion; rather, it was a long-simmering interest that became a full-fledged commitment while he was studying music. Fresh out of school, he found himself without a clear career calling. "Last minute I almost just stumbled into studying music; it was never my plan," he reveals. Looking back now, he calls that moment one of fate, realising he couldn't imagine life without music.

His time studying not only cemented his dedication but also provided the connections necessary to build his project. He expresses immense gratitude for the team he has now, noting his connections through music study were key to forming his project.

When discussing his inspirations, John points to Australian indie-pop veterans Cub Sport. He connected instantly with their "unique Australian pop sound that was just so easy to listen to and felt so real."

John readily admits that when he first began creating, he had no idea what his signature sound would be. His current sound emerged organically: "It all just kinda naturally landed where it needed to, and the more songs I wrote, the more patterns I recognised." He has now landed on a clear "summer synth sound" that he feels reflects him well, and he is keen to lean into that direction with future releases. His creative process is decidedly digital and deliberate. He finds it difficult to imagine the musical world he is creating without first building it digitally, which is his consistent first step. This process begins with him creating a synth sound he really likes, then mapping out the chords, and finally, improvising over the foundation for hours until he has enough ideas.

Milestones, Ambition, and Authenticity

Despite not having a "best or worst" gig instantly come to mind, John focuses on his feeling during a performance. "The worst gigs are the ones where I just want to get off that stage so bad," he explains, using that internal feeling as the benchmark for a successful night.

His favourite song to perform is "Chocolate and Amethyst," which is deeply special because it was the very first song he ever wrote, starting with a simple four-chord piano loop. Playing it live and being able to switch it up every time is "really rewarding" and marks a significant personal milestone.

While he has "always admired a range of strong performers," John makes a point of trying his best to channel himself each time he performs. He views his music as a "vulnerable reflection" of his own experience and wants audiences to connect with that authenticity, especially in a live setting.

Industry and The Road Ahead

John admits he has "never been busier in my life," something he is immensely grateful for. However, he is vocal about the pressures faced by the modern artist.

Pacing and Social Media: He finds the constant push for high-quality short-form content "damaging the creative process." He highlights the unrealistic expectation of "chucking out albums every few months," despite it taking most artists years to finish one song.

Best Advice: The most valuable advice he's received is to remember that "Everyone is going at their own pace." He stresses the importance of not comparing yourself to others, believing there is always "merit in the work you are doing no matter how small it feels."

Industry Change: If he could change one thing, it would be the way streaming services operate, citing their consistent underpayment and the need for new regulations to protect artists and their entitled royalties.

John's dream collaborators and openers reflect his desire for strong, pop-adjacent artistry:

Dream Collaboration: He says he's "never beating the Troye Sivan allegations," citing the In A Dream EP as an inspiration for his current music, particularly admiring Troye's collaborations like In My Room with Guitarricadelafuente. 

Dream Opener: He would pick Omar Apollo, admiring his "raw musical style within the pop space." Notably, Omar Apollo was the first concert John ever attended.

What's Next

John Ives is kicking off the next chapter of his journey with a double celebration:

Debut Single: "Sweetheart" is set for release on October 20th.

Single Launch Show: He will be putting on a live launch show at the Workers Club on the 21st of October to celebrate.

His message to his fans is simple: "Thanks for supporting me on my journey!"