Ivy to Release First Album in 14 Years, ‘Traces of You’ with Adam Schlesinger
Ivy, the New York ’90s indie rock trio comprised of Adam Schlesinger, Andy Chase, and Dominique Durand, have exciting news to share after discovering a box of unreleased music in their archives. After a hiatus of 14 years, Ivy is set to release their new album titled “Traces of You” on September 5 via Bar/None. What makes this album particularly special is the involvement of Adam Schlesinger, who tragically passed away due to complications from COVID-19 in 2020. Despite his absence, his presence is felt on every track of the upcoming record, with each song featuring his bass playing, all done with his family’s approval.
Initially, it seemed like Ivy’s music journey had come to an end after Schlesinger’s passing. However, during the exploration of their archives for reissues, they stumbled upon some unreleased songs from different periods between 1995 and 2012. Eager to bring these songs back to life, they enlisted the help of former Ivy keyboardist/guitarist Bruce Driscoll. The collaboration not only allowed them to honor Schlesinger’s memory but also brought new life to the music that he had contributed to. Andy Chase expressed how challenging it was to cope with the loss of Schlesinger but found solace in revisiting his work and creating this new record with Dominique and Bruce.
Despite the bittersweetness of the situation, Chase highlighted the joy and unity they experienced while working on the album. All three members felt a profound connection, akin to a school of fish swimming in harmony, navigating the highs and lows together.
In addition to the album announcement, Ivy has released the music video for the first single “Say You Will,” directed by Bruce Driscoll. The track features Schlesinger on bass and keyboards, accompanied by Joey Waronker on drums. The video sets the tone for what’s to come with the release of “Traces of You.” The album’s tracklist promises a range of emotions and experiences, including songs like “The Midnight Hour,” “Mystery Girl,” and “Heartbreak.”
The revival of Ivy and the creation of “Traces of You” stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Adam Schlesinger and the band’s undying passion for creating music. The collaboration with Bruce Driscoll and the emotional journey shared by Andy Chase and Dominique Durand make this album a labor of love and a tribute to the irreplaceable presence of Schlesinger. As fans eagerly await the release of “Traces of You” on September 5, the music world anticipates the return of Ivy and the everlasting impact of their sound.