Ivy Munro

I won't try and describe your music, but when I first saw you perform I definitely wasn’t expecting what I heard.
I'm a little misfit, I love so many different types of music so I mix them up. I'd say it's soulful with a bit of rock & reggae. I use the phrase 'My ART is from the heART' because that's essentially what it is. I translate my feelings and emotions through my music.

When you’re on stage you're away with the birds. You really get lost in the song (a good thing). Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I love performing and my songs usually stem from an emotion, then my subconscious kicks-in and I follow my heart. The order varies from song to song.

How are you finding the grind as an independent artist?
It's a good ole’ struggle but it’s worth it. The experience of getting involved in all aspects of my music is definitely priceless. Sorting out my own shows & promotion is always beneficial. I've realised having a team would take things up a notch, so I'm working on building a team. Plus doing various 9-5's has only made me want to pursue my career in music even more. Certain songs wouldn’t had been written had I not experienced those jobs (laughs)

You also play keys but we don’t see much of that anymore (Obenewa is classically trained, grade 8 pianist)
I’m back on the piano again so watch this space (laughs) my uncle's influenced my music and song writing a lot. He played the guitar and I asked him to teach me. He told me to carry on writing as I had been and also said me that I didn't need him to teach me - so I’ve been playing by ear.

Do you find labels and the general public see a girl with a guitar and automatically place you in the Corinne Bailey Rae / Lianne La Havas box?
People have only seen a bit of what I can do and that's where my second EP and all my other projects come into play, but to be compared to a great artist is always flattering.

Now you only gave us 4 tracks on your current EP (biggest teaser EVER!)
(Laughs) You can expect a second EP with more than four songs (laughs) early this year. I’m writing for other artists too and contributing to projects including my sister’s Nadine Charles. I wrote a song for her entitled 'Missing You' and also wrote & featured on another track entitled 'Love & Hate You' which was produced by Dego. Nads the little ratbag hasn't written a song for me yet (laughs) But I love writing and to share songs with others and hear them sing my lyrics is a dream come true.

‘Put Yourself In My Shoes’ is our favourite track from your 2011 EP. We also LOVE ‘Obsessed' the one about the stalker...so was that you then?

(Laughs) no I'm not a stalker even though I wrote it from a stalker's perspective. I've been stalked in the past so I thought I’d write about it from a comical standpoint. That particular song always makes the crowd laugh. Surprisingly it’s a song that a lot of people can relate to...ya know either stalking someone or being stalked (laughs).

You got around quite a bit last year, with performances at ‘The Big Conversation’ and the ‘Cheltenham Literature Festival’ etc...
The Big Conversation was unique, it had a great vibe, the crowd were very receptive and the discussions insightful. The positive feedback from that event was really encouraging. The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival was great and I also met a lot of talented musicians during an event in Holland last year.

You were also in Sierra Leon last year, how did that come about?
That’s right, it was their 50th independence anniversary and there were lots of celebrations of which I was lucky enough to be involved in. My friend played my EP to an organiser there and after hearing it she flew me over to sing at her show! It was a really nice experience as I hadn't been back to Africa in over 10 years. The food was lovely, the celebrations fantastic and the beaches = gorgeous!

...We believe you LOL. Have you ever heard a song and wished you’d written it?
We could be here all day my love (laughs).

I love 'The Girl From Ipanema’ the chord changes kill me.

'Do I Do' by Stevie Wonder.

'I Got A Feeling' by Black Eyes Peas (laughs) I sing at weddings & other functions and wherever I sing it everyone of all ages get up and jump about (laughs)

I admire other writers like Carole King, Diane Warren, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and Prince.

So, if you weren’t singing what would you be doing?
Maybe a piano virtuoso (laughs) or an illustrator. When I was younger I wanted to be a fashion designer and I still have some of the designs. Very amusing. I was like 9 years old and designing my wedding dress (laughs). I'd also loved to have owned a tattoo parlour, if I wasn't singing that’s what I would've pursued.

So last question. What’s next for you?
My second EP's up next. But aside from that you just never know where life will take you really. It’s scary, but exciting and I hope somehow all the goals I want to achieve will materialise.