Ivy Announces First New Album in 15 Years: "Traces of You"
A Long-Awaited Return
Ivy, the beloved indie-pop trio from the 1990s, has made an exciting announcement: they will be releasing their first new album in 15 years. Titled Traces of You, the album is set to drop on September 5 via Bar/None Records. This album is particularly poignant as it features Adam Schlesinger, the late member of the band, on every track, with the support of his family.
The Creative Process Behind Traces of You
Unearthing Hidden Gems
The journey to the new album began when band members Andy Chase and Dominique Durand were sorting through storage at their Rhode Island studio. In the process, they discovered a wealth of reel-to-reel tapes and old hard drives containing unreleased material from as far back as 1995 to 2012.
Chase and Durand felt compelled to revisit these demos that featured Schlesinger. However, the task of selecting which songs to complete was daunting. With the assistance of Bruce Driscoll, their backing keyboardist and guitarist, they carefully curated ten tracks that would form the final album.
The First Single: "Say You Will"
Leading up to the album’s release, Ivy has unveiled the new single "Say You Will," which incorporates a demo recorded by Schlesinger in 2009 where he played both bass and keyboard. This single serves as a heartfelt introduction to Traces of You, showcasing the band’s signature sound and honoring Schlesinger’s legacy.
Reflecting on the Past
A Tribute to Adam Schlesinger
In a statement, Chase expressed the bittersweet nature of this release, reflecting on the uncertainty Ivy faced after Schlesinger’s passing in April 2020 due to COVID-19. “The world thought Ivy was gone after 2012, and for a time we did too. And, after Adam’s death in 2020, it seemed certain,” he stated. Chase continued, “So, Dominique and I are thrilled to give everyone a brand new Ivy album, with our beloved Adam playing on every song!”
Ivy’s Legacy
Traces of You follows Ivy’s 2011 studio album, All Hours. Since then, the band has reissued their earlier works, including their debut album Realistic, the sophomore LP Apartment Life, and the 2000 album Long Distance. They also released previously unavailable tracks like "Sleeping Late" and "Sweet Mary," along with the never-before-released "All I Ever Wanted."
Remembering Adam Schlesinger
Schlesinger was not only known for his work with Ivy, but also as a member of Fountains of Wayne, Tinted Windows, and Fever High. His extensive career included an Emmy Award-winning repertoire of music for film and television, including the Oscar-nominated title track for Tom Hanks’ 1996 film That Thing That You Do!. Following his death, Schlesinger was celebrated through a special covers album, reunions with Fountains of Wayne, and a star-studded tribute show.
Conclusion
The release of Traces of You marks a significant moment for Ivy fans and a touching tribute to Adam Schlesinger’s enduring legacy. With the blend of nostalgia and new material, Ivy aims to reconnect with their audience while honoring the creative spirit of their late bandmate.
FAQs
When is the album Traces of You being released?
Traces of You is set to be released on September 5.
What is the lead single from the album?
The lead single is "Say You Will," which features a demo recorded by Adam Schlesinger in 2009.
How does this album relate to Adam Schlesinger?
Every song on Traces of You features Adam Schlesinger, and the album was created with the blessing of his family.
What other albums has Ivy released?
Ivy has released several albums, including Realistic, Apartment Life, Long Distance, and All Hours. They have also reissued these earlier works along with some previously unavailable tracks.
