How did you get into music?
Clay (Vocals): I was asked to come on stage and perform at an open mic night.
Daniel (Bass): It all began at my Auntie’s place with traditional folk songs and an Organ.
Simon (Drums): I’m an early 2000s teen, so naturally Linkin Park was my gateway.
Cam (Guitar): As a kid, my mums church band needed a bass player.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Simon: The base of our sound comes from Alternative Rock and Metal such as SOAD, Korn, Tool…etc and then we each bring other influences in.
Cam: Yeah, like Tchaikovsky.
Daniel: My main two are Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden, both for their incredible melodies and solos.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Daniel: Never stop learning.
Cameron: Don’t eat the fish.
Simon: Mars is not the answer.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Clay: Observation of the world and people.
Cam: Most riffs play through my head all day long… when I get to band jam, they’re gone – haha!
Daniel: Working with the other guys in Ivory Dusk itself is honestly inspiring for me. I am always trying to think about how I can enhance the feel of the song.
Simon: I love trying to convey themes that are both serious and obscure.
What do you think about the current state of the music industry?
Daniel: While it is very saturated, it has encouraged artists to be more creative as a means of standing out.
Simon: Too many artists rely on the plethora of tools at their disposal.
What’s the story behind your latest EP, “Tempered“?
Clay: I wanted to share different points of view and tell a story from the perspective of individuals who have experienced loss at the hands of controlling and manipulating forces and feelings. I also wanted to embody the character of those forces and feelings and speak as them from a first-person point of view.
Can you shortly describe each of the tracks?
Fold You – A driving riff broken down by melodic chorus and surprise syncopated bridge. Easy to headbang to!
Whisper – An emotionally rich song with undulating rhythms and prominent vocal hook.
In Thrall – Melancholic meandering vocal contrasted by a tight start-stop bounce and mid-song gear change.
Chase Me – An eerie and dynamic closer that is as atmospheric as it is off-kilter.
How do you know when a work is finished?
Clay: Once I am able to perform the vocals in a way where I can feel the words coming through me as I sing them.
Cam: I’m still constantly changing everything I play, so when played live you can get subtle variations.
Simon: When I look forward to playing it live, then I know the pieces and structure are complete.
What are your favorite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?
Simon: If a song gives you goosebumps, it’s a great song regardless of genre… unless it’s Trap… I can’t vibe with that.
Cam: Various types of Metal, plus also Classical music. I very much dislike Country music though.
Would you like to say anything to emerging artists?
Clay: Immerse yourself in the community where you can perform and get to know people. There is always much to learn from those more experienced than yourself.
Cam: When you book a gig, can you invite us to open for you?
Simon: Don’t do it for the memes – make music that moves you.
