Casey’s DJ Pick of the week is Ele Ivory’s “Silly Me.”
Released on September 29th, this new single first appeared in an acoustic form as Ivory’s submission for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. In its recorded arrangement, the song is part rock, part orchestral, and part singer-songwriter, forming a blend that is uniquely Ivory’s own. The influence of ‘80s power ballads can be heard in the string section and the appearance of an electric guitar behind the second verse, while a trumpet adds a classical element to the chorus.
Ivory’s lyricism keeps the track grounded in its singer-songwriter roots; “I’d move up to Mars if it wasn’t so risky,” she sings, “I live in fight or flight.” This symbolism, paired with the piano that guides her storytelling, make this song good; It’s Ivory’s voice that makes it great. She uses the production to its fullest value by creating a track that shows off her dynamic range. In just over three minutes, she delivers a whisper, a belt, a falsetto, and “ooh” and “ahh” harmonies behind the choruses. “When everyone’s giving up, I still want to believe,” she proclaims, letting optimism ascend from beneath the melancholy track.
You can listen to Ele Ivory’s “Silly Me” below:
Tune in to 100.1 FM or lightning100.com all day to hear “Silly Me”, Casey’s DJ Pick of the Week! Share your thoughts on the track by tagging #L100DJPicks on Twitter!
