In a compelling narrative of perseverance and creative resurgence, the renowned indie-pop duo Ivy, consisting of Dominique Durand and Andy Chase, has unveiled a new album, titled 'Traces of You.' This unexpected release comes after a significant ten-year pause and the untimely passing of their esteemed bandmate, Adam Schlesinger, in 2020. The journey to this album began in 2021 when Durand and Chase embarked on a poignant expedition to Rhode Island, where they had stored the band's extensive archives. Amidst a vast collection of two-inch reel-to-reel tapes, DAT tapes, and hard drives—a virtual chronicle of music recording history—they uncovered a wealth of unfinished compositions, preliminary recordings, and musical ideas. Over the subsequent two years, with invaluable assistance from their former backing musician Bruce Driscoll, they meticulously transformed these rediscovered fragments into a cohesive new work, set to captivate listeners on September 5th via Bar/None Records. This album serves as a remarkable testament to Ivy’s distinctive downtown aesthetic, evoking a nostalgic echo of their earlier successes while forging a fresh, vibrant sound that is nothing short of extraordinary.
The creative force of Schlesinger, characterized by his exceptional melodic intuition and playful wit, permeated all his musical endeavors, from his work with Fountains of Wayne to his contributions to film and television scores. His sudden death at 52 sent shockwaves through the music community, leaving a void for his collaborators. Ivy, which he co-founded with Chase and Durand when they were emerging artists, seemed destined for an end. Despite their personal separation for many years, Durand and Chase have maintained a strong bond of friendship, their mutual regard evident as they recounted past experiences and even their continued shared family holidays. They explained that Ivy's earlier hiatus was less about their marital status and more about simmering tensions between Chase and Schlesinger, who had been estranged for most of the decade leading up to Schlesinger’s death. Chase revealed his desire to distance himself from Schlesinger around 2012, citing disagreements over their shared recording studio, Stratosphere Sound, a popular hub for notable rock artists. Chase viewed the studio as a creative sanctuary, while Schlesinger approached it with a more business-oriented mindset, leading to friction. Reflecting on Schlesinger's intense creative drive and occasionally argumentative nature, Chase noted that only individuals with a strong sense of self could navigate his forceful pursuit of ideas. Durand, however, found it easier to manage disagreements with Schlesinger, even recalling instances of physical altercations in their early days, which she viewed as a healthy dynamic between two like-minded Scorpios. Ultimately, at Durand’s persistent urging, Chase and Schlesinger reconnected for a cathartic meeting in 2019, bridging a five-year rift. This reconciliation led to renewed collaboration, and just weeks before his death, Schlesinger expressed to Durand a longing to return to being just a band member and songwriter, despite his Hollywood success.
As Chase and Durand delved into the archive, they were confronted with a vast collection of music, much of which they had forgotten, further complicated by Schlesinger’s whimsical placeholder titles. Recognizing the need for a trusted collaborator to complete the nearly 60 unfinished songs, they turned to Bruce Driscoll, Ivy's touring keyboardist and guitarist since 2005. Driscoll, a long-time admirer of the band, lauded Ivy’s melodic prowess and Durand’s vocal talent. Working first at Chase’s Martha’s Vineyard home and later at his Fort Lauderdale studio, they meticulously crafted the ten tracks on 'Traces of You', ensuring Schlesinger's musical presence was audible on every piece. Driscoll, who penned most of the new album's lyrics, noted Schlesinger's pervasive influence throughout the creative process, making it a truly special endeavor. 'Say You Will,' the album's lead single, emerged from a simple bassline Schlesinger had left behind, which the band transformed into a powerful song. 'The Midnight Hour,' the opening track, features Durand’s vocals recorded twenty years apart, a seamless blend that astounded her bandmates. To finalize the tracks, they enlisted other familiar faces, including Fountains of Wayne's Jody Porter and Brian Young, and session drummer Joey Waronker. While they initially amassed enough material for a double album, they decided to release 'Traces of You' as a concise 40-minute record, with plans for a second album next year. The experience has even led them to reconsider touring, particularly with Fountains of Wayne back on the road, leaving fans hopeful for Ivy’s return to live performances.
The journey of Ivy, from a profound loss to an unexpected musical rebirth, illustrates the enduring power of creativity and human connection. It reminds us that even in the face of tragedy and past disagreements, the bonds of shared passion can reignite, leading to new and beautiful expressions. This story is a testament to the idea that art, much like life, finds a way to blossom anew, transcending obstacles and celebrating the indelible contributions of those who have shaped its path. It is a harmonious blend of nostalgia and fresh perspective, inspiring hope and demonstrating the infinite possibilities that arise when we honor our past while bravely stepping into the future.