Diandra Interviews Ivory Layne: Put Some Confetti On It!

Sometimes, I wish I was confetti. I wish I was a bunch of colorful pieces, splashed all over the place, so all the pieces of me could travel. From circuses to cupcakes, confetti is just fun and sweet, which are two qualities Ivory Layne, definitely, checks! Her upcoming EP, Confetti, comes out February 19, but her new single, of the same title, comes out today. In out interview, we discuss the many ways Confetti symbolizes her life, her style, and her humor.

Diandra: What are your biggest life lessons on the Confetti EP?

Ivory Lane: I could spend all day with “behind the music” anecdotes and journal entries, but I’ll spare us all and boil the EP down to one virtue: patience. These songs narrate specific instances in my life when I’ve had to be patient with timing, other humans, and, most importantly, myself. Granting my own heart patience to grow, learn, make mistakes, relearn, and move forward is something I’m still putting into practice. 

Diandra: If you could throw confetti on any situation in your life or in the world, to either celebrate it or make it better, which would it be and why?

Ivory Layne: The present tense! It’s so easy for me to romanticize the past or get swept up in dreams of what could be, especially with the year we’ve all had! I’d love to actively celebrate the little wonders of here and now. And maybe any excess confetti could be sprinkled on beet juice; I’ve been told it’s highly beneficial for me but am convinced it’s maroon, dirt juice. 

Diandra: What is a movie or tv show you would turn in a concept album? Why and from what character’s perspective?

Ivory Layne: Basic Brunette moment: Queen’s Gambit. The show was so well done, and I found myself enthralled by the cleverness of Beth. It would be a fun challenge to write from her perspective and try to speak honestly with her voice. 

Diandra: What is an album you would turn into a movie? What would be the premise and who would you cast as leads?

Ivory Layne: I discovered the artist Pomme this year thanks to the space-centric Netflix show, Away. I don’t speak any French outside of “bonjour” and “croissant,” but her album “À peu près” is the stuff of cinematic dreams. Maybe, the film would take place inside the mind of a young woman and take audiences through her wonderland imagination with its varying cast of emotions. The lead: Nicola Coughlan (I adored her in Derry Girls and Bridgerton!) Cast of emotions: Phoebe Waller Bridge, Mindy Kaling, Lizzo, Dolly Parton, Awkwafina.

Diandra: How would you define a Lonely Heart, and what is your advice to healing one? 

Ivory Layne: A Lonely Heart is 5’4” with straight-across fringe and an aversion to abdominal exercise. Hint: It’s me! I am a Lonely Heart. 

Honestly, the song is written to and about myself. I’ve always been prone to loneliness, but it’s made me a better writer. I think humans were created for community and being lonely confirms our need for people. But it’s easy for me to turn the longing of loneliness into desperation and fixate on love as a solution to all ills. 

So while I think loneliness isn’t something to be healed and never experienced again, I think a Lonely Heart can be made a little less somber by “keeping it light,” not putting too much pressure on relationships, drawing healthy boundaries, and cultivating strong friendships instead of romantic relationships alone. Oh, and not getting carried away with overwhelming emotions. That’s a toughie. 

Diandra: In a world constantly asking “what do you believe?’ what are truths you feel ring universal?

Ivory Layne: For starters, I believe in the existence of truth. To me, truth is a lifetime effort of seeking it out and, more importantly, acting accordingly. I believe that if we are slow to speak and quick to listen to our neighbors, the world would be such a better place to inhabit. Moreover, I believe that we should all just roll fitted bedsheets because they’re impossible to fold. Why even try?

Diandra: What would you say is the emotional and mental difference between your early twenties and late ones?

Ivory Layne: First off, I refuse to believe I’m in my late twenties…I’m going for something like “mid twenties” or “medium twenties” hah! But in my earlier twenties, I was very protective concerning my art. I didn’t want anyone to change anything about me or my music. But I was also desperate to find the “key” to success in another person—“success” in my career, my friendships, romantic relationships, etc. 

Now in my “medium twenties,” I see the value of collaboration; that the right people can make you a better version of yourself without altering who you truly are. I let more people into the process. I don’t hold things as precious, and I don’t view anyone as my answer to anything: not even myself. Success is usually a group-effort of timing, sweat, and teamwork. 

Diandra: What is the beauty you find in every season? 

Ivory Layne: Winter- Remembering I don’t have to shave my legs.

Spring- A rekindling romance with allergy medication.

Summer- Sleeping in shorts and drinking wine outdoors. 

Fall- The awkward charm of birthdays as an adult and gorgeous leaves all ‘round.

Diandra: How has music challenged you to think differently about yourself? What is your biggest, self-image change?

Ivory Layne: I think music forces me to see outside of myself: to connect with and relate to other people with honesty. In an ironic way, it humbles my ego a bit; realizing my problems aren’t all that dissimilar from another’s. 

Recently, I see myself as more of a work-in-progress than a guru giving advice to the masses. My songs are stories of my life in motion as opposed to reports on outcomes. I can be kinder to myself; explore more creatively. I don’t have all the answers, neither do these songs. But we lift each other up on our search to find the other half of why. Harken back to my previous patience ramble. 

Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with music? 

Ivory Layne: My dad is a marvelous musician and vocalist; growing up, his piano was the focal point of our living room. We spent so many evenings around that baby grand harmonizing together as a family.

Diandra: What are 4 random facts about yourself and one about how you spent 2020?

Ivory Layne: Crossword puzzles are my stress relief and vacuuming is my cardio. 

I have a scar on my right pinky from a burn injury—makes it hard to reach piano octaves but rather easy to break the ice in conversation.

Science fiction might be my favorite reading genre; dystopian novels were my favorite before 2020. 

I’m very good at giving away old clothes and unused materials, but I cannot discard lyric sheets/journals. I still have dusty high school papers with songs scribbles in the margins. What if I need them someday?!

I spent a lot of 2020 distracting myself with television and good food, but I also leaned into the discomfort and started going to counseling! I use that exclamation point because I love it! I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow! And I’m proud of myself!

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