By Jocelle Koh

Asian-Australian singer-songwriter Ivoris has long been known for her penchant for shimmering, sparkly sounds and kitschy, girly visuals which have created an immersive world for her and her fans, but with her debut album Pour My Heart Out, it truly feels like an album where all the best parts of her have come to a head.

Blending all the influences that we’ve seen play out in her catalog since her debut in 2018, the album is a sonic intertwining of early 2000s R&B, country, folk and electronic pop that just works. Tied together with a pretty pink bow Ivoris style and left for you to open on the shores of your favourite beach with the sounds of the ocean in your ear.

With three successful China tours under her belt due to an unexpected viral moment for her song ‘I Wish My Mind Would Shut Up’, Ivoris is living proof that softgirl vibes are the new ‘in’ thing, and no matter who you are, you’re never too old or young to shine a light on the softer parts of yourself.

We picked the sweet singer-songwriter’s brain on her wild journey since her debut until now, and what it means to truly wear your heart on your sleeve.

Hi Ivoris, congrats on releasing your debut album “Pour My Heart Out”, it’s been a long time coming. How do you feel about this album now that it’s out?

Thank you so much! Now that it’s finally out it’s a mix of relief and happiness. I’ve spent so long in this album world that I was very ready for the floodgates to open.

Can you share a little more about the concept behind “Pour my heart out”?

This album is about having a really absorbent heart. I think our hearts are like the ocean, at times we’re calm and giving and other times we’re wild and raging. Every song in “Pour My Heart Out” is, at its core, a love song. There’s a love song about friendship – Telepathic Twin Flame, a love song to the ocean – Seashell, a love song for myself – Ten Thousand Teardrops, and love songs about infatuation and passion.

You’ve actually been releasing music for 8 years, since 2018. Looking back at your journey, were there any turning points that particularly precipitated the creation of this debut album?

Ooh what an interesting question. I think making this album was only possible because I’ve been slowly developing my sound over the last 8 years and learning to discern what I like and dislike. This album has been my most intentional project so far, I really took it slow and wanted to dive deep into every aspect of the album creation, both sonically and visually.

We love the nautical theme that intersperses itself in many of the songs on this album including the intro, “Half moon bay” and “seashell”. Can you tell me a little more about your personal connection with the sand and the sea?

When I feel out of touch with myself, I go to the sea. I find it really difficult to wind down and turn my brain off, and the ocean is one of the few places where my mind shuts up and I’m at peace. My favourite part is the first dive into the sea where you’re completely underwater. It’s like this feeling of being completely invisible and also the most alive you’ve ever felt.

We love the unique intersection your music sits in, between dance pop and folk. Can you share more about how you chanced on and continued to develop your own sound?

My sound is a blend of everything I like and grew up listening to. I originally started writing songs solely on acoustic guitar and piano, and I’d play around with vocal harmonies. Then when I was first learning to produce I was really inspired by Imogen Heap, and duos like Purity Ring and Flight Facilities. I also really love orchestral sounds and I try to weave some into every song. My dream is to one day write and produce an album where I can score and record a live orchestra.

Is there a song on this album (or songs) that particularly encapsulate where you are at right now on your creative and personal journey?

I would say Rose Cottage. I’ve been falling back in love with the piano lately, after writing on the guitar for so long. It’s been really healing just sitting at my piano and singing to myself.

You’ve been bringing your music not only around Australia but also to Asia especially on your China tour. Can you share with us more about your connection with that market, how it came about and what differences lie between performing for Chinese audiences and western ones?

Yes I’ve just come back from my China tour for the album, and I already miss it. My audience in China began really organically and unexpectedly, and it’s been the most special experience to grow my relationship with my fans there. I think the live show experience is quite different in China compared to shows in Australia or America. There’s a really wholesome feeling in my China shows. On my recent tour there was a young girl who came with her grandma, and it was so sweet to witness. The fans there are also really passionate and thoughtful.

Given that you sing primarily in English, we’re curious to know if the feedback that you receive from fans is different in native English speaking markets vs markets with another language as its mother tongue?

I actually don’t find a huge difference in the feedback. But in my live performances, I have noticed that my non-native English speaking fans are more drawn to my acoustic, intimate songs. I have a song called “Strawberry” that’s a reminder to love myself, and I’ve found that my non-native English speaking fans really gravitate to that song in particular.

You have a really vibey collaboration with Filipina singer-songwriter Clara Benin on the album called “lipgloss”. Can you share more with us about how you conceptualised this collaboration and what it was like working with Clara?

I love Clara! I met her a couple years ago when we both performed at SXSW Sydney, I happened to catch her set and just adored her voice and songwriting style. With Lipgloss, I imagined it to be the kind of song you’d sing into a hairbrush with your friends at a sleepover. It just felt natural for there to be another artist on the track, and I immediately knew Clara would add a really lovely colour to the track.

One thing that comes out strongly in this album and also your visuals is your penchant for highlighting sweet, positive and dreamy parts of life. Why do you think romanticising life is important?

I’m a huge romantic. I think the most beautiful parts of life often lie in what feel like ordinary moments, and it’s important to slow down enough to notice how sacred these human experiences are. Like when you suddenly grab a loved one’s hand when you’re crossing the road, or when your cup of tea is the perfect temperature.

As an up and coming artist, what’s the most important thing you learned in the process of putting this album together?

I’ve learned (and am still learning) how important it is to trust my gut! If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. 

Ivoris’ latest album Pour My Heart Out is now available on all streaming platforms. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok for more fairy-floss content!