Artist Spotlight: Ivan Ave
Shot by @hakongle
An influential figure with the European underworld of classic rap, Norwegian rapper Ivan Ave is one of the most decorated names in world hip hop.
A prolific creative, a provoking wordsmith and strong character, the technically excellent rapper has been a stalwart in the European rap scene for some time now, collaborating with huge names along the way, the likes of Dåm Funk, Klefer and Kaytranada. Philosophical musings swirl around Ivan’s narratives; he’s not afraid to question, to explore, to uncover. It’s a refreshing trait in a Western scene that is often lacking in substance, depth and honesty.
Ave’s most recent release ‘What a Day!!!’ epitomises his artistry and candid introspection, with its sample-laden production, boom bap kit and snappy flow showcasing a talent that has been nurtured and augmented over years of fantastic releases.
I caught up with Ivan to dig deeper into his continuously evolving craft, his musical responsibility to the next generation, and his exciting plans for a new EP in the new year.
Who have you been listening to lately?
The new Dijon record, new DJ Harrison, some Gigi Masin, a lot of SAULT and Cleo Soul. And a Carl Craig track called «At Les».
What is the Scandinavian rap scene like? Any names that we should keep an eye out for?
Tøyen Holding and Vuyo have my ear. Other than that I am honestly out of the loop.
You’ve done a lot for the alternative side of hip hop in Europe, acting as a pioneering figure. How important is paving the way for future generations to you?
I appreciate that. I haven’t really been too concerned with passing any kind of torch until recently. In the last couple of years I have been lucky to mentor some talented song writers, and whisper my thoughts in some people’s ears. The way I see it, my biggest responsibility is staying true to the music I really want to make. That way maybe I can inspire others to do their version of that. But it’s nice seeing a younger generation of likeminded folks come up, and through Mutual Intentions be able to aid or facilitate their progress. I like to help when I can, where I can, and usually that means here in Oslo. As for continents, you can do anything from anywhere, and you should.
How do you feel about often being labelled underground? Is it a badge you wear proudly?
Just don’t call me underrated! A lot of people rate me highly, which is dope. I’m just not famous. And that sits very well with me. So I guess the underground, whatever that means now, is a good habitat for what I want to do. I personally feel the most interesting music still happens in the crevices, slightly on the side of a mainstream grasp. But I’m not sure I understand the boundaries anymore, between those worlds. I’m OK with being called underground, but I don’t wear it as a badge. I just wear my regular clothes and go about my business
You opt in general for a more classic hip hop style rather than following trends like drill or trap. Do you think that the classic hip hop sound is due a revival?
These are questions I honestly get asked a lot, and still have no answers for, because I don’t hear my music as representative of any phase or era. I aim for what makes me feel a certain way, which has nothing to do with trends or renaissances. I tap into different kitchy aesthetics here and there to catch that feeling. But I don’t care if we leave trap, drill or the classic hip-hop sound all behind and let something completely new take over. It’s an eco system so much bigger than me, which is cool, because there’s always a niche to fill. I fill mine by searching for what feels interesting to me, be it a Street Soul or A.O.R. reference. Or a space age version of Pete Rock like the beat Mndsgn produced for «What a Day!!!»... I just go for what fulfils me, and hopefully the listener too, regardless of trends or revivals. Sometimes that means aggressively shielding my process from whatever dominant culture tells us we should be doing. Are we not creating from the soul over here?!! What’s a trend to a soul, the math doesn’t add up.
I love the jazz and soul infusion in your sound, where do those influences stem?
For me, it comes from the seventies, the greatest decade of chords and instrumentation. These are the energies I want to echo, more so than the «90s hip-hop» you could easily ascribe to my music. Obviously, a lot of our favourite hip-hop artists from the 90s were also deep into 70s aesthetics, so it makes sense. I have always loved how records sound from then, and try to live in that energy, but through genres from the 80s, 90s and 2000s.
Your technical ability is second to none - your flow, tone and delivery is so sharp and nuanced. What advice would you give to any budding rappers who are trying to improve their technique?
Thank you for that. I would say… Study the masters, but listen inwards.
Talk me through the themes and concepts behind your recent single ‘What A Day!!!’?
I found a very strange record yesterday entitled «If You Don't Like The News Go Out And Make Some Of Your Own». That title resonated with how I feel about my project, «What a Day!!!» included. The verses on that are an attempt at just marvelling at the wild world in front of me. Observing my surroundings with wonderment, even when so much of what we are seeing is ugly and threatening. We live in a dystopian reality right now, I wanted to at least celebrate still having the eyes to see it. I also wanted to put something out into the world, which is beautiful, which isn’t cynical or profits driven. And then use that platform to report from the front lines, back to myself.
It’s such a smooth track… How did you work with your long time collaborator Mndsgn on creating such a smooth and buttery soundscape?
It felt like a completed circle both sound and process wise, getting back with Ringgo. We made it the way we made a lot of our early stuff together, which is I go record digging and he flips the shit of the sample I dug up.
You’ve released a fair amount of content this year with six singles… are you working towards a body of work in 2022? What else can we expect from you in the new year?
«Mid Season» EP drops in February, through Mutual Intentions. The EP serves as a glimpse into the process of recording my upcoming album. The album is called «All Season Gear», involves work by Fredfades, Mndsgn, DJ Harrison, Sasac etc. It feels more or less half done. I hope to put it out in the fall of next year, but it’s a sizzler, so we’ll see!
You’ve worked with some crazy names like Kaytranda and Joyce Wrice. Why is collaboration important to you?
It’s a pleasure to create with the people you know will not only understand the vision, but elevate it. I keep it pretty close knit, because creating is a… I feel funny saying spiritual, but it is a spiritual endeavour. So the blend needs to be right, but when it is, it feels even more important and beautiful.
Who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
Raphael Saadiq or John Carrol Kirby.
If you were introducing yourself to a new listener who had never heard of your music before, what track would you put on for them?
Actually ‘What a Day!!!’ feels like it communicates what I’m about musically, so maybe that. Or some of this ‘All Season Gear’ heat I have in store!