With her third studio album Do What Makes You Happy on the near horizon, ARIA-nominated artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist Alice Ivy shares her new single “Popstar,” featuring acclaimed London-based songwriter and producer Låpsley.
A follow-up to December’s breezy release ‘Wildlife’, Alice Ivy continues to expertly blend acoustic and electronic elements on “Popstar.” Alice Ivy and Låpsley prove their versatility in spades, diverging from the electronic prowess both artists are renowned for, and leaning into a hard-hitting alt-rock aesthetic – reminiscent of Alice Ivy’s co-write and production work on Mallrat’s knockout single “Teeth.”
But this genre-shift was more than just a stylistic choice: the gritty percussion and distorted guitar riffs lay the foundation for what is an anthem of empowerment and solidarity, informed by Alice Ivy and Låpsley’s shared experience of navigating the music industry as young women. Despite the setbacks and double-standards, “Popstar” is ultimately a triumph, tackling themes of misogyny and ageism with the wit and charm of two artists on a mission to “break the bulletproof glass ceiling.”
On the collaboration, Alice Ivy shares, “I’ve been a massive fan of Låpsley’s since ‘Hurt Me’ came out back in 2016, and I love the DJ Koze edit of ‘Operator’. We crossed paths when I was hanging out in London after some UK shows and spent an afternoon together in a tiny little studio in Islington. There was something special in the air, Caroline Polachek was recording vocals in the studio next door, the studio walls were all wrapped in silver and Låplsey and I were trading horror stories about our experiences as women in the music industry.”
She continues, “I went in thinking we’d probably write something electronic or dance, more like those songs of hers I referenced, but for one reason or another we cranked out a massive angsty rock song, which is ironic because it’s called, ‘Popstar.’ I guess we were both just feeling super empowered in the moment. My favourite lyrics in this one are, ‘Tell the people what they’re hearing, let the algorithm take it’ and ‘My face is only aging but my ego needs the stage.’ Those lines hit hard!”
Låpsley adds, “We had no idea where the session would take us, we got on like a house on fire and within a few hours this tune came out of nowhere and smacked us in the face with some hard truths about the industry. Alice is an absolute weapon in the studio and it takes an effortless connection to let your guard down and write something so honest. Dream team. I’m so happy to be part of the project.”
Fresh from performances at Corona Capital in Mexico City and an Australian tour supporting The Midnight (US), Alice Ivy is is heading to Austin, TX this month for a series of shows at SXSW. The schedule is currently as follows:
March 13 – Austin Garden & Studio, SXSW Austin (Presented by Women That Rock) @ 2:50pm
March 13 – Zilker Brewing, SXSW Austin (Presented by Penny Loafer PR) @ 7:50pm
March 14 – Lefty’s Brick Bar, SXSW Austin (Presented by CLASH MUSIC) @ 9:30pm
March 15 – Australia House at Lucille’s, SXSW Austin (Presented by Sounds Australia) @ 5:15
March 15 – Swan Dive, SXSW Austin (Presented by School Night & KCRW) @ 11:15
