R&B music has a new girl on the block, that has already caught the eye of, not only us, but of R&B powerhouse, Ryan Leslie as well. Krys Ivory is a young church girl that made her way to the R&B/Pop world like a lot of talented singers with the same background, but the thing that makes Krys so different is the fact that she has survived the ultimate battle, Cancer. Check out more about this talented and inspirational woman after the jump…
ATF: Now tell us a little bit about your start in the music game?
Krys Ivory: Well I grew up singing in my church at my dad’s homeless ministry. But I was 11 years old when I got my real taste in the music game when I joined a gospel group called “All Gods Children“. We got this great opportunity to sing back up for Barbara Streisand for an event and it forever changed my life. After meeting Barbara I knew that singing was the profession for me. No doubt about it (laughs)
ATF: We are curious, so tell us more about you background in music?
KI: I grew up singing in a black Baptist church called Mount Zion in Inglewood, CA where my father was the deacon. Then after that church was no longer there my father began to pastor his own homeless ministry in Hollywood. He would have me sing for the homeless every Sunday. The people who attended my father’s service were so humbled and grateful for my shared gift. It touched me in a major way. Besides the fact that my dad is also vocally inclined, He has a Motown background from when he worked for Motown Records in the late 60’s and early 70’s. So I was practically was born into it!
ATF: So how did you go from little ole church girl to getting in the hands of Ryan Leslie?
KI: I met Ryan Leslie because his business partner Rasheed Richmond hit me up on MySpace after hearing my music and offered me a chance to record a demo for him. I did of course and the first song we cut “Next 2 Ya” ended up being my single, it all happened super fast.
ATF: After doing so research on you, I heard that you had to recently deal with cancer. Let’s talk about that experience.
KI: Yeah well I was just about to get signed with Ryan Leslie; he was going to take me overseas with my project. I was so ready to go! But life brought me to a HAULT and I was diagnosed with Hodgekins Lymphoma. I had to stop and focus on my health. I lost my hair during the process from the chemo, but I gained so much more internally. God got me through it! And Ryan Leslie still signed me!
ATF: How has going through that tragic experience affected your music and outlook on life?
KI: It has made me a whole lot more spiritually sensitive! My music speaks a whole lot more honestly now. I don’t regret my battle.
ATF: This a questions that we can’t avoid. You are going to be compared to Cassie a lot because of linking up with Ryan, how are you going to deal with that?
KI: It doesn’t bother me, it won’t be an issue for long because I feel people will quickly see that we are both two different type of artist.
ATF: Do you think NextSelection was the right place for you to go, being that Ryan Leslie is an artist himself?
KI: It’s an emotional roller coaster ride in this industry but I am always completely honest with myself. There will always be a conflict within a label. I respect Ryan’s grind as an artist as he does mine, but I’ve learned that it’s in my power to make things happen regardless of where I am signed. I just feel so blessed that I have an amazing team! Rich Dollaz and KLPR Group. I can’t forget Danni Rouge and Allie Marquee my stylist. I will never give up or stop!
ATF: Describe your music to us…
KI: Imagine Teena Marie, Mary J. Blige, and Beyonce had a love child…That is what I’m aiming for my album to sound like! (laughs). My music can have a nice melodic groove to it. I feel like my vocals makes people wanna chill out. Or at least that’s what I am aiming for.
ATF: What separates you from other pop singers?
KI: I’m not compromising my integrity as a woman to rise to the top. My music needs to speak for itself.
ATF: How did you come up with your name, if it isn’t your birth name?
KI: Krys (pronounced Chris) is short for Krys-tina…And Ivory is who I am. I’m a strong and precious commodity to come by.
ATF: That was cute.
KI: Yeah I think so too (laughs)
ATF: What are you bringing to the music game, that we have no seen before?
KI: I want to be an inspiration to people musically and spiritually. When young girls look at me I want them to say “If she can do it, so can I.” YES YOU CAN! (laughs)
What Artist…
What artist level of success do you hope to attain? Beyonce
What artist record do you wish you would have recorded? “Big Yellow Taxi” – Joni Mitchell
What artist style would you compare to yours? Keri Hilson recently…my single doesn’t reflect that, but my album definitely does.
What artist keeps you grinding?
Beyonce! She’s a hard working PERFECTIONIST. And I love it.
What artist do you dream to collab with? Kanye West please holla at your girl. You’re a beast.
Check out more Info on Krys Ivory:
Twitter: @KrysIvory
Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell
she should worry about being compared to cassie; she sounds just like her