David Ivory

About

+ President National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS - aka GRAMMYs), Philadelphia Chapter
+ GRAMMY-nominated engineer, and producer (The Roots - Things Fall Apart)
+ Adjunct Professor of Music - Montgomery County Community College

There was a time when record labels committed themselves more seriously to developing the careers of their recording artists. Today, it is much harder to find a record label committed to this goal. When a major or Indie label signs a new artist or band, they presume the act has sufficient musical, songwriting, and performance talent, and are ready for the big time. Enter David Ivory.

Over the years, Grammy® nominated engineer/producer David Ivory has worked with some of music's biggest names – touching upon a variety of genres in the process. But his passion always remains the same – the overall development of his artists and their music. Focusing on songwriting, arrangement, and live performance, along with record making process, Ivory inspires passion in his artists and provides them with the full package for success. Signing a partner record deal with Atlantic Records in early 2005, Ivory works with both signed and unsigned developing artists locally and internationally, and is credited with many major record releases. Most recently: Halestorm on Atlantic Records, Silvertide on J Records, and Kindred on Hidden Beach/Sony.

In the music industry a record producer has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the performers, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes, but Ivory believes that’s just not enough. He is not your traditional producer. Developing his artist’s songs, image, and live performance to the level that’s needed to attract the attention of labels and fans is what David Ivory is all about. David’s unorthodox style, waving his arms and shouting, brings out the best in his artists - and it works!

Susie Keynes of the Australian band “Fruit” noted "It's been an incredible year. I feel like David brought out more from us musically than we knew we had – he totally refined and helped define our sound". Of Lizzy Hale – Halstorm (Atlantic Records) “David took a chance on us. I learned more about myself as a songwriter and vocalist in those first 6 months than I could have on my own in 2 years. He really helped accelerate the process! He’s someone who believed so whole heartedly in what we can do and saw something in us, even in our rawest state.”

"Dave Ivory, a true rebel and leader in a world of followers." - Walt Lafty (Silvertide/J Records)

David Ivory’s career spans many achievements. As an Adjunct professor of the Music Industry Program at Drexel University in Philadelphia and a member of the Board of Governors for The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammy® Association) David has been the featured speaker and panel moderator at such high profile music conferences as The Millennium Music Conference – Harrisburg Pennsylvania, SXSW in Austin Texas, Nemo Music Conference – Boston, and The Dewey Beach Music Conference in Dewey Beach Delaware.

Throughout his career David Ivory has also been the recipient of many distinguished awards. Some of which are the 2001 RIAA Gold Record award for “Things Fall Apart” The Roots, 2001 RIAA Gold Record award for “Love and Fear” Syleen Johnson, 2000 Grammy nomination for best “Hip Hop Album of the Year” The Roots, 2000 Grammy Awards Certificate for Engineer “Best Duo Performance”, 1997 RIAA Triple Platinum Record award for “Babuism” Erykah Badu, 1997 Grammy Awards Certificate for best “R&B Album of the year” Erykah Badu, 1996 RIAA Gold Record Award “Gems” Patti Labelle, 1996 Ampex Golden Reel Award for “Gems” Patti Labelle, and 1989 “Best Studio of the Year” Philadelphia Music Alliance. Ivory’s production and development style incorporates his many diverse musical influences.

Although his roots are in rock his first big shot came from developing and recording the sound for “The Roots” (which later evolved into the musical genre called Neo-Soul). The combination of songwriting, arrangement, live performance enhancement and engineering allows Ivory to grow as a producer and ultimately implant the musical ethics needed for an artist to succeed. Ivory scored a major coup with Philadelphia’s Silvertide (J Records) when he arranged, produced, and co-wrote, their first release “American Excess” for music industry icon Clive Davis and his label J Records. Davis was so impressed with the ruff demo and Ivory’s production that he made a special trip to Philadelphia to see the band perform.

Silvertide’s first release is a perfect example of Ivory’s skills in developing a band from its’ beginning to a commercial release. Another notable client of Ivory Productions is legendary Philly producer/songwriter Bunny Sigler. Sigler has been a producer and songwriter for Patti Labelle, The O’Jays, Nelly as well as working with hit-makers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of Philadelphia International Records. Bunny is not just a client but a long time friend and writing partner with Ivory.

When Ivory opened Dylanava Studios in suburban Gwynedd Valley, PA his idea was to create a quiet, convenient setting that would place the focus on creativity and expression while avoiding the distractions of a major city. The studio is located on approximately 3 acres outside of the white noise of a major metropolis. The onsite tracking/production facility allows Ivory to work closely with his artists and fully develop them in terms of songwriting, performance, and recording. It enables an artist the opportunity to unwind in a quaint cabin dubbed “The Vinyl Room” where classic listening sessions occur fireside (literally). The ability to wear many hats makes David Ivory and Ivory Productions a “One-Stop-Shop” for many artists needs. He believes deeply that the best bands are not afraid of being themselves.

Throughout his career, Ivory has established many long lasting relationships. From A&R executives at major and indie labels to the hottest regional session players. His conviction on songwriting and the full development of his artists before letting them out of the gate builds upon the production side of his craft. His philosophy can be best described in his own words. “Don’t settle, go the extra distance, make your songs and performance the best it can be. Do less to do more. It’s not cliché it’s the truth”. The music – his artists are personal to David Ivory. Simply put it’s his passion – his life and his story.

Links

Ivory Productions

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Impact Artist Promotions

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Atlantic Records

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Halestorm (Atlantic Records)

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Silvertide (J-Records (fmr))

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Patti Labelle (Island Def-Jam)

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Grammy.com

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Rock-N-Roll Boot Camp

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Dylanava Studios