A Streaming Richmond “Behind the Scenes” interview with local Pop/Rock band: The Jim Ivins Band
Posted by Travis on Jan 13, 2009
The Jim Ivins Band is an up and coming band rocking the scene in Richmond, Virginia. You may have already seen them around town at The Canal Club, Alley Katz, The Camel, Hyperlink Café, Common Grounds or The National. Toad’s Place is about the only venue they haven’t played. With only one more club to “conquer” in Richmond, don’t you think it’s about time to experience their show?
They have been together for about a year now, but in Jim’s words “they have already accomplished so much…” Their first tour is fast approaching and they will be opening for acts such as Mae, The Ataris, Carolina Liar and Sparky’s Flaw. When asked about the genre of their music Jim said “I would simply call us Pop/Rock. I play mostly with an acoustic guitar, so there’s that element infused in our music but we still definitely bring the rock.” If you haven’t already guessed, the band name originated from Jim’s real name Jim Ivins.
When asked about the ultimate direction for the band Jim said “I hope to take this band as far as it can possibly go. I want to be able to stop and hear the crowd sing the songs back, I want to make music that people can listen to and relate to, music that will make the crowd feel good.”
Now to introduce the band: Jim Ivins, lead vocals and guitar, his brother Jack, drums, Bobby Gary, bass and backing vocals and Drew Martin, guitar and backing vocals. Jim has been jamming with his brother for as long as he can remember. He met Bobby, the band’s bassist and Drew the band’s second guitarist from Busted Wire, a band they previously played in.
Writing lyrics for Busted Wire inspired Jim to begin writing solo acoustic songs. From that point forward he focused his energy into creating a songbook that would later become the blueprint to propel The Jim Ivins Band to the front of the Richmond music scene. As if writing talent wasn’t enough, Jim stretched the limits by playing all of the instruments himself, which lead to the debut of his first album “99¢ Dreams.” Shortly after the album release he officially formed “The Jim Ivins Band.”
Their major influences include well-known Rock bands such as Ace Enders, Relient K, Mae, Jack’s Mannequin, The Goo Goo Dolls and many well-known acoustic musicians like John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams and Death Cab for Cutie.
Currently the band plays songs from the album “99¢ Dreams,” with a few new songs adding flavor into the set. If you catch them live you may also hear great covers such as: “Big Machine” and “Dizzy” by the Goo Goo Dolls, “Fade Away” by Oasis, “So Right” by Dave Matthews Band and “Daylight” by Coldplay. Here’s a song from their album “99¢ Dreams” called “Back to Reality.”
Tell your friends and get a group together to come see them at their next show.
If you are looking to form your own band here is some advice from Jim:
1.) Take the time to get good as yourself and as a band before you go out and play shows. It’s harder to grow when people see and hear you play poorly before they hear you play great. I can really hurt the bands rep.
2.) Find the right guys because a band is a relationship. If the members of your band are not on the same wavelength it will make for a rough and rocky experience.
For more information about upcoming shows check out www.myspace.com/thejimivinsband, you can also check out some of their music at www.streamingrichmond.com.
Don’t miss Streaming Richmond’s “Behind the Scenes” video interview with local Richmond Virginia band Roslyn!
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Author: Travis Guilbeau works in the marketing & advertising industry in Richmond, Virginia | Member, streamingrichmond.com | Contributor, tallglassmedia.com