Previewed via Instagram back in April, a snippet of James Ivy’s “Staring Contest” has been sitting in my bookmarked page on Instagram for over two months now, revisited on nearly a weekly basis. Thankfully, the song is finally out, and paired with one of my favorite videos of the year thus far, directed by Danielle Bruce and Ivy, himself.
Offering a blend of emotive lyrics, soul-stricken guitar riffs, and Ivy’s decadent vocals, “Staring Contest” sits in an emotional space that hits extra close to the heart when you’re quarantining back at your childhood home. It’s inherently nostalgic, outwardly emotional, and charming in the kind of way that connects personally, just as much as it does musically – an important distinction to make, especially when the playlist-geared climate of so much music today forgoes real, emotional connection to the listener and therefore, longevity.
The magic doesn’t stop there, either. Match the musicality of the song with a homegrown set of visuals, and you have a release perfectly fit for today, tomorrow, and years to come. “Staring Contest” is the soundtrack to so many emotions, memories, and people, and the mastermind behind it all is none other than James Ivy.
Enough talking, because words won’t do this one justice. Check out the “Staring Contest” music video below and stream the song on DSPs here!
Directed by James Ivy & Danielle Bruce