In 2006 when Emla, Lisa and Rosie were 17 years old they decided to form a band called "Starlett" in their hometown of Christchurch. The band caught lots of attention by performing at bars in their area which led to a record deal with SonyBMG. At the time the girls released two singles, "What I Had‟, which went straight to a Top 5 Radio hit and "Let It Go‟, which placed at number 15.
In 2008 the girls relocated to Auckland to hit the live circuit and integrate themselves in the local music scene. This is where they met Mihka through a mutual friend and changed the band name to Ivy Lies.
Speaking about band formation, Emla declared in an interview: "Lisa and I have known each other since we were about 2 years old. We grew up together & both wanted to be musicians. Lisa and Rosie were friends at high school and wanted to start a band, so Lisa introduced me. We started a band under the name 'Starlett' and it became something we loved doing - just hanging out in the music room at school & playing music. We met Mihka when we moved to Auckland about 2 years ago and instantly fell in love with her musical abilities and awesome ideas; together we became Ivy Lies."
Emla also justified the change of the band's name: "Starlett was a bit of an immature name, we had it when we were 16, and I think (hope) we have grown up a bit since then. Ivy Lies is still feminine but a lot stronger sounding, there isn't really a very interesting story behind it, maybe we should make something up".
The girls grew up listening to all kinds of music from Gene Pitney, Neil Young, The Pogues, Neil Diamond & Willie Nelson, Buddy Holly (in Emla's case), but also Motown, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey (Mihka). At present, among their favourite artists are Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, White Lies, The Veils, Against Me, Sparta, Alice In Chains (Emla) and Paramore, Ladyhawke, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tegan, Sara (Mihka).
In September 2009, after meeting with new management, the band was quickly offered the opportunity to head straight over to Los Angeles to record their album, with famed producer Clif Magness and also recording in Bob Clearmountains Studio (where the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Robbie Williams, Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow have all recorded). Clif, a Grammy Award winning producer, has also worked with Avril Lavigne, Lisa Marie Presley, The Veronicas and Vanessa Amorosi to name a few.
“Addicted” is their first single from their 2010 debut album. The single was released in December 2009 and went to number 20 on RIANZ (the New Zealand charts). "Addicted" also went to number one for artist and video on the Myspace music charts for December 2009.
In January 2010, they played a series of open air concerts in New Zealand as part of the Bands on the Beach tour. The band also played on the radio station The Edge's Sausage Fest 2010, along with acts such as Midnight Youth, Dane Rumble and David Dallas. The single Never Enough was officially released on iTunes on 12 April 2010. The music video premiered on New Zealand television on 16th of April on the C4 music channel. Their latest single "I Lie Awake" was released on iTunes on 16 August 2010. They will also be supporting You Me At Six on their concert in Auckland on September 21 2010.
The power of the band is evident with their combination of pop/anthem rock songs. From the moment you hear Ivy Lies’s music, you are hooked, as their tracks resonate down the radio waves and these gorgeous girls are beamed onto your television screens.
HE SAID SHE SAID
Ivy Lies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't rush it all, shock on the wire
In my control, I'm keeping you strung up
Don't leave me out 'cause I'm playing with fire
He said, she said, complicated
He said, she said, complicated love
Ooh, love
Do you love me, I can't tell
Under my spell
You can't even help yourself, self
Give me a reason, just don't confuse me
It's black and white and you're colour-blind
Whatever words you use to refuse me
Don't waste your breath, make up your mind
He said, she said, complicated
He said, she said, complicated love
Ooh, love
I'll find you out
Do you love me, I can't tell
Under my spell
You can't even help yourself, self
So keep me true
'Cause I like what you do
And you'll do what you do
Lies stifle cries
And the fall and the rise
But we do what we do
And we do it so well
I'll find you out
Do you love me, I can't tell
Under my spell
You can't even help yourself
I'll find you out
Do you love me, I can't tell
Under my spell
You can't even help yourself, self
The lyrics of Ivy Lies's song He Said She Said suggest a complicated and emotionally charged love affair. The first verse suggests that the singer is in control of the situation but also playing with fire. The line "Don't rush it all, shock on the wire" implies that the feelings between the two people involved are intense and unstable. The chorus repeats the phrase "He said, she said, complicated love," emphasizing the difficulty of the connection.
In the second verse, the singer demands clarity and a firm answer from the other person, expressing irritation with being given mixed signals. The line "It's black and white and you're colour-blind" highlights the frustration of the singer with the other person's inability to see the situation clearly. The bridge reveals that the singer is aware that they have the other person under their "spell," but still seeks reassurance that their feelings are returned.
Overall, the song suggests a relationship based on manipulation and control, with both parties struggling to understand and communicate their true feelings. The repetition of the line "Do you love me, I can't tell" emphasizes the uncertainty and insecurity at the core of the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I couldn't help from keeping it from you
I couldn't resist keeping a secret from you.
Don't rush it all, shock on the wire
Don't move too quickly, there's danger ahead.
In my control, I'm keeping you strung up
I have power over you and I'm keeping you under my influence.
Don't leave me out 'cause I'm playing with fire
Don't exclude me because I'm taking risks.
He said, she said, complicated
There are conflicting stories and it's difficult to figure out the truth.
He said, she said, complicated love
There are conflicting stories and it's difficult to figure out the truth about our love.
Ooh, love
A reference to the overall theme of the song.
I'll find you out
I'll figure you out and see through your lies.
Do you love me, I can't tell
I'm unsure about your feelings towards me.
Under my spell
You are under my control and influence.
You can't even help yourself, self
You are unable to break free from my control.
Give me a reason, just don't confuse me
Give me a clear explanation, don't make things more complicated.
It's black and white and you're colour-blind
It's clear to me, but you don't see it.
Whatever words you use to refuse me
No matter what excuses you use to reject me.
Don't waste your breath, make up your mind
Don't bother explaining, just make a decision.
So keep me true
Stay honest and faithful to me.
'Cause I like what you do
I enjoy your behavior and actions.
And you'll do what you do
You'll continue doing what you're doing.
Lies stifle cries
Deception suppresses emotions.
And the fall and the rise
Ups and downs of the relationship.
But we do what we do
We act however we want to.
And we do it so well
We are skilled at our behavior.
Contributed by Sophie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.