Ian Shelvey Shines On His Latest Project “CHERRYSKIN”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Have you ever listened to an artist that gave you goosebumps? If so, what made them connect with you in that way? Although this feeling can be rare, artists that push the boundaries of sound have always made me feel like this. There is nothing more satisfying than hearing an artist become vulnerable for the sake of art. Whether they are pushing sonic boundaries or writing exceptional songs, the idea of pushing their art to the limits is what I praise. That is what they are here to do. Over the years, it feels like a lot of music lacks the rawness, vulnerability, and relatability of past generations. However, I recently came across an artist that deserves your attention, and his name is Ian Shelvey.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Ian Shelvey is an emerging artist that writes and records from his bedroom. With his unique sound, Shelvey has continued to build a dedicated fanbase. His songs are raw, and they evoke raw emotions out of his listeners. Although he is still young, his ceiling is high. Now, he enters our pages with one of the best projects of the year titled “CHERRYSKIN”.
“CHERRYSKIN” is a 5-track EP, and it is Shelvey’s first full length release. In my opinion, this is one of the most complete projects I have heard this year. Each song builds on the previous, and the sonic composition is cohesive. Music is in a place where listeners yearn for something exciting, and Shelvey brings his all on this project. The EP is daring, experimental, and it is exciting. Carried with raw emotions, Shelvey gives his listeners everything in him. He expresses his feelings in a mature way as he discusses growing up and the world around him. This is what he had to say about the project:
“This is my first full length release. Having started writing these songs in 2020, I have put a lot of thought, and Emotion into this EP, while at the same time keeping it short. Track 1 has two beat switches, staying erratic, and loud. Confident and crazy. track 2 has one beat switch, the lyrics reflect bargaining and desperate persuasions, winding things down for track 3. Track 3 is an album version of a single I released in July that mourns with the long-drawn-out vocals, and flows perfectly into track 4, the interlude, which prepares the listener for a shift in mood. The final track is a melancholy poem of acceptance of what is and what’s to come, while still mourning selfishly.”
My favorite records from the project were “CHERRY/SKIN” & “SUN”. Overall, this project needs to be in your rotation. Ian Shelvey is one of the best emerging artists so stream his record below!
