Sunday, May 31, 2009

The 1st of Many to Come

I will try this again...and believe me, I had the most beautiful words written for you to read when I first opened my blog. Somehow, your girl here forgot to save my content and thought that I could preview my work! I guess typing is the preview! LOL! So let me see if I can re-ignite the spirit of wisdom about my reason for being on here...

I am in love with my God in heaven...because he knows me so well...so much better than any other person on earth...he knew me well enough that when he made me...(There you go, just threw on my favorite MaryMary song on my MP3 player! "In the morning...you'll be alright!") my mind would roam in to this beautiful and sacred gift that has even brought out the best and worse of people...even Satan! It is the universal language of the world. No matter what language your ears recognize, when there is music, there is reaction. I always responded to music since birth. I would dance in the living room during family gatherings with my arms wrapped tightly to my Daddy's leg who looked down at me and laughed as my Mom would call out to me, "Go girl! Go girl!".

Music was fun for me. New Kids on the Block, Boyz 2 Men, TLC, Showtime at the Apollo and Star Search was always a joy to look forward to after school and on the weekends for me. I remember recognizing the late and great Aaliyah, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Aubrey "Drake" Graham and many of my musical peers on various shows LONG before their musical peaks in the music industry. The magic of music made life a joy to be a part of for me.

At the age of 7, my Mom decided that I needed more academic discipline through private school. I was very upset leaving my schoolmates and friends for a new place after years in my elementary school. God knew what he was doing, because by the end of that school year , I made the honor roll...of course! More importantly, my dreams of becoming a doctor or nurse soon faded when my teacher recognized my vocal register and gave me one of the lead solos for our musical. I performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at Southwest Community Christan Academy, and since then I have never came off my cloud of wondering just what is possible if I really keep trying to make my dreams come true.

Since then, I have been in a tug of war about taking the risk to living the life of singer in the struggle verses having a foundation before pursuing the music. Through this journey I've had many highs and lows with accepting my honest love for music and being committed to getting through school. I know that music has played a roll in my relationships with my family, my friends and many people that I crossed paths with. With every year that goes by, I see myself maturing into a very refined woman who finally has a story to tell. I can honestly admit, the story wasn't there when I left high school. I was insecure, uptight and convinced that there were only two ways of being discovered... moving to New York and American Idol.

I gained some knowledge over the years from great mentors like Attorney Dedra Davis and Collective Hallucination's AntBoogie about the business of music and dedication. I realized that I needed the foundation in music industry so that I will be prepared for what is to come. That is why I will not go full force with music until I get my degree in 2010. I also realized that I didn't need to become a Doctor or Nurse before I do music (Sorry Mom and Dad...maybe in 20 years! Love you!). I came to realize that this is my life and no one can live it for me. Only me.

So where I am right now is in preparation. I am finally at the beginning of the journey into the music industry. This is what I want to do...and can't think of a better fit for me. I am a hopeless romantic in speech, poetry, worship, intimacy, spirituality, etc. I feel like I am the person who can interpret through my vocals and words the story that all of us often tell. It doesn't matter that I have or have not endured your personal experiences...but if I can tap into core of your emotions...I will find a way to place it into music.

I also know that my instrument is in development and it will take time before I hit my peak too. I am just excited to know that I am growing. So ladies and gentlemen...I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Ivy Okoro from heart of Southwest Houston, Texas.

Just call me IvyLove!


Thanks for joining me for the ride. Your support is vital to my life line in this musical journey.

Before I wrap up...I bet that your biggest question after reading this LONG love note is , "Okay...where the hell do we hear this girl's voice? All that damn writing!"

Well...I have recorded a lot over the years...but not my own music (business and politics of the industry ya'll)...so here is my promise to you:

1. I will perform around Houston at Open Mics this Summer
2. I will pick up the phone, call you and sing to you...especially if you are not in Houston! Haha!
3. I have personal challenge to myself to complete a five song demo project by the end of this Summer (August 2009). As soon as I am finish recording...you will have full access to my music on my Official MySpace Page.

Right now I am a open book when it comes to the music...your advise, critiques and support will help me grow. I am the artist that you will contribute in their growth...so feel free to reply or email me at ivylovemusic@gmail.com.

I'm wrapping this up. LOL! Too much! Enjoy the rest of your day....

One Love & God Bless

-IvyLove