You will see Ivan at our 2nd annual Smooth Grooves of Summer Concert, July 27 at The Shipyards Stage!
1. How old were you when you first started making music?
I can remember singing ever since I was a little kid, and although I dabbled on guitar at an early age, I would say I really dove in when I was about 14.
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
Well I feel like your biggest influences and inspirations tend to shift through the years. I could listen to Sam Cooke sing forever though.
3. Where do you make your home?
I was born in North Vancouver, but I live in Vancouver now.
4. Do you have any pets?
No pets currently, but we had a family dog growing up, a Border Collie/ducktolling retriever mix named Jake.
5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
Tough question. So many good ones through the years, but the band and I played a show at the 70 seat Theatre in Tofino 2 years ago, and there was something special in the air that night!! That show stays with me to this day. Most recently, I did an album release show at The Cobalt in Vancouver which was a great one!
6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
I saw Leon Bridges at the Orpheum in Vancouver (I believe in 2016) when he was touring the ‘Coming Home’ Album, and that one ranks pretty high for me. Not only did Leon and his band put on an incredible show, the artist who opened that night, Son Little, quickly became one of my new favourites!
7. Do you have an all-time favourite song?
A list full of tough questions! Ha. Obviously this one is hard to narrow down to just one song, so let me say two. “You Always Hurt The One You Love” by The Mills Brothers and “Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley.
8. What musician would you still most like to work with?
Ok well if we are dreaming big, someone like Gary Clark Jr. would be amazing. I’ve been a huge fan of his through the years, and also just judging on interviews and what not, he seems like an incredible person too.
9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
Well I played baseball all through high school and in college, so that would have been cool if I had made it!
10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?