Debut EP from Ivan M. Brown

Based in Brooklyn, Ivan Markovsky is an artist, composer and producer who’s previously helped bring to life the music of bands and artists such as GAINSAY, No Liquor In Bushwick, Joie Flare, Ace Marcano, Doncitycloppo, Ace Marcano, Human Form Divine and Gracie Grace. With a broad creative skillset, he also composes and produces for the film industry and has scored music for over twenty film projects as well as over 400 TV commercials.

More recently, he’s stepped out as an artist under the Ivan M. Brown name, crafting his own sonic vision as a solo act. First unveiling the new endeavour in 2022, he released his debut single “LaSalle, Illinois” and has since put together his first record.

Now bringing us his debut EP, he shares the brand new five-track release titled The Soul Thing, showcasing the full-scope of his sonic output that flows freely across styles of soul, pop and R&B. Written, performed, recorded and produced entirely by himself in Brooklyn between 2021 and 2023, the release is focused first and foremost a work of storytelling.

Starting off with “Slow,” deep bass pulses and airy instrumental patters for a moody soundscape as Ivan’s hushed vocals spin laid back rhythmic lines. Intricate percussive taps and shimmering synth textures inject colour to the arrangement as the track drifts through a stripped back and spacey alternative pop world. Driven by the steady beat, capped by smooth vocals and peppered by shifting instrumental elements, “Slow” serves up an immersive and memorable listening experience from start to finish.

“A Girl from New Jersey” follows with delicate synth tones and gentle rhythm before the snap of the beat kicks in to form an atmospheric backdrop for Ivan’s elegant vocal delivery. With an upbeat feel and the soulful voice of Ivan threading delicate leads, deep bass notes underpin the dancing flutters of sweeping instrumental elements on this charming jam.

Title track “The Soul Thing” lays down a bouncy rhythm with playful piano-led instrumentation and soft vocals in the intro before the thump of bass and punch of drums sets up an enveloping scene of downtempo synth pop. Contrasting the impact of the rhythm with soft breathy vocals carrying subtly catchy hooks as an array of synth tones, jazz-inflected key tones and bluesy guitar leads result in an immersive sound.

On “Mental Health,” the mellow strike of the beat carries silky key textures, grooving bass notes and soothing vocal lines. With poignant lyricism, he paints a tender sound as guest musician Annalise Rodgers weaves delicate Flugelhorn tones.

The EP closes with “This is It (Stay)” where bold, pouncing rhythms drive slick alternative R&B vocal leads. The punch and clap of the beat drives an intense arrangement as Ivan crafts an anthemic sound to deliver a powerful finale to his sensational debut record.

Commenting on the release, he shares, “I can’t call myself a beginner, but this project is brand new, and it was interesting to build the whole artistic entity from the ground up. It took unexpected turns, both musically, and lyrically, and I was like – ok, let’s take a ride, wherever it takes me. It took an effort to produce everything by myself, and there’s a lot of heart and soul there, you can trust me on this, but I think irony, and self-irony is the key to this recording. Don’t take it too serious. I smiled a lot during the process of making it.”

Listen to The Soul Thing below