The Proximity Playlist: Ivey Leighton
What can happen in three years? For Chattanooga singer-songwriter Ivey Leighton, the answer is… quite a lot.
Ivey played her first open mic at 21, and since then, her music career has picked up some serious momentum. She’s gone from performing locally and landing a residency to releasing her debut single, “Good Girl”.
On this episode of The Proximity Playlist with Gino D, Ivey talks about that whirlwind journey and what it’s been like watching something she’s always wanted to do finally become a real career.
Ivey describes her sound as “confessional pop rock,” blending alternative pop and pop rock with strong hooks, storytelling, and songs that can be playful while still being emotionally honest.
We also dig into her songwriting process, which often starts with a guitar or piano. Her inspiration often comes from everyday moments and the little thoughts or experiences that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Her debut single, “Good Girl,” is a sarcastic take on the toxic expectations placed on women, while two unreleased songs—“Nice Girl” and “Stupid Genius”—show some of the different directions her music can take.
Ivey also opens up about performing, connecting with listeners, the growing Chattanooga music scene, the challenges of social media, and her hopes for the future—including releasing music consistently, playing bigger venues, touring, collaborating with artists, and eventually making music full-time.
Most of all, this conversation is about what it feels like to watch a lifelong interest suddenly start turning into a career—and why Ivey is just getting started.
Listen to the latest episode of The Proximity Playlist featuring Ivey Leighton, and get to know one of Chattanooga’s emerging singer-songwriters.
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Follow Ivey Leighton at IVEYLEIGHTON.COM, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Spotify, and Apple Music.
