Gold Coast Band Analysis

“I don’t know how it works, but it works.”
This is IVEY lead singer Millie Perks’ assessment of her emerging Gold Coast band. While originally Millie is simply referring to IVEY’s song-writing process, she actually reveals something bigger, encapsulating their entire outlook.
As Millie indicates, IVEY are a paradox, but also incredibly simple. On the surface, IVEY’s prosperity seems unlikely, given the “almost non-existent” Gold Coast music scene, as well as their youth and eclectic musical influences. Yet, upon closer inspection, IVEY’s success is both natural, and entirely expected.
One overriding factor dictates this: IVEY are not only a band, but a family. To IVEY, the two aspects are inextricable, with their tight-knit dynamic pervading
Vibrant laughter echoes beneath the ajar front door, while the aroma of home-cooked meatballs lingers. Lachie warmly invites me inside. The others are already nestled on an outdoor couch, glistening with sweat after another “intense” practice session, and sharing meatballs from a worn container.
So, realistically, the unity with which IVEY state their band philosophy comes as little shock. Rather, it provides valuable insight into the depth and intimacy of their relationship.
“We all just have this really strong friendship,” Lachie says.
“Yeah, we’re like a family that plays music,” Millie elaborates.
“We treat each other like brothers and sisters. Sometimes we just hate each other, and then we love each other.”
Drummer Matt McGuffie has a slightly different
“It is very much feel based.”
Millie, tasked with conveying lyrics emotional depth through her vocal performances, agrees.
“It’s the stuff that hurts and feels most,” she observes.
However, according to Lachie, inspiration is difficult to categorise, so his song-writing process isn’t always active. Instead, inspiration can appear unexpectedly.
“Sometimes you’re just sitting at home and strumming your guitar and you stumble across something. You write something about lizards,” he concludes.
Refining the art of song-writing is one thing, but, according to IVEY, performing these songs is a truer measure of their success. Recently, spirited, enthusiastic performances have enhanced their reputation, and helped them earn a loyal following.
However, this was not always the case. For Millie in particular, performing, and finding the confidence to lead the band, was an acquired skill.
“[At first] I was kind of like, ‘oh my god there’s people there I don’t want to sing.’ I’d literally just stand there on stage,” she reflects.
“But then as time goes on I kind of realised - and the others told me - that I had to involve the crowd more.”
“I found that if you act drunk, it really