In the vibrant world of contemporary music, few voices resonate as powerfully and distinctively as that of brasilian singer Ive Greice. With a career marked by soulful performance, Ive has carved out a unique space in the music industry. Her latest show, promises to be a mesmerizing blend of musical and visual magic.
Today, we delve into the mind of this extraordinary artist to uncover the inspirations and creative processes behind her newest endeavor. We explore the intricate layers of her artistic journey, from the initial spark of an idea to the final, polished performance that captivates audiences around the world. Join us as we sit down with Ive Greice to discuss her life, her music, and the compelling concept behind her latest show.
Who is Ive Greice in the artistic world, within the concept of The Proud Mary?
Creator, producer, businesswoman and singer. The Proud Mary emerged from a deep desire to undertake and create something where I could exercise and put into practice everything I have learned over all these years, working in multiple areas in order to meet the demands that an artistic career requires. This is largely due to the fact that I am an independent singer, and like many of my colleagues in the profession, I ended up being my own manager and producer. What was supposed to be a problem, between mistakes, successes and a lot of work, for me, became an asset, since it allowed me to learn and develop other skills to create opportunities and better working conditions.
How do you prepare in the hours leading up to the performance?
The work begins months in advance, with many hours of work including repertoire selection, arrangements, team coordination, hiring and coordination of suppliers, rehearsals, costumes, choreography, vocal preparation and the like, in addition to the exclusive touch to meet the various aspirations of those who hire us. So, the hours leading up to the performance are divided into 2 moments. In the first moment, the director focuses on the passages and sound tests, scene marking at the concert venue, artistic direction, reviewing with the sound, lighting and artist teams everything that will happen, we rehearse, and in the second moment, the singer goes through vocal warm-ups, body stretching, makeup, costumes and acting on stage.
Do you have any special rituals or routines before going on stage?
Before going on stage, I like to get together with my fellow performers to get in the swing of the show. Whether it’s my work as a solo singer or with The Proud Mary. I like to encourage and exchange messages of support, of the admiration we have for each other and we go on stage full of energy and even more confident.
The concept of your show is both a musical and visual show. Can you tell us a little more about how you developed this idea?
The Proud Mary is a show made to entertain and have total integration and interaction with the audience. Everything was thought out in a way to create beautiful memories in the audience. It’s for singing along, dancing and having fun! Our main focus is on celebration parties, weddings, corporate events.
Any party where the goal is to have a festive, celebratory atmosphere. We created a concept where several other arts can intervene during the musical concert. It’s for seeing, hearing and feeling!
What inspired the central theme of your show?
To create a special show for different parties! Bringing freshness, surprises and novelties to each performance.
What was the process of creating and producing this show like?
I started production 4 months before the launch. It was a solitary process. A lot of research. I spent hours imagining how every detail would be, from the logo to the costumes, the characters, the repertoire, the arrangements, everything. Then I went looking for the artists and musicians I wanted to work with and we started the project. It was a very tiring process, but extremely enjoyable. That happens when we are lucky enough to work with what we love, right!? lol
Did you face any specific challenges when developing the concept and the performance?
Many. The first was going back to singing in English. I sang in English in dance bands when I started my singing career at the age of 14. When I started my solo career, I broke down that singer who sang with the intonation of an American singer and my Brazil took over my singing completely and that is a path of no return, we know… lol… However, to perform in The Proud Mary, I opened that drawer again and I loved it! Then, since I proposed to develop multiple roles in the project, it was very challenging to divide the singer from the manager and the producer. It has been an incredible learning experience! It’s great to discover that we are capable of being many, when we decide to take our dreams off the paper and work with what we have, doing the best we can. It’s super gratifying and above all liberating!
How do you expect the audience to react to the concept of your show?
The audience reacted very well to the launch show. They were all delighted with the artists, with the show, with the way we presented the songs! And I was so happy with the result we achieved!
Is there any part of the show that you think will surprise or move the audience the most?
I think the first moment of the show is the most impactful! But I heard many different opinions from people about their favorite moments of the show. Which is great!
What visual and musical elements are most important to convey the concept of the show?
I make a point of having real musicians playing. Nothing against machines, we also use them, but it’s very important that it’s organic, human.
How did you choose the songs and visuals that are part of the performance?
I make a real movie in my head, lol. I imagine the song in a certain arrangement and what images it suggests to me, and then I make notes to discuss with the team and we can create the following montages.
Did you work with other artists to create this show? Who were they and how did they contribute to the final result?
Yes. I worked more with the musicians Juju Batera, Hozana Matias, and Nuno Louro. But it’s worth mentioning that the entire team was extremely important to the final result.
What message do you want to convey to the audience through this show?
Shared happiness is even better!
Is there a specific emotion you want the audience to feel during the performance?
Fullness. My wish is that during the moment we are together at the show (audience and artists), we forget about any problems and enjoy the present moment, giving the best that we have!
What are your plans for the future of this show? Do you intend to take it to other cities or countries?
Yes. We have plans to expand and take this show to other parts of the world! We really want to!
Are you already thinking about new concepts for future shows?
Always! After all, our concept presupposes an almost constant adaptation to the particularities and details that each party demands. So we are always in this exercise.
How do you deal with feedback from the audience and critics after each performance?
I really like to hear what people felt, how they felt and what they think can be improved! Not that I accept every and any opinion, but the ones that make sense are always welcome! I am grateful when someone tries to help by giving a sincere and constructive opinion!
Do you make adjustments to the show based on the feedback you receive?
Sometimes yes!
How has this show impacted you personally and artistically?
Honestly, I feel like a portal has opened in front of me, where all my dreams are possible and achievable! It has been very fun and rewarding to be part of this, which for me, is like an “enchanted factory”, where creating magical moments and fantasizing is part of the job lol
Was there any experience or moment during the development of this show that was particularly memorable for you?
The moment when I stepped on stage with The Proud Mary for the first time, with all those incredible artists sharing the stage with me, at La Distillerie, in front of that audience that welcomed us and vibrated intensely with all the surprises we had prepared, was unforgettable. I could hardly believe that I had managed to achieve everything I had dreamed of, with my heart warm, in the solitude of my room, on a cold Lisbon winter day!
