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THRIVING IVORY'S Clayton Stroope explains how their song, "Angels on the Moon," boosted the band's profile

Thriving Ivory first gained attention when Live 105 Music Director Aaron Axelsen put their single, "Angels on the Moon," into full rotation. Afterwards, the band's song catapulted into the Top 5 as one of the most requested songs on the station. "I was blown away," said singer Clayton Stroope. "All of the sudden we just got a call, and then the next day we just heard it on the air four or five times." The song was inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, and it was obvious from the incredible response over the track that the compelling message and intelligent lyrics resonated with fans.

Stroope, who teamed up with writer and composer Scott Jason while they were attending UC Santa Barbara, says the partnership is complementary. "I'm not a songwriter, and Scott doesn't sing," Stroope said. "But Scott has this creative force inside him, and I just fit as an outlet for him."

Lyrically, Jason likes to let listeners imagine what his songs mean on their own. "I've always liked the idea of keeping songs mysterious and leaving the listener to interpret it themselves because it means something different to everybody," he said. Stroope is then able to take Jason's lyrics to another more emotional level through his soaring vocals, an outstanding collaboration that is evident in favorites like "Hey Lady" and "Twilight."

After being joined by guitarist Drew Cribley, drummer Paul Niedermier and bassist Bret Cohune, Thriving Ivory really started taking off when they collaborated with former Jellyfish bassist and veteran producer Chris Manning, who produced the band's debut full-length album.

To hear a couple Thriving Ivory songs, please download the monthly Playback Podcasts for March and April 2007 on the ASCAP Network: www.ascap.com/network/podcast/playback.

— Jin Moon


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