Sungaze: Mazzy Star on Mescaline

We love discovering new music. We recently got to hear ‘So Light’ by Cincinnati-based dream rock outfit Sungaze. We liked what we heard.

We immediately set off to explore the back catalogue. We're very glad we did. The Sungaze sound is dreamy, ethereal, spellbinding and hard to pigeonhole. Think Mazzy Star on Mescaline. We can definitely hear Widowspeak and Beach Fossils in the sonic mix, both of whom the band cite as influences.

Amongst the lush melodies and soaring guitar riffs, you’ll also find punk, grunge, pop and rock sensibilities aplenty. The band’s self-titled third album was released last month and showcases Sungaze at their genre-defying best, with heavier tracks rubbing shoulders with more introspective offerings.

We wanted to know more. We got in touch.

Sungaze is the creative project of metal band veteran Ian Hilvert and the marvellously monikered Ivory Snow. Husband and wife, the couple are joined for live shows by Zach Starkie on rhythm guitar, Justin Van Wagenen on drums, Charlie Hausfeld on keys, and Snow’s sister, Angela Colvin, on bass guitar.

Happily, Sungaze said yes to being grilled for your pleasure. We had a great time chatting with Ian and Ivory, during which, amongst other things, we spoke about the new album, the band’s history, influences, dreams and future plans.

For cheap whiskey, Ouija boards, sushi rolls, and more, read on!

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Hello Sungaze! Great to meet you. We’re loving the album. Please tell us about it.

IVORY – Each song was inspired by a different theme Ian or I have dealt with over the last few years. We’ve been referring to it as our coming of age album for that reason. A lot of personal and interpersonal growth took place between the release of our second and third albums. Actually, there almost wasn’t a third album.

Making the album was a long process: years. We didn’t realise it would eventually be a cohesive album until pretty late in the game.

How does it compare to your previous releases?

IVORY – The production is definitely our best yet. Ian has learned so much over the course of these releases. He’s really stepped it up. The songwriting on this one is a little more to the point.

I feel like we’re really honing in on the things we want to say. We used to have a hard time ending a song before the 6+ minute mark! And even then, sometimes, it didn’t feel like we’d said what we really wanted to. This album definitely feels the most like us.

We really love ‘So Light' and 'Pity'. Do you have favourites on the album?

IVORY – Thank you. I think every song on the album has been a favourite at one point or another. ‘Pity’ was an early favourite for most of us. It’s still pretty well loved. Right now, my favourite track is probably ‘World Won’t Wait’. That song holds a lot of meaning for me personally. The instrumentation just feels very comforting.

IAN – Yeah, I really like ‘World Won’t Wait’. ‘Freer Than I Could Be’ too. They’re both happy, summery songs.

Where did you record it?

IVORY – We recorded most of it at our studio space, with the exception of some guitars and most of my vocals. Those we recorded at our old apartment, on a little 2-channel interface.

Definitely want to give a shout out to Ian for all the hours he put into perfecting his craft on this one. And also to our bandmates who recorded on ‘So Light’ and have done such a great job learning the material and bringing it to life for live shows. We are very thankful for them.

Tell us more about the band. Who’s the organiser? Who’s the diva?

IAN – As far as outfits and looks go, Ange is probably the diva. She’s also up there with me for being a worrier. Ivory has the itinerary. Zach is the most punctual.

We do a good job though of not having too many cooks in the kitchen. Everyone has input that is valued.

What would you say is your secret sauce?

IAN – A few different ingredients; like, the different reverbs and delays on the guitars, keys, and vocals all combined kind of creates a secondary layer of sound on top of what the instruments and singers are doing. We’re creating something larger than the sum of its parts.

I think having sisters in the band that both sing together is super cool. Sometimes even we can’t tell which of them is singing which line. I also think my guitar solos add another storytelling element; like, the guitar is telling the story that the singer is telling, but from another perspective.

How do you write your songs? Do you have a set process?

IVORY – It’s a little different from song to song. Sometimes, one of us will write a full song and the other will kind of fine-tune things. More commonly, one of us will have a few elements, like a vocal melody, lyrics, or a progression, and we’ll bring it to the other and collaborate from there.

When I write, I usually start with finding a progression I like on guitar, by moving my favourite shapes around the fretboard until something feels right. Then, I’ll hum along until a vocal melody comes through. Sometimes lyrics come right away; other times it can take time for them to form.

What’s the best thing about being in a band?

IVORY – Having an outlet for self-expression. The best thing about playing music in general is getting to tap into universal themes that we all go through, but from a very personal perspective.

It feels very unifying to be singing a personal song in a room full of people who have experienced the same thing you’re singing about, but in their own way. It’s a good reminder that we’re never really alone in our experiences.

Can you remember your first gig as Sungaze?

IVORY – Yeah, our first show ever was at this little pizza place that no longer exists. It was for a short-lived Cincinnati music festival that spanned multiple venues.

I think we had a 25-minute set in the corner of this little restaurant. There were 6 people there: 2 were my mom and sister, long before she was in the band, and the other 4 were members of the band waiting to play after us!

Might oaks from little acorns grow. Was the second gig any better?

IVORY – Worse! I was just learning how to play keys and didn’t really know my way around the instrument at all. I played primarily by ear and muscle memory. The venue we played at was on the DIY side and had no stage monitors. I didn’t even have an amp.

My nerves continued to grow as more family showed up to see us play, so I ordered a shot of cheap whiskey from the bar and downed it. Big mistake! It did nothing but increase my anxiety. By the time we got up to play, I was a nervous, shaking mess.

When we started playing, I realised I couldn’t hear myself. I had no idea what I was doing. I think I may have turned my sound down and just pretended to play, if I’m being honest!

Let’s talk of happier things. What’s been your biggest highlight so far?

IVORY – We were recently invited to play at one of the bigger venues in our hometown, opening for a national touring act. We grew up going to shows at that venue and it was surreal to be on the same stage where many of our favourite artists have performed over the years.

If you could be in any other band, now or whenever, which would it be?

IAN – That's a tough question because my involvement in the band would alter the music coming out. I don’t know if I would enjoy the art in the same way.

It would be neat to play some songs with someone like Mastodon, or Opeth, or Tame Impala. My development as a musician is based off of them, and 311, Washed Out, Metallica. And a lot of the music on Guitar Hero 3, specifically!

What about you, Ivory? Who are your musical heroes?

IVORY – Artists I love are Widowspeak, Beach Fossils, Waxahatchee, Nothing, Ethel Cain, and an assortment of artists from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

One I haven’t given enough credit to is Zach Condon of Beirut. I’ve loved his music since high school. I’ve seen Beirut play more times than any other band. I’m inspired by the way he uses his voice, almost as if it’s another instrument, rather than a means to a lyrical end.

Here’s a photo from when I creepily waited outside of the venue for an hour hoping to meet him after they played in Chicago when I was studying there.

Give us 3 albums everyone should own.

IAN – At least one Tame Impala record; like, you’d be fine with any of them. 311’s ‘Grassroots’ is another really cool one. It’s like almost lo-fi and the songs are so fun. There is a world in them. Mastodon’s ‘Hushed and Grim’ is another excellent, world-building album.

Knowing what you know now, do you have any advice for someone starting a career in music?

IVORY – Take criticism and praise with a grain of salt because both can cloud your judgment. Make sure you love what you’re doing.

IAN – Make a foundation of skill, knowhow, and flexibility for yourself that cannot be shaken. Don’t give up and you will succeed. You are enough. 

What’s the best way to start the day?

IVORY – It’s cliche, but, honestly, making your bed.

Very wholesome. What’s something you think everyone should do at least once?

IVORY – Maybe move away from your hometown. I think that can be a really good way to get to know yourself and practice showing up as the person you want to be.

What’s something you will never do again?

IVORY – Never say never, but a couple of things I’m pretty certain I won’t do again are play with a Ouija board or do psychedelics.

You’re on Death Row. What are you having for your last meal?

IAN – Steak, baked oysters, garlic butter scallops, a few sushi rolls, bacon, some pineapple, and french fries with chipotle mayo.

Delicious and remarkably specific. Thanks so much for chatting with us today.

IVORY – Very kind of you to invite us to do this interview for your blog.

IAN – Love the vibe you’ve curated at TEN OF CLUBS. You have wall art, skateboards, and cool tees. I’m a certified T-shirt collector.

We’ll be delighted to add some TOC tees to your collection. What’s next for Sungaze?

IVORY – We have some regional shows coming up in new cities that we’re really looking forward to. We’re gearing up to hit even more new places in 2025.

Beyond that, we already have new material we’re working on, so recording is definitely on the horizon as well.

Looking forward to it. To finish, what are your dreams for the band?

IVORY – I would love to do an extensive tour of the US, UK and EU. Would also really, really love to go to Japan. I hope we can continue gaining traction, so we can travel, have more opportunities, and connect with more people in more places.

Having our music placed in movies is pretty high on the list too.

IAN – I want to tour with bands we love and believe in, making a community of people who understand what we do and want to feel included and cared for.

Marvellous. Cheers, guys. Any final words?

IVORY – Thanks for listening.

IAN – Thanks for reading.

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▶︎ ‘Sungaze’ by Sungaze is streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music and elsewhere.

▶︎ Photography by Micah Dawkins