Canadian music artist Ivan Hartle melds a captivating fusion of soul, blues, jazz, and pop in his latest track, Love in the Lead. Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., Hartle brings a refreshingly vintage aesthetic to the table, smoothly integrating it with contemporary sensibilities to create a sound that is uniquely his own.
Hartle’s Love in the Lead takes listeners on a lyrical journey through slow rhythmic grooves and thoughtful lyrics, all underpinned by a strikingly soulful vocal performance. From the initial chords, it’s evident that the song is a heartfelt exploration of our collective capacity for love and whether it can outweigh the darker facets of our nature.
The lyrics of Love in the Lead offer an evocative exploration of morality and love in an ever-complex world. The questioning refrain, “Is love in the lead?” echoes throughout the song, leaving listeners to ponder their perceptions of its place in our society. Lines like “Cause I know the world’s not black and white / But where’s the grips on wrong from right” prompt a deep introspection, subtly encouraging listeners to engage with the song’s core message.
Ivan Hartle discussed his new single exclusively with Neon Music, “Love in the Lead” is a song that came together quite quickly. I had a chord progression that I was inspired by, and the lyric “is love in the lead” came out organically. The writing was driven by this original line, and ultimately questions if our collective love, which I believe is within every single person to some degree, will outweigh the greed, jealousy, and other emotions/traits that often seep into our consciousness.
The recording, produced by Matt Storm, has a vintage tonality that I hear in a lot of music that inspires me. We went with a hard stereo pan of the instrumentation and percussion, which is something we both have wanted to try for a long time. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”
Hartle’s vocals stand out for their distinctive quality, striking a balance between contemporary soul and classic blues. His evocative delivery perfectly complements the lyrical depth of Love in the Lead, resulting in a musical experience that is as thought-provoking as it is melodically pleasing.
Love in the Lead is a modern classic that adeptly combines elements from several musical genres. And with his soulful vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and slow rhythmic groove, Ivan Hartle crafts a track that resonates on multiple levels.
Listen to Ivan Hartle’s Love in the Lead on Spotify