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Iva Davies’ Early Life and Musical Foundations
Iva Davies was born and raised in Wauchope, New South Wales, Australia, where his early exposure to music set the stage for his remarkable career. Trained as a classical musician, Davies excelled as an oboist, eventually studying at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music. However, the allure of rock music and the emerging punk and new wave scenes in the 1970s inspired him to shift gears. Influenced by artists like David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Brian Eno, Davies began exploring electronic and experimental sounds, which would later define Icehouse’s unique style.
The Birth of Flowers
In 1977, Davies formed Flowers with bassist Keith Welsh, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in Australian music. Originally a covers band playing tracks by Bowie, T. Rex, and Lou Reed, Flowers soon began incorporating original material into their setlists. Their raw energy and Davies’ charismatic stage presence quickly made them a favorite in Sydney’s pub rock circuit.
Self Titled Debut Album Explodes Onto The Scene
The release of their debut album, Icehouse, in 1980, was a game-changer. Featuring tracks like “We Can Get Together” and “Can’t Help Myself,” the album showcased a blend of new wave, punk, and synth-driven rock that resonated with audiences. Its success led to a record deal with Chrysalis Records for international distribution, but a legal conflict over the name Flowers prompted the band to rebrand as Icehouse.
Icehouse and the Global Stage
As Icehouse, the group became a vehicle for Davies’ creative vision. Their 1982 album, Primitive Man, marked a major turning point. Produced by Davies and Rhett Davies (known for working with Roxy Music), the album included the hauntingly atmospheric “Hey Little Girl” and the upbeat “Great Southern Land,” a song that became an unofficial Australian anthem.
Themes of Isolation and Urban Life
The next album, Sidewalk (1984), showcased Davies’ maturing songwriting and reflected his growing interest in themes of isolation and urban life. Though less commercially successful than its predecessor, it set the stage for the band’s magnum opus, Man of Colours (1987).
The Success of Man of Colours
Man of Colours was Icehouse’s most commercially successful album, cementing their place as global stars. Tracks like “Electric Blue,” co-written with John Oates of Hall & Oates, and “Crazy” dominated international charts. The album’s sophisticated blend of pop hooks, electronic textures, and introspective lyrics resonated with fans worldwide. In Australia, Man of Colours became the highest-selling album of 1987 and earned multiple ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year.
Innovations and Side Projects
Davies’ passion for technology and experimentation was evident throughout Icehouse’s career. He embraced cutting-edge digital synthesizers and recording techniques, creating a sound that was both innovative and timeless. In addition to his work with Icehouse, Davies composed scores for films like Razorback (1984) and collaborated with the Sydney Dance Company on Boxes (1985) and Berlin (1995), blending classical and modern musical elements.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite lineup changes and shifts in the music industry, Icehouse remained a beloved act. In the 1990s, the band released Code Blue (1990) and Big Wheel (1993), which explored deeper and more personal themes. Although these albums didn’t match the commercial heights of earlier works, they reinforced Davies’ reputation as a versatile and introspective artist.
Icehouse in the 2000's
By the 2000s, Icehouse focused on live performances, reconnecting with fans through nostalgia-fueled tours. Davies also reworked classic tracks for the 2011 album Icehouse: White Heat 30 Hits, which celebrated the band’s enduring legacy.
Cultural Impact
Iva Davies and Icehouse have left an indelible mark on Australian music and beyond. Great Southern Land is regularly cited as one of Australia’s greatest songs, and Icehouse’s albums continue to influence generations of musicians. Davies’ fusion of classical training, electronic innovation, and rock sensibility has made him one of Australia’s most iconic and enduring musical talents.
Icehouse Today
Icehouse remains active, with Davies at the helm, performing to loyal audiences and introducing their music to new fans. From the pulsating beats of “Hey Little Girl” to the timeless anthem of “Great Southern Land,” Iva Davies and Icehouse continue to be celebrated as pioneers of Australian music, bridging the gap between the past and the future of rock and electronic sounds.
This Post Has 2 Comments
Icehouse is one of the most enduring and enjoyable live acts that Australia has to offer, with world-class staging, lighting and sound rigs that allows every part of the audience to be part of the show.
Every song they perform is a hit and the audience is always left satisfied at having experienced an amazing show.
Having been a fan since the early ‘80s I have grown up with the music of Icehouse and have a lot of respect for Iva and his music, including the soundtracks and collaborations he has been involved in during his remarkable career.
Wonderfully talented musos. Enjoy them as much today as over forty years ago. Kudos