Ivy Levan Scores, With Hits from "Spy" to Sting

Singer Ivy Levan brings her North American Summer tour to New York on July 8 at Irving Plaza, right off performances at Los Angeles and Indianapolis Pride celebrations.

Levan has the official theme song for this summer's biggest blockbuster comedy, "Spy," starring Melissa McCarthy and Jude Law, an upcoming duet called "Killing You" with Cherrytree label-mate Sting (first time in over 10 years that Sting has sung on a new, original pop rock song), and her highly anticipated debut album, "No Good" is set to drop on August 7.

Her current single "Biscuit," hit #5 on the Billboard Club Chart, and the release of her track with Sting will lead Levan straight into the launch of her North American Summer Tour with Canadian Pop band (As well as Cherrytree label-mate), Marianas Trench.

EDGE spoke with Levan to ask her about her music, her new video and what Pride means to her.

EDGE: You're releasing your debut album "No Good" on August 7. What's going on as you approach that date?

Levan: It's actually been like a pregnancy -- I've been carrying around this baby around for two years and I'm ready to get the thing out! Until its release I'll just be playing shows, doing some secret hush-hush things, and preparing myself for a lot of hard work. I can't wait for the challenge.

EDGE: Tell readers a bit about your first single, "Biscuit."

Levan: "Biscuit" is just a silly, self-empowering anthem about not taking yourself or drama so seriously. It's basically telling haters to kiss your you know what, but done in proper Dame style. Its better to put them to good use than just wasting all that negativity, I always say. Oh, and also it crossed the 1m views mark just a few weeks ago on YouTube. So that's neat.

EDGE: You also landed placement for "Who Can You Trust" in the summer movie "Spy" starring Melissa McCarthy. How exciting is that?

Levan: Very much so. Paul Feig (The director) is just a dream to work with. It was really a once in a lifetime experience.

EDGE: You got to perform with the legendary artist Sting on "Killing You." What was that like? Do you enjoy singing duets?

Levan: It's like you spend your whole life trying to amount to who your icons are and inspire you to be, then you get the thumbs up by that icon, and you basically collapse in a puddle of mush because its just too surreal to even compute. Sting is just that for me. He's been a huge influence for me so to get to sing a duet with him was just like saying "Ok, I can die happy now." He fell in love with "Killing You" when it was just my voice and a rough demo and decided he would like to be a part of it. I didn't fight him on that idea at all, ha ha ha. It really turned out to be perfect for telling the story that this song is all about.

EDGE: You also played at Indianapolis and Los Angeles Pride festivals. What was the highlight of those performances? What does Pride mean to you?

Levan: The highlight is being able to meet the fans after a performance in general. Knowing my stories are also their stories. I also take some selfish souvenirs when I hear people singing along with me. That feeling just can't be put into words. Also Pride to me is so important. The support within the LGBT community should be celebrated. Being free, loving yourself, and others should be celebrated. Unity is strength. Love is power. It's a part of my life and I support Pride because I live it. It's true to who I am. My love is shared not based on what genitalia a person has.

EDGE: Where are you most looking forward to playing during your tour dates?

Levan: Everywhere, are you kidding!!! I'm just happy I get the chance to perform anywhere and people want to watch it!

EDGE: You'll be in NYC on July 8 to play at Irving Plaza. What else will you do while you're in NYC?

Levan: Well, every day turns out to be something new and exciting lately and I know there are a few opportunities I can't talk about yet that might happen while I'm in New York. I guess we'll just wait and see!

For more information or tickets, visit http://www.ivylevan.com/events