Song Origins: “Escape” by Chris Ivan & Tanna Marie

Artists Chris Ivan (@officialchrisivan) and Tanna Marie (@tannamariesings) teamed up to collaborate on a new R&B love song, “Escape.” This electric song blends polished harmonies, catchy lyrics and an upbeat rhythm, making it a certified summer bop. Discover how the magic transpired.

Listen to “Escape” by Chris Ivan and Tanna Marie on Spotify:

What inspired “Escape” & how did it feel to collaborate?

CI: For me, the biggest inspiration was making a song that sounded like it belonged in the early 2000s. I wanted that old-school fun R&B song. I always wanted to collaborate with Tanna. I think she’s a baddie and fully embraces it. She’s also very talented vocally. It’s given me a run for my money as well. Tanna taught me something that I use every time I go into the studio. Simplicity is the best. My lower register is cute, so I use that more now.

TM: The inspiration came from being in love with someone who helps someone get through something, and not just romantic love but platonic love as well. Chris does a lot of house and pop music, and I’m more R&B. We have different styles, but it worked for us. It brought out more ideas. We pushed each other outside of our comfort zones. Overall, the collaboration was really good.

What was the biggest challenge & how did you overcome it?

CI: I think the biggest challenge when creating this song was that Tanna and I have very big personalities. We aren’t used to sharing creative ideas. So it was a partnership that was fair. I absolutely respect her. So I knew once we’d start eliminating our crazy ideas, we’d have the perfect balance of my flair and Tanna’s beautiful spunk.

TM: I think the biggest challenge we faced while making the song was that we had to find each other’s happy spots and work through them. I process things very quickly. I have ADHD. Working with another person, allowing them to work at their own pace and making sure that when you’re collaborating, you’re truly listening to the other person’s ideas was a learning experience. When things are challenging, that’s when you have the most growth.

What do you hope people take away from this song?

CI: I want people to be like, “This is our love song!” I don’t think people make enough positive love songs. The production goes crazy. The layers on our vocals are just perfection. I want people to be like, “I have the perfect R&B song to play!”

TM: It’s nice to have somebody, whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a lover, who is an escape for you. It’s this sense of community. We put romantic love on a pedestal, but love, especially platonic love, can also be thrilling and fulfilling.

Is there anything else you want people to know about this song that we haven’t covered?

CI: This is my leading single from my new album, “IVAN.” This song will also come with a music video. It’s gonna be a super fun music video to work on. I would tell everyone to go check out my first two albums, “Biggest Battle” and “On My Terms.” You won’t be disappointed.

TM: I would love the audience to know that this was a different direction for me. It’s a song that I’m so proud of because I also helped vocally produce it. Chris helped me with his soft, higher register since I’m a belter. The original track and EDM remix give you two different vibes. I hope people love both of the versions because we worked really hard on them.

: @officialchrisivan and @tannamariesings