We caught up with London-based singer-songwriter Amy Steele ahead of the release of her new project to find out more about her as an artist, key influences and her specially curated ‘Human Nature Playlist’
What was the first album you remember owning?
At home we had a copy of Janet Jackson’s Control Album on vinyl, that I used to wear out.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The saxophone, and I still love the sax. it has to really work in the song so it can be hit or miss. On the human nature playlist I made, its on the track Blessed, that’s a great example of when it really works. I have a song with a saxophone on my upcoming project.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was younger I loved all the female singers from Whitney to Mariah Carey to Celine Dion to TLC. Female powerhouse singers were definitely the soundtrack to my childhood.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I don’t really have favourite artists or favourite genres, its more of favourite songs. I think that comes through on the playlist I’ve made, its quite eclectic.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think that being able to make music and create a project and see it all come together, from the production to the writing and then making visuals – I think that’s the best part. The doing of the thing is the most rewarding part – and having what you’ve created be a true artistic expression of what you wanted to make. And then when you put it out and there’s people that connect with it, that’s the one of the best feelings.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I think that there’s no certainty. In any creative field a career is a journey that you take without a pre-determined route. But I also think that’s what makes it exciting,..
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I think as a person and a musician, the best advice I’ve ever had is that nothing is impossible with God’s blessings. Sometimes I might tell my team I want to achieve X and no-one ever says that’s not possible. I think it’s important to have that mindset and also to have your team and the people around you have that mindset too, no matter what it is you want to achieve.
Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
It was a gradual start. I’ve always just known I loved music, I’ve written songs since I was a child, and sang in school plays. Then I went to the studio and recorded things. My sister then set up a facebook page for it and put the music out, and from there I was just de facto doing music whilst at medical school, and she was my manager whilst at law school. It wasn’t a choice to get started, it was just something we did and grew and realised while we were doing it, that we wanted to pursue it further.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
The songs I’ve put out are all feelings I’ve had or thoughts I’ve had. When I’m writing them I often feel like I’m writing about a concept or metaphor, but when I look back I can always see that it reflects an instance in my life, maybe not directly but definitely in terms of the emotion, it will be one I’ve felt. So in that way my songs are all very personal and based on something I’ve lived.
For our readers, please tell us about your musical background.
I make pop music with soul influences.
Tell us about your music catalogue to date.
My favourite songs I’ve put out so far are Saltwater, and Smoke Castles. If you wanted to get an idea of who I am as an artist in 2 songs those are the two I would say to listen to. But I’m most excited for the music that is coming up next.
You’ve recently announced new music is on the way, can you tell us a little bit about what to expect?
More up tempo music, with heavier beats, I’ve been producing some of the tracks myself and creating with different artists, so I’m excited to share that.
What comparison and differences are there between your upcoming releases and your back catalogue?
I think my upcoming music is more rhythmic, I’ve been experimenting with more layers of percussion and the sound is more dynamic. I think some of my previous tracks were more atmospheric and lighter, whereas the new music is fuller. I’m excited to put it out.
With the upcoming release, you must have a busy schedule ahead, what are you most looking forward to?
We’re getting the point where we’re doing the visuals. That’s always exciting to see things physically come together. I’m excited to film.
What’s the music scene like where you live?
I feel like the music scene right now is quite quiet. There aren’t so many new artists with new albums coming out at the moment. It’s mainly more established artists, and outside of the rap battle we just had there isn’t so much happening right now. I think music a lot of the time music happens in cycles, so it must mean theres more coming soon.
