A certain type of music lover delves deep into the symbolism of their favourite songs. They offer and debate their own interpretations of what it all means. But they might be surprised to know that songwriters do exactly the same thing — even for songs they wrote.
That’s the case for Amorie’s “The Language of Letting Go” (out now via BLK Breakfast). It started out more straightforward than the left-of-center pop songwriter’s usual work: a simple and recognisable tale of two people and a changing relationship.
But during the writing and recording process, Oslo, Norway-based Amorie realised the world around her — still struggling with a pandemic — didn’t feel simple at all. “We learned how to let go in so many new ways,” she says. “To let go of plans, to let go of behaviours, to let go of what we considered standard, normal and predictable.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Amorie about the latest music, adapting during the pandemic, and much more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do you describe your style of music?
I’m originally from St. Louis in the US, and I’ve lived in England and Norway since I was 18. I describe my style as pop, a bit left-of-centre and often cinematic.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music business?
It’s truthfully been a lifelong journey, I don’t know when I would have decided to begin! Music has always been prominent in my life; it’s always been an integral medium for expression and form of escapism. I’ve been continually seeking deeper connection through music for as long as I can remember.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous releases? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
Good question! This is first time I’ve released two versions of the same song. The producer Gauthier had started a beat, and I had started a poem that would become the lyrics. I put the poem to the beat he’d created and felt like it perfectly communicated what I’d written the poem about from one angle…and that there was still something on my heart I wanted to breathe into these lyrics. Lewis and I had played live together quite a lot and one day he played through the new tune as you hear it on the piano version of the record – so evocative, so dark, it filled in the missing side of an emotional spectrum I’d been wanting to communicate through this song.
How did you adapt as a creative to these unprecedented times? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
I spent a lot more time in introspection and writing than I ever had before. I started journaling consistently after I was inspired by a book called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and it’s been a really transformational practice. I felt like this time provided some breathing space, a moment for reflection, and that offered me clarity about want I want to create and communicate at this point in time. This time stoked my creative fire, I’ve felt inspired to immortalise the experiences through music. That creative process also helps my mind make sense of things when the world has been so unfamiliar.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’m working on Golden by Jill Scott with my voice coach lately, so I was just giving that a go! It’s been an empowering soundtrack for life as I’ve been preparing for this release, such a timeless tune.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Streaming has to win for the convenience! What a luxury it is to have the entire world of music with you at all times. I prefer to consume music in album format even when I’m streaming though. Vinyl would be the runner up, it has that tangibility and warmth that always makes it feel so magical to acquire and I love the ritual of putting a record on.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatgirlamorie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA1Z-cpEycXTbE45IUGtOcg
I really appreciate your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Eat your fruits and veggies! Be good to yourself, the people around you, the planet!
