High Amez for musician Amy Cunningham, who performs as Amez, is a trained classical pianist, a world away from her high-tempo drum and bass single released last month. Nelson Magazine catches up with the busy musician/ businesswoman/mother.
AIMEE JULES
Your latest song, Next Wave, has just been released, where did you get the inspiration for the song? The idea stems from those epic nights out that you don’t want to end. The impromptu ‘next wave’ with mates, telling stories and watching the sun come up. How would you describe Next Wave? Next Wave is a vocal dance track that fits in the liquid drum and bass genre. You trained as a classic pianist, how did you transition into electronica?
into a house or drum and bass track, but I hadn’t met the right person to make that happen. A friend introduced me to DJ Serpico (Ryan Beehre) who is a DJ/producer from Minuit fame, and we hit it off musically. It’s great to finally be doing what I have always wanted to do and Ryan has been a big part of that. How does it make you feel to hear your song on the radio? It was pretty mind blowing at first. Originally my ultimate dream was to hear my tracks played on George FM. Now both Next Wave and Home (my debut track) have been played on there, so I need a new goal!
I have always loved dance music. After I graduated from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Music and also gained an ATCL (Associate of the Trinity College of London) in solo piano, I needed a change from the hours of practice, study and performance. I still love classical music. I’m not so interested in studying/playing it anymore but I’m grateful for the foundation it has given me.
You own a local business as well as being a mother to young children, how do you possibly fit this in?
Since moving to Nelson 10 years ago I have been on a new contemporary journey, which has included being a lead vocalist, back up vocalist and playing keys in bands, most recently in a band that I’m still very much a part of called Sonoraw.
What would be your ultimate dream in your music career?
I also started doing more song writing over the last few years and always wanted to write a song that would be produced
I don’t think juggling several balls in the air is that unusual these days but for me it’s more that music is my art form and it’s part of who I am. If I don’t make time for it - be it song writing, performing, jamming, recording - my soul feels a bit hollow. So, I have to make time for it.
Oh this is a good question and really made me think! Writing music that people enjoy and resonate with on some level is always the aim. Having a track make the top 40 wouldn’t be too bad either!
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