Watch out, Swiftie(s), Amarita is here to win you over with Malaysia’s very own country-pop singer. With her very first EP, Clues is out now, we’ve got our heartstrin attached to Amrita Soon.
1. Hi Amrita! Please tell us more about yourself.
Hi! I am a singer-songwriter from Subang, still in the process of finding my place in the world.
2. What inspired you to venture into music?
Music was always playing in the house growing up. I remember listening to everything- from classical music to Micheal Learns To Rock and Queen. My sister and I used to join Hannah Montana and High School Musical singing competitions together when we were younger. It was just a hobby and I didn’t think much of it until I learnt a few chords on the guitar and started writing songs. Then I couldn’t put it down.
3. We know that you write your own songs, so can you describe to us your music and writing style?
I think my music style is between country-pop or Americana. I hadn’t even heard of Americana music until I went to Nashville, USA and people told me that my music sounded like it. I try to write honestly and to write what is real. Sometimes I think it’s like writing a letter to someone, telling them everything you want them to know, but not sending it.
4. Where did you get music inspiration from?
Life, heartbreaks, and happiness. I am fascinated with human relationships. Not just love, but the way people treat each other, and they way people make you feel. Sometimes it is very personal and sometimes it can be as random as a line in a movie, or a title of a book. Songwriting helps me get through sad feelings,; it captures a happy moment forever. It makes me feel less alone, and I guess that’s what I hope people who listen to my songs would feel too.
5. Share with us your 3 must-have items which helps you to create new songs.
My phone- I use it to make little voice memos and to listen back to song ideas. Sometimes it sounds good in my head but in reality it doesn’t. So I can make changes from there. Guitar- to keep in tune and to write the melodies with. Notebook- I still prefer writing lyrics down on pen and paper rather than typing it out.
6. Tell us more about your experience and journey in producing your 1st EP, Clues.
It was a really terrifying and exciting process. I worked with two producers: Abraham Tee in Malaysia and David Malloy, from Nashville. I was just thrilled that they were keen to record my songs! Abraham was very patient and encouraging, especially with trying to get me to open up in the studio because I was so shy. I did a couple of Skype sessions with David and we exchanged vocal and instrumental files via email. I was 17 when we started working on the songs. Everything was so new to me; like deciding the album cover design, makeup, making a music video, etc. I was so happy to finally hold the physical CD in my hands after all the hard work everyone put in it.
7. Any plans to produce your next EP?
Yes! I’ve been working with PH Music during these past couple of months and we’ve recorded a few songs in the studio. My latest single, 24 Years was released just 2 days ago, and I’m very excited for you to hear it!
8. What about musician you would love to collaborate in future?
Ed Sheeran. His music is songwriting goals.
9. Other than music, is there anything else which interest you?
I love ice skating. It has been something I had wanted to learn since I was little but didn’t get a chance to until a couple of years ago. I also enjoy drawing, especially when I run out of words to write.
10. Places to be to catch you performing live in action?
I mainly perform at music venues in the Klang Valley. Recently I’ve also played at venues in Penang which was really awesome. I normally post event details on Instagram and Facebook. The next one is at The Bee, November 2nd!
11. Where do you see yourself, 5 years down the road?
In five years time I hope I’m still making music with the same enthusiasm and excitement as I’ve got now. I hope I get to hear my songs on the radio, or at the end of a movie when the credits start to roll. And maybe I finally know how to cook a decent meal.
12. What are your advises to budding musicians out there?
There’s so much I’ve yet to learn and figure out. And I think the learning, and growing doesn’t stop. I’m not sure if I know enough to be giving advice, but I hope you don’t give up. Keep trying, and don’t be afraid of failure or success.
13. Your go-to life motto?
I used to fear the things I didn’t know, and in this industry it seems there are so many things that are unpredictable and out of your control. My mom used to say “If you never try, you’ll never know.” and that helped a lot.
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