A Chat with Amie Jay (13.07.22)
Influenced by the likes of Alanis Morissette and Lana Del Rey, singer-songwriter Amie Jay expresses emotional themes through her inspirational music. We speak with Amie Jay about her new EP Cancer Sun, music industry challenges, future plans and her favourite shows on Netflix.
OSR: I see you studied both dance and music at university. Why did you opt to become a musician and not a dancer, or do you still pursue dance along with music?
Jay: Songwriting for me is so cathartic and a necessary process to get through challenges in life. I also LOVE crafting a song and the whole process of releasing music so much, so for me, it’s an ongoing thing that I need to do. Dancing is another huge passion of mine and there have definitely been times where it’s been the focus over music, but for now, music is at the forefront and dance is something that brings me joy but I’m not spending as much time on. I still dance and love every second of it, and if there were enough hours in the day, I would definitely give them both 100%!
OSR: What can you tell us about your new EP Cancer Sun?
Jay: Cancer Sun really encapsulates me both as an artist and as a person. The concept behind it is that every song represents a very true stereotype of my zodiac sign, which is Cancer. Every track leans into a different genre and a different aspect of my personality, and represents a different thing – e.g. track 1 is rage and bitterness, track 2 is people-pleasing, track 3 is sentimentality and track 4 is resilience.
OSR: What does this EP mean to you?
Jay: Gosh, so much. I started with the goal of releasing an EP back at the start of 2019, so it’s been over 3 years and the EP has changed totally (concept-wise, what tracks are on it etc). The only thing that has remained from the original idea is that I wanted a concept behind it that fitted each track, and also the cover art picture that we took back in 2019 which I always knew would be the cover. It’s been a long, sometimes difficult process but I’m so proud of it and it’s infinitely better than it would have been if it had all gone smoothly on the first try!
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Jay: I just hope that people feel something – whether that’s relating to the lyrics, feeling moved by a melody and the emotion, or even just feeling uplifted and wanting to dance around with their friends. As long as the songs spark something in people, I’m happy! Music has always been such a relatable medium for me (especially being a HUGE lyrics person), and so I’d love for people to feel comforted by the thought that someone else feels the same emotions. It’s all about connecting with people for me.
OSR: If you could change one thing about Cancer Sun, what would it be and why?
Jay: Originally, it was set to be 5 tracks and I would have loved to have got a 5th in, but I’m actually really happy with the balance on the EP and think it’s great as it is now!
OSR: Did you face any challenges when recording Cancer Sun?
Jay: Mostly just my own impatience! When you’re just starting out you’re figuring so much out and things take a lot longer, so some projects end up unfinished because you’re trying different things. Without a label behind you as well, people that are involved sometimes pull out which causes some stress. It was quite challenging not to have it all wrapped up as quickly as I’d hoped, but it makes the fact that it’s here now so much sweeter. As I said earlier – it’s so much better now that I have more experience behind me and I know more what I want my sound to be, so it worked out for the best.
OSR: What aspect of the music industry do you find most difficult to deal with?
Jay: Sometimes being an indie artist it’s hard to get the traction that you hope for. I’ve also found that the more I release, the more people almost switch off as it’s not as new and exciting as your first release or as a new artist on the scene. But I like a challenge and I’m always so passionate about what I do, and I hope that radiates out and that people find it as exciting as I do!
OSR: What is your favourite show on Netflix?
Jay: Ooh, that’s so hard. Two of my favourite comfort shows that I rewatch 24/7 and I love with all my heart are Gilmore Girls and RuPaul’s Drag Race!
OSR: What is your idea of a perfect day?
Jay: It would have to include something arty, like going to the theatre or performing myself! I’m at my happiest when I’m being creative and also when I’m surrounded by great, supportive people and just having fun and being myself. There’d also probably need to be cheese or a really great meal involved too.
OSR: Do you have future plans?
Jay: My main goal is to keep bettering myself and pushing further each time. I’d love to start gigging and performing properly again, too. Saying that I think after this EP I’m going to have a little breather as it all gets quite manic – but I’ll be writing away and planning the next release almost instantly I’m sure.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Jay: Whether you’re a Cancer or not (PSA, though, the EP may be painfully relatable to other Cancers out there), please stream Cancer Sun! And a like or a share goes so far for indie artists, as well as feedback. I’d love to hear what people’s favourite songs are and to connect online to hear about it – so follow me on Instagram, enjoy the tunes and hit me up!
Many thanks to Amie Jay for speaking with us. For more from Amie Jay check out her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
