IN CONVERSATION WITH AMAZONICA
interview by JANA LETONJA
Amazonica has spun tracks for Brad Pitt, Timothée Chalamet, and even closed out the Oscars, but ask her where she feels most at home and she’ll tell you: writing music alone in her London living room. Known as Hollywood’s go-to DJ for red carpets and A-list afterparties, Amazonica is stepping into her own spotlight with ‘Victory’, her self-produced debut album. Led by the sultry new single ‘Mirror Baby’, the project blends post-punk grit, emo-rap edge, and pop futurism into what she calls “pop music for the apocalypse.” With a journey that’s taken her from teen punk prodigy to industry survivor to tastemaking DJ, Amazonica is proving that reinvention can be the most powerful performance of all.
photography PARSONS
You’ve DJ’d some of the world’s most exclusive events. What’s it like to pivot from that to releasing deeply personal music?
It feels really natural because my music career started way before my DJing started. I was releasing my own records as a teenager. I've really been missing it, I feel a lot wholer now. I love performing with all my heart, but I just don't feel right unless I am making music, thinking about songs in my head or releasing them.
What inspired your new single ‘Mirror Baby’, and why did you choose it as the lead single for your debut album ‘Victory’?
‘Mirror Baby’ was about someone I used to know. I chose it because I love the pre-chorus. I think it’s so hooky and sexy and catchy. The album is all very different and eclectic, but I thought this is a good introduction.
You’ve described your sound as “pop music for the apocalypse.” What does that phrase mean to you?
I naturally make music that is more on the dark side, but I have a very melodic sensibility. With everything that is going on in the world today it seems perfect.
How does writing in your living room compare to performing for Hollywood royalty?
Very different vibes, but love both.
photography KAI MARKS
What stories or emotions were you most intent on capturing with ‘Victory’?
I'm not one of those writers that write every day just to write. I write when I have some feelings or emotions I need to get out of me, understand or share. Sometimes if you feel powerless in certain things that happen in your life, writing about it can empower you, strengthen you like a strong tree. So, you grow like an oak in life, not wither like weed. Writing songs about crossroads in my life and all that, I'm not an artists that has 25 songwriters on my songs just to make sure it is a hit. I think I write pretty great songs on my own with no help.
You self-produced and recorded this project. Why was it important to keep the process so personal and DIY?
Because I am a real artist, I don’t do this for money because there isn't any money in music these days. In order to make this record the way I wanted it, I literally had to go back to university and get a degree in music production so I wasn't at the mercy of other music producers. I could write records and release my own songs. I went to any lengths to make sure I could do this album and albums to come.
Looking back at being signed at 14 as Dirty Harry, what lessons did you carry with you into this album?
The more you can do yourself, the better. I've not had a great time in the music 'industry'. I keep my focus being true to myself and forget everything else as noise.
How do you balance being a tastemaker behind the decks with creating your own distinct sonic identity?
They both feed off each other. I can see what works on the dancefloor or on tour, and it inspires me to push things with my own music sonically.
photography KAI MARKS
Do you approach DJ sets and song writing with the same mindset, or are they completely different creative worlds?
DJ sets are really about the crowd. It is for them. I am not a egocentric DJ. I want to make people happy when I DJ, not force on them some vibe. With my music, it’s for me, and if my fans or new fans identify with it, that is beautiful.
If you could curate the dream lineup for a live show to launch ‘Victory’, who would be on the bill with you?
Depeche Mode, or MGK because we toured Europe together and it was so fun. I love doing shows with them. And this new band Ecca Vandal, who are super heavy and brilliant.
photography KAI MARKS
After everything you’ve survived in the industry, what does success look like to you now?
Paying my bills, being healthy and happy, and doing gigs I love. Making my music and having an audience who digs it. What a blessed life that is.
