interview by JANA LETONJA

For amma, becoming an artist wasn’t the plan. Growing up in a musical family, it was the path she resisted, until a quiet moment writing a song for herself changed everything. That song found its way into the industry, opening doors she never expected. Emotion is the heart of amma’s music. Her songs, shaped by late nights, family harmonies, and fearless honesty, are less about spotlight and more about connection. With her debut arriving in August 2025, amma will open for her sister RAYE in Dublin and join the All Points East lineup in London.

You've said becoming an artist wasn't the plan. What changed during that quiet songwriting moment that pulled you toward music?

Music has always been a part of my life. Even when I tried to escape from it, it pulled me back. At this point, I had been a writer for about three years. I was on a writing trip in LA and it was a tough trip for me as I was very in my head and feeling quite sad. I then went for a meeting with one of my publishers and the A&R label. We were going to have the meeting about artists in the label and what I could do for their projects. About 20 minutes into the meeting, we ending up talking about me as an artist. I kept deflecting the topic, which I personally think I’m really good at doing, and after a while, I allowed the conversation to open up. As I was in the car driving back home, I felt the best I had on the whole trip. I started asking myself why I thought that was and slowly started laughing out loud because I was starting to accept the fact that it had planted a seed of fire in my stomach for something I may have been pushing away.

My next thought was “Ok, if I am going to do this, what am I doing it for?” Which became the title of a song I wrote about me becoming an artist. This song allowed me to release a lot of thoughts and emotions that had been going through my head and was unable to decipher. This led me to drop my pride and lean into the idea of really putting my art out there.

dress LAFORMELA
tights CALZEDONIA
earrings ANTIC & TONICLOOK

What was it like realizing that a song you wrote just for yourself was being played within the industry? Was that validating or overwhelming, or both?

This was a weird feeling, definitely. It was validating in the moment and also a little overwhelming and scary. Just because people were listening, doesn’t mean they liked it or something was going to come from it. I have a saying “Expect less, get more.” It may not be healthy, but it’s certainly helped me in times of need, which was one of these moments. As much as the song was circulating in some rooms, I told myself to expect nothing just in case. I would much rather be prepared for a let down than for one to spring on me out of nowhere. I received some messages from people saying they loved the song and it was so unique, so I started listening to the song over and over to try and hear it in the same way all the other people were. To me, it was just a song I created for fun and thought it would stay with only me. But of course, as my mum likes to say, my dad can sometimes be “cordless”. He gets excited and has to show the world. Which is what ended up happening. It’s honestly a good thing I have the Dad I do, because he slowly breaks down my walls and allows me to do the things I want to do deep down but won’t admit.

You come from such a musical family. How did growing up alongside RAYE and Absolutely shape your approach to creativity and self-expression?

Growing up in a family like mine is really a blessing. We have had so many fun music moments, but like any family, there are times we don’t get along and we argue and bicker. I am so grateful I was given my sisters. It’s been hard understanding and finding my identity in such a bold family. I constantly compare myself to them when creating and I feel that if I don’t compare myself, someone else in the room will. I guess it’s a self defense mechanism.

I’ve been to writing sessions for other artists and been told “Can you do it like Abby?” or “Put some RAYE into it.” A lot of the time I would just say OK with a cute smile on my face and ignore it, but there were and still are times when it gets to me. However, once I started creating songs for me, things really started to shift. I started to understand what I liked and what I didn’t. I stopped thinking what would my sisters do. It then felt easier to go and share music with my sisters, without being afraid of getting honest feedback. We usually share music with each other when we are in the car. Driving home to our parents for Christmas or going to our uncles and aunties houses. We will authentically and naturally take turns sharing our new music as we sometimes don’t get to hear what each other’s been up to for months at a time.

You've described being inspired not by fame, but by raw emotion in music. How do you channel vulnerability into your writing without holding back?

I usually tell myself to just say it how it is. I can always change anything I’ve said later in the future, and I don’t ever have to show anyone the music I’ve been creating unless I want to. But by the time I’ve finished the song and I’ve listened to it a few times, I usually love the lyrics that are more rule breaking and honest, so I never end up changing them. Not yet anyway. But also, when writing for other artists, I think to myself what’s the point in keeping it safe and pleasing. We want to create music as an outlet. Not to keep everyone comfortable, but to make an impact in some way.

dress STEPHEN ROLLAND
shoes MAISON ERNEST
jewellery ANTIC & TONIC

How has your songwriting evolved since you first started, and what's surprised you most about your own growth?

Wow, my song writing has changed dramatically. There used to be times I’d create a whole song, listen to it back as soon as I’ve finished and then delete the whole thing. I had a really high standard for myself and of the music I made. If my expectations weren’t met, it was really hard for me to want to get back in the studio and start again. This was a very repetitive cycle for me, until I eventually made a song that I didn’t hate. It was the first song I didn’t delete and wasn’t as embarrassed by. Fast forward to today, where I now really understand my writing process. I can feel when I need to create and can also feel when I’m forcing it too. What’s surprised me most about my growth from the first song to now is most likely my ability to really create something I am proud of. That was one of the hardest tasks for me to do when writing, and now I have created a fair amount of songs I love. Even now, I wrestle with saying that out loud.

You've been open about the fear that comes with stepping into the spotlight. How do you navigate that anxiety while continuing to share so vulnerably?

Honestly, I haven’t thought about it much. Every time it gets brought up or I think about it, I just bat the feeling away. In times when I can’t bat the feeling away, I talk to God and have faith that I will be led where I am meant to be. I believe I won’t ever be put in a situation I won’t be able to handle. I just need to learn to not lean on my own understanding, let go and let God take over. I believe and hope that no matter what comes from the “spotlight”, it doesn’t impact me negatively, but allows others to be more honest with themselves through my music.

You've said your music isn't to center yourself, but to connect with others. What's been the most meaningful reaction you've received to your work so far?

I think there are a lot of songs in my projects that have brought out different reactions in people, one of them being a reaction from my older sister RAYE. I am definitely more of a quality time and acts of service person when showing love. However, my sister is physical touch and words of affirmation, which I give her none of unless she is really sad. Not dramatically sad, but really sad. I wrote a song called ‘if not you, who?’ for her.

We were speaking the day before I wrote this song and I was worried about going in and not feeling inspired. There can be times where my sister doesn’t understand me at all and starts talking about experiences she’s had, which has nothing to do with what I’m saying, but on this day, she said all the right things and it really helped reassure me and my ability to create. I made this song and then showed it to her that night on Facetime, and like the emotional person she is, she started to cry and told me all the things she loved about the song, but more importantly, how it made her feel. To me, that’s the most important thing about my music right now. What it can do for someone else.

You're opening for RAYE in Dublin and performing at All Points East. What emotions are running through you as you prepare to share your music live for the first time?

These two shows will be my first time performing on stage, apart from being at church or being forced to sing at school. I am super nervous. However, think I am also going to be relieved and excited once I have done the first show because I will know what’s to come for the future shows. I am worried I’ll sing a few flat notes, but I am only human and it’s my first show, so I guess I have to cut myself some slack.

How does performing alongside your sisters make this moment even more personal or surreal for you?

Performing at the same events as my sisters is going to be very reassuring and allow me to feel safe for sure. As much as I feel the pressure from people’s expectations, I know that having my sisters there is going to be a big breath of confidence for me as no matter what happens, they will be there supporting me. I am also very grateful that I have the older sister I do, who’s been incredibly generous to help create this platform for me. We all want each other to win.

What can audiences expect from your debut set, and is there a particular track you're most excited to perform?

I’m not sure what to expect myself, if I’m honest. I would say to come with an open mind. I’m curious to see what songs the audience react the best to.

As your debut approaches this August, what's your biggest hope for yourself, and for the people who'll be listening?

My biggest hope is that people enjoy my music. Even though I’m technically brand new, it’s been a long journey to get to this point and I’m slowly starting to feel really proud of how far I’ve come to get to the start line.

suit VALENTINO
shoes MAISON ERNEST
jewellery SAINT LAURENT, ANTIC & TONIC

TEAM CREDITS:

talent AMMA
photography LOÏC RODRIGUES
styling ALIYAH SEMILLANO
makeup CLOTILDE PUVIS DE CHAVANNES
hair MANON CĄNÁ ŠKOVIÈNOVÁ
styling assistant MISZA LAMOVSKY & CANNELLE GODRAN
photography assistant ANNOELINE LOUIS
studio ANNODINE STUDIO
management RUA MANAGEMENT
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA

IN CONVERSATION WITH AMMA

IN CONVERSATION WITH AMBREEN RAZIA

IN CONVERSATION WITH MARIA BAKALOVA