Liverpudlian singer-songwriter Aimee Steven recently released “Don’t Forget It,” via Jacaranda Records.
Aimee explains, “‘Don’t Forget It’ is a song that reminds us of our worth in and out of love and asks others to see that too. Self-doubt and anxiety linger under the surface, but love must always prevail. I chose to make this my first single of 2021 after the global pandemic brought us a whole year of anxiety – I wanted to remind everyone how much they are worthy of love and of life.”
Chock-full of fuzzed-out guitars and lysergic savors, “Don’t Forget It” conjures up tangs of shoegaze and British Indie, while Aimee’s smoky voice imbues the tune with timbres at once honeyed and edged with danger.
A self-proclaimed Scouse guitar queen, Aimee has performed for Generation W and NPH USA’s support of children in South America.
“Don’t Forget It” opens on gleaming shimmers of color as Aimee’s plush tones give the lyrics delicious velvety textures. On the chorus, the guitars ramp up to thick, gritty layers, while Aimee’s voice takes on surging femme fatale hues.
Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with Aimee Steven to discover more about her influences, how she got started in music, which artists she’s listening to, and her tone.
What three things can’t you live without?
Beer, music, and my mum. All a girl needs.
How did you get started in music?
I started playing when I was a teenager and quickly progressed into songwriting. It happened pretty quickly and now here I am, trying to make it work.
What’s the backstory there?
I’ve always loved music and I was always creative. It just took me a while to put the two together – it’s been a great journey so far.
What inspired your new single “Don’t Forget It?
I wanted to tell people that we are always worthy of love no matter what our insecurities are or what people tell us. Anxiety paired with the current global situation has gotten people down and we need to remember love is always there. We deserve it.
What’s your songwriting process?
I sit down with a guitar and see what happens. I try not to pressure it too much. If I’m in the right mood, I always seem to come up with something, even if it’s something small.
Melody first, or lyrics?
Melody, almost always.
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?
I just want people to feel good and to connect with themselves. Everyone will take different things from my lyrics and that’s cool. Just try and feel something!
Which musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?
I love the ‘60s and ‘70s vocalists/groups. Janis Joplin, Carole King, the Velvet Underground.
Which artists are you listening to right now?
Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, and Harry Styles are my most modern musical loves. I mostly listen to ‘60s and ‘70s stuff though.
What kind of guitar do you play? And why?
I play a Fender Telecaster. It was the first guitar I bought and it’s special to me.
What is your definition of ‘tone,’ and is your ‘tone’ changing or the same?
Everyone plays differently and I love how you can determine who is playing just through their tone! I think my vocal tone is changing recently but guitar-wise I think I’m pretty much staying stuck.
Why do you make music?
I have to. It’s just in me! I have to express myself and hopefully make people feel good too.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you?
Well, after the year we have had I’m hoping this year will see the return of gigging and hopefully maybe a mini-tour? We’ll see. Stay tuned to my socials to find out.
Follow Aimee Steven Website | Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify