New York City-based indie-folk artist Amelie Lucille will release her self-titled, debut EP on June 15. Although only 14 years old, Amelie’s music is intimate, vulnerable, and captivating, akin to a mystical blend of Joni Mitchell and Lana Del Rey.
Talking about the upcoming EP, Amelie says, “I want to live in any time besides now. I am almost 15 and I envy anyone that was able to experience the world when it wasn’t so impersonal. The movies, the style, the people, but most of all, the music. I dream of seeing my favorite bands live – The Cure, The Police, Cocteau Twins, Fleetwood Mac, Belle and Sebastian, Björk, and The Sundays. There is so much I feel like I have missed out on. Music is what takes me there.”
She goes on to add, “Even though most of my songs are about love, I am yet to feel the way I write. I can’t wait to fall in love, even if it is followed by a heartbreak because it would have meant that I felt for someone, and I would love to make another album about that.”
Once you hear her, you will understand why she is becoming a sought-after live act, frequently performing throughout NYC at venues such as The Bitter End.
Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with Amelie Lucille to find out more about recording the EP, her influences, and her definition of tone.
What three things can’t live without?
Parents, headphones/music, cheese. Sorry, it’s 4.
What inspired your upcoming self-titled EP?
Listening to music, loving it so much, and imagining making people feel the same way.
Walk us through your mindset as you entered the studio to record your EP:
I felt so comfortable being there. My producer Joel Arnow was the best I can ask for. The excitement of producing the songs I’ve only heard on my guitar, in my room, made me feel so grateful. I can’t believe I was able to record them professionally.
How did you get started in music?
I never really ‘started in music.’ There was never an epiphany where I thought ‘I am going to do music.’ It had always been in my life one way or another. Although I came from a non-musical family, I was introduced to some of the greatest music there is by my parents, and I hope you can see those influences in my EP.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Queens, New York City and I am still growing up here.
How did your hometown impact your sound?
In NYC inspiration comes from everywhere. Music playing in my headphones, walking around the city. My school. My friends. Everything that surrounds me.
How would you define tone?
Tone, to me, is what you feel when you are listening to an artist. How distinct they are, how does their music and voice make you feel. I hope that when people listen to me, there are more than just one-word answers. I found that the most talented and beautiful artists are those that are difficult to describe. Tone ties into feeling, both those being the most important points in music.
Do you think your tone is evolving?
Being 14, I hope so.
Which musicians influenced your sound?
So many artists raised me and influenced the music I now make. I found that there is a difference in artists that I love in comparison to those that inspire my songwriting. A mix of both would be Mazzy Star, Bon Iver, Fleetwood Mac, The Smiths, The Beatles, and Etta James.
What kind of guitar do you play?
Acoustic and electric.
What inspires your writing?
It is very rare that I write songs based on my life, so I write imaginary scenarios. Because these stories are not mine, I envision the situation. Asking questions, what is the feeling? What do the lyrics say? I am happiest when I write a lyric I am really proud of. Lyrics are what make the song relatable and that is really what I aspire to do!
Which artists would you say are killing it right now?
Men I Trust, Japanese Breakfast, Her’s, Labrinth, Alex G, Lizzy McAlpine.
How would you define success?
To be heard.
What can your fans look forward to over the next 6 months?
If I even get fans, I, of course, will always be writing songs and hope to release something else as soon as I can!
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