Recording artist Amirahle recently preformed a lively set at a showcase in Harlem and TGWEWON's Du'Lanci Vallie was able to grab an interview after the show.
What made you decide to jump into the music industry or music business?
I’ve actually always been into music. I’ve been singing and songwriting since the first grade (my earliest memory), where I would ask my teachers once a year to perform in front of the class. I was casually performing covers at shows for my schools for years. A couple months ago my life was picture perfect on paper, but I was extremely unhappy and was trying to figure out why. It’s because I don’t think life is about a 9-5. My heart is in the music. So I decided to give myself a shot and chase my dreams after I graduated college.
What inspires you the most about the music industry these days?
The way a person’s music could have the ability to reach people all over the world. Someone really needed to hear that, or this is now someone’s favorite song. Smoke sessions, car rides, clubs and parties, or just nights alone, talking with friends. I think that’s amazing. And how doing something that you love could completely change your life.
What is your latest release and where fans can find it?
My latest release is my album “Activated” by Amirahle, and my Battery Pack (Remix) ft Deveye, dropped on all major streaming platforms 🫶🏽💚. I also dropped my first music video ever “I Want You - Amirahle” on YouTube.
Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who's interested in pursuing a career in music?
At the moment music is my side hustle! As well as appearing in music vids or dancing and drawing or painting clothes for other artists and brands. I’ve recently landed my first paid gig, and I get paid for features. But outside of that I currently have a 9-5 as a financial coordinator for an infertility clinic that funds my passion. The goal is to invest the money I make from my regular job to hopefully transition into music full-time. My advice to other aspiring artists is that it’s 100% okay to have a regular job while chasing your dreams. Many are under the impression that you need to be unemployed to dedicate time to the craft, or to upkeep the image by scamming and/or selling drugs. There’s no one correct way to do things. If that’s not your bop, it’s okay to go the slower route! But if you do have the opportunity to invest time into music while your parents may hold it down for instance, that’s totally fine and I think they should take advantage of that opportunity. But I’ve personally been losing sleep so I can help my momma out while I invest in myself as well.
How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
I believe that social media has boosted independent artists by providing a platform for them to be seen. But it’s made the game that much more competitive. Who stands out from the crowd vs everything that’s trending right now? Who’s going to last after a trend dies? It’s questionable whether or not the labels will continue to be at the top during this era of technology. On the brighter side, I’ve been connecting with artists and producers all over the world who happen to find my page. It’s been such an exciting experience. So far I’ve personally worked with producers from Germany and Haiti!
Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you've had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
As a female in the industry it’s a struggle to be taken seriously at first. They look at me and expect soft R&B. It’s a whole different attitude after they hear my music. The hardest part is grabbing their attention at the start so that an audience can even discover you. I don’t fit anyone’s expectations of what a rapper should be, nor do I sound like anyone else. Some may have a hard time processing my music at first.
Influences on my music are the ups and downs in dating, my hunger to be heard musically, and my father passing away when I was a child. I spent majority of my life learning how to maneuver my relationships. Never an easy thing. My music is purely events I’ve experienced and emotions I’ve had. The most difficult thing I’ve had to experience on my music journey was not having money to record while so desperately wanting to create, as well as having a very up-front business mindset when it comes to collaborations but running into artists who may just want to date. I could easily go viral by taking the mainstream route, but I will always be myself. I refuse to be put into a box, and I don’t feel as though I fit into just one lane. I always find a way to make things work though!
Is there anything you want to say to our readers?
Whatever your passion may be, do yourself a favor and feed your soul what it needs. Have fun along the way and be kind to yourself. There’s no RULES to art. CREATE! You may just be the next trendsetter.
