London-based R&B/soul artist Amethyst released her highly anticipated debut EP Get Comfortable on March 15, 2022.
Although the EP is Amethyst's first longer body of work, she's no stranger to the airwaves, with her singles "Can't Let Go" and "Up All Night" being played on radio stations in the UK and the US alike (BBC Radio London, Jazz FM, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio UK and US...). Her silky, sultry sound is perfect for fans of Snoh Aalegra, Cleo Sol, and Ego Ella May.
Get Comfortable relates a particularly striking story of affection, heartache, and self-discovery. In a world of love songs and broken hearts, Amethyst brings forth a set of songs that is both accessible to listeners and fresh in perspective and narration. Her warm and intimate voice is like a blanket for your soul on a cold night. The heterophonic melodies of various backing vocals blend harmoniously with the lead lines and supplement the songs' overall richness. Standout track "Can't Let Go" highlights Amethyst's massive vocal range and unique smooth timbre. The tune is fantastic when listened to on its own, but also works well within the context of the EP. The drum patterns are light yet upbeat, cleverly sandwiched between the more down-tempo ballads "Get Comfortable" and "When Will I Know".
Amethyst keeps things glamorous in her music video for "Get Comfortable", singing along to the song with elegant makeup and accessorization in colorfully illuminated shots.
We sat down for 15 questions with Amethyst. Get to know your next favorite R&B/soul artist by reading the full interview and listen to Get Comfortable below. Let us know what you think.
At what age did you start singing, playing, and writing music?
I’ve been singing since I was about three but didn’t properly start lessons until I was 16. I started learning piano at age three and violin at age four, then learned drums when I was 10 for a few years. I then went on to teach myself guitar. I only really play piano and guitar now, to help with writing. I only started writing music properly when I was 18 (when I met my friend Ted at university).
Who were your musical influences when you first began playing?
When I first started it was Alicia Keys and Beyonce mainly... I would still say they are big inspirations in my music today.
How have they changed over time?
When I went to uni, I was able to delve deeper into the soul and R&B scene and was introduced to a whole variety of artists. I would say my main influences now are Yebba, Cleo Sol, Jazmine Sullivan, Donny Hathaway, and Lianne La Havas.
How would you describe your current sound?
It’s mainly R&B/soul, but some people may classify it as neo-soul or alt-R&B because I take a lot of inspiration from artists in those genres. There is definitely a big jazz and funk influence in my sound, as well as pop, because I’ve always listened to those types of music. Frank Sinatra, James Brown, and Gregory Porter are also some of my biggest influences when it comes to sound.
What is your favorite Disney movie?
It’s a tough call between Pocahontas and Hercules.
Tell us about your latest EP, Get Comfortable.
Get Comfortable is my debut EP, which is super exciting. I was lucky enough to work with some amazing people on this project, including my close friend, flatmate, and amazing artist in her own right, Strama, and my friend Ted who I’ve been working with for years. I also worked with my good friends Max and Jordan at Numen Studios, as well as HYLNU, who is a sick producer!
Who or what inspired it?
The EP gives little insights into the main stages people go through in relationships: falling in love with someone, cheating, heartbreak, wondering if you should continue in your relationship, and the loneliness of being single. I took inspiration from my own experiences with love over the years, as well as from those around me. I hope at least one of the tracks can connect with people in some way, as I feel that most people will have gone through at least one of these topics.
"The EP gives little insights into the main stages people go through in relationships: falling in love with someone, cheating, heartbreak, wondering if you should continue in your relationship, and the loneliness of being single."
What is your favorite track on the EP?
I would say “Can’t Let Go” is probably my favorite, as it was the first track I co-produced and I really felt like I knew who I wanted to be as an artist. “Up All Night” is definitely a crowd pleaser, and I love that track as well. They’re all so different, and that’s what I love.
What was the most rewarding part of the project?
Having my songs played on the radio was such an incredible feeling–to be played before or after artists I’ve looked up to for years is such an incredible feeling and so humbling. Performing the tracks I’ve worked so hard on for ages in front of a sold-out show was also mad! Not only that, but also hearing them singing my lyrics back to me was so emotional.
How do you develop the album art and visualizers for your releases?
I normally have a strong idea about what I want quite a while beforehand. I try to convey images that match the message of the song and I will also research what other artists are doing, then collaborate with the photographer or videographer to develop the ideas further. Pinterest is super helpful as well.
What is one thing about you that might surprise people?
I was actually on the path to play Netball for England. I love sports and thought I may be an athlete of some sort, but music was always the calling for me.
What is one thing you wish you had known when you were first starting out in the music industry?
Understand your rights as an artist, in regards to royalties and splits on a track, and if you can, try and surround yourself with a team that really gets you–not just as an artist, but also a person... People who really believe in you and will listen.
"Understand your rights as an artist, in regards to royalties and splits on a track, and if you can, try and surround yourself with a team that really gets you–not just as an artist, but also a person..."
What advice would you give to young girls hoping to break into the industry?
Believe in yourself and what you’re doing. When you believe in yourself, people will notice that and believe in you. Stay confident and don’t be afraid to speak up in male-dominated rooms to get your point across.
What’s next for Amethyst?
I’m hoping to release new music this summer, which is some of the best music I’ve ever created, so I can’t wait for people to hear it. I will be doing some more shows in the next few months, so make sure you come down to those!
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?
At the end of the day, all I want to do is make people feel good and bring the vibes!