Amaka Queenette
Amaka Queenette just may be one of the best new artists that I’ve had the privilege of covering. Her music is ethereal and surreal, swirling together a symphony of sound and throwing a powerful yet refined voice into the mix. Her 2018 EP, Vacant, is a four-song treat, filled with a tasteful fusion of R&B, funk, and soul. Each track travels you into a new soundscape, which is the signature touch of the artist. After not releasing anything for two years, the Nigerian artist boldly proclaimed that she’s back and better than ever with the release of two singles this year, “Suffocate” and “Ceilings,” both of which she debuted in a joint release titled Fleeting, Inconsequential. We recently spoke to Amaka about what she’s learned through making music, the influence behind her sound, and more!
How did you get started making music?
In Nigeria singing to yourself in public isn’t the symbol of insanity that it seems to be here, so I have many memories of singing in the streets and markets. I began leading worship at church when I was younger, and still do sometimes. I definitely pull on my religious roots at times for certain sounds. I didn’t start writing my own songs until I was maybe 14 or 15 though and did not start recording them for release until I was 18/19.
What have you learned most about yourself during your time releasing music?
I have learned that I will probably never feel 100% on a song that I make; I am way too biased. Nothing I have ever released has felt like “the perfect song” to me despite what people have told me. They have felt like great bodies of work, they have felt like stories I’m honoured to tell and have people relate to. I know that people have felt every word and I also know that I am good at what I do. But I am always in the mindset that right now, I have many good ideas, but I have to push through my good ideas to get to the incredible ones. And that can’t happen if I’m too afraid to show people the process. I’ve also learned that I have very high expectations of myself, almost to the point of unfairness. I often have to reorient myself to what it is I started making music for.
Your style is simply one of a kind. Who are some of the artists that have shaped this sound?
I would say my love of lush synths comes from my producer, Joshua Stanberry, but also from artists like Blood Orange. I always want my songs to make you feel warm and nostalgic. That sentiment comes from Frank Ocean. These days I feel very inspired by the vocals and production of Giveon, Charlotte Day Wilson and Snoh Aalegra
Talk about a real-life experience that inspired a song.
My song, “Independence” is all about my...let’s call it a recovery from an unrequited love. It was like everything I did was for that person’s approval; what I listened to, even how I spoke and how I phrased my words. I cringe looking back now. And eventually when I realized the whole thing was inauthentic and fabricated in my mind- man that shit hurts, knowing you tricked yourself. Anyways, when I came to realize that, I literally asked myself, “Ok, the lie is done, what now?” The phrase “now I just get better, not bitter” stayed in my head for days until I sat with my friend (and producer) Josh and we put together the chorus of the song built around that line.
What can every listener expect from an Amaka Queenette song?
Honestly, I feel like they can get a view into my realities and how I think and feel. They can expect to feel wistful, calm and safe. They can also get insight into things I may never actually be able to vocalize, even to those close to me. I think someone who listens to my music, knows me better than some of the people I interact with in my daily life.
Describe your music in just three words.
Textured, wistful, pleading
Walk us through your typical songwriting process. How does the typical Amaka Queenette song come to be?
The majority of my melodies happen when I’m in the shower and my overactive mind is at ease. I’ve started keeping my phone with me now because on too many occasions I’ve had to run out to record voice memos before I forgot them. I can often start a song about something that applies to my life, and then mess with the story’s details for the sake of the song to the point where the situation is almost unrecognizable. Those ones always make me laugh. Other times, when I make the decision to sit and write- either just for the sake of writing, or because I feel inspired- one phrase may be resounding in my head and I feel I have no other choice but to write a story around that phrase. Finding the right words has got to be one of the most satisfying feelings to exist.
How has the pandemic changed his process, if at all?
I feel like this pandemic has shown me the honest truth about my work ethics, the things I claim to prioritize vs the things I actually give time to. It has given me time to slow down and really make elements of my music exactly as I want them. This pandemic has caused me to reach out to more artists than I usually would. That sense of collaboration feels more important to me now than ever.
What can we catch you doing on your day off?
Reading! I absolutely adore reading. Mostly lighthearted novels, but these days I’m trying to be intentional about getting into the classics as well as reading literature by people of colour. Reading has always been an escape for me though, so it’s been difficult for me making this thing I love into a sort of homework. But I know it’s so necessary. Additionally, I am in nursing school, so often I don’t really feel I have days off *sigh*
What is one thing that you'd tell your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self “Chin up, back straight, don’t hide. You deserve to be here just as much as anybody else.”
What's next for Amaka Queenette?
I’m excited for the next few songs I have set up. I’ve been working as much as I can to create a new feel with the music that is coming. Trying not to over complicate things and get back to the root of what it is I love about music. That mindset has translated into beautiful new music I am proud of, new visuals, and I see an album in my not-so-near future!
