Amaroun released her debut single ‘Bed Bugs’ this month, a beautiful shimmering song, that dissolves into a total husky delight.
We caught up with Amaroun to talk about her roots, 2018 and her upcoming gig supporting Benedict Benjamin where she will deliver “genre-mashing alternative pop songs, true love stories and a little swearing”. Can’t wait.
Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about Amaroun and how it all started?
The name Amaroun comes from my ancestors – escaped slaves who became ‘maroons’ in the Caribbean. The name relates to my roots and on a deeper level it also relates to myself. I came out last year and escaped to Paris, where all the songs we’re playing and recording now flooded out of me. Amaroun songs are a mix of all that: my emotions, echoes from my past and ideas of the reflective future. That’s the heart of Amaroun.
You’ve been described by Chris Hawkins (BBC 6 Music) as “A new artist with a bright future – one of my Ones To Watch for 2018”. It must be great to receive this sort of support from the music community?
Oh yes definitely! It feels so good to get some positive feedback for my music. It feels good to see the music growing.
We’re loving the new single ‘Bed Bugs’ at Get In Her Ears HQ, which we’ve played on the radio show. Can you tell us a bit about the song and what inspired it?
Thanks so much for playing it! ‘Bed Bugs’ was written at a time in my life when I was learning a lot about myself. I was heartbroken, introverted and confused. Definitely in a transitional period. I was writing song after song trying to release this feeling. ‘Bed Bugs’ are the digital noise in your head. The doubt and the dirt. But it’s a song for lifting and inspiring.
Your music has been likened to Erykah Badu, PJ Harvey and Feist, all amazing female artists. Who would you say influences you musically?
All three of those artists have definitely had an influence on the subconscious choices I make when I’m creating music. I grew up on a big mix of genres. People like Eels, Damon Albarn, Serge Gainsbourg, Stromae, Julian Casablancas, Bjork, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and many others. They’re all artists I admire and it’s a great feeling to be compared to some of them. I take it as a massive compliment.
How are you finding being a solo female artist in the male dominated music industry?
I stay strong and proud as a woman in every aspect of my life, whether I’m in music mode or not. I try to only give out love and respect, and to call people out on it if I don’t get the same back in return.
So you’re playing at the Sebright Arms on the 29th November, what can people expect from your live shows?
Genre-mashing alternative pop songs, true love stories and a little swearing.
What’s 2018 got in store for Amaroun?
I’ve got two more singles to come on LGM Records. The next one is called ‘Made A Fire’ and is a narrative sequel to ‘Bed Bugs’. I’m also working with some incredible artists on a top secret recording project, and am about to announce my first ever London headline show. That’ll be in March and I can’t wait!
Finally as we’re a new music focused site, are there any other new/upcoming bands or artists you’d suggest we check out?
Sure! Francobollo, Nervous Conditions, Charles Watson, Oh Sister, Athlete Whipet, Jo Goes Hunting.
Huge thanks to Amaroun for answering our questions!
The debut single ‘Bed Bugs’ is out now via LGM Records and you can catch Amaroun live at The Sebright Arms on the 29th November.
Tash Walker
@maudeandtrevor
Photo credit: Anna Michell
Video Premiere: Hero Fisher – ‘I Let Love’
Born in Britain and raised in France, London-based artist Hero Fisher is indeed heroic in more ways than one; having previously collaborated with Alison Mosshart and Boy George, opened for The Rolling Stones and Neil Young at Hyde Park, been shortlisted for the 2014 Glastonbury Emerging Talent Prize, and received acclaim from the likes of Blur’s Dave Rowntree, it seems there is no limit to what she is capable of achieving. Following her debut album back in 2015, she is now set to release her sophomore album Glue Moon.
Taken from the album is new single ‘I Let Love’. An impassioned slice or raw alt-rock, it’s filled with Fisher’s soulful vocals alongside twinkling melodies and an alluring gritty edge. Oozing a subtle power and a sweeping emotive splendour in the vein of the likes of Alison Mosshart or Beth Orton, it showcases all that there is to love about this promising artist, and is proof of why Fisher should be everyone’s new musical hero.
Watch the quirky new video for ‘I Let Love’ here, for the the first time:
Mari Lane
@marimindles
Track Of The Day: Sorry – ‘Wished’
A stirring cacophony of alternative noise, London-based trio Sorry (fka FISH) have shared their latest single ‘Wished’. Formed of Asha Lorenz, Louis O’Bryen, Lincoln Barrett and Campbell Baum, the band have been making a name for themselves on London’s underground circuit since 2015 and their “emotional, hyper-melodic songwriting” has seen them share stages with the likes of Wolf Alice and Dream Wife.
‘Wished’ is the band’s debut studio recording and follows the recent self-release Home Demo(ns) Vol. 1. Recorded by Sean Oakley (Rick Rubin, Frank Ocean) and mixed by Andrew Savours (My Bloody Valentine), the new single is also accompanied by a b-side titled ‘Lies’, which is set to arrive later this month. Both tracks will be packaged together on Sorry’s very first 7” vinyl release on Domino, available to pre-order here.
Sorry will embark on a full U.K. tour supporting South London’s Childhood on November 16th, before ending 2017 with their biggest headline show to date at Corsica Studios in London on December 5th. Check out the video for ‘Wished’ (directed by India Lee) below.
Follow Sorry on Facebook for more updates.
Photo credit: Dan Kendall
Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut
Track Of The Day: HAWK – ‘Can’t Explain’
As any avid follower of Get In Her Ears will be aware, we’re pretty besotted with everything Berlin-based HAWK create, and their latest single is no exception. Released as a AA side with accompanying track ‘Below’, ‘Can’t Explain’ is a wonderfully intense whirlwind of burning passion.
Somewhat heavier than past material, the track was written as a reaction to people’s ignorance and the power privilege has to erase the voices of those who need to be heard. Continuing HAWK’s track record of creating captivating soundscapes with an acute social awareness, ‘Can’t Explain’ oozes thrashing riffs and urgent beats, as the immense power of Julie Hawk’s soaring vocals builds the tension and drives it forwards with an empowering, impassioned splendour. Although perhaps more raucous in sound that previous offerings, the track loses none of the glorious, spellbinding beauty and enchanting grace that the band have become known for.
‘Can’t Explain’ once again proves why it’s vital that we have HAWK in our lives. Not only intent on creating rousing sonic delights, they are dedicated to raising awareness of pressing social issues, and bring them to the fore of all they do.
‘Can’t Explain’/’Below’ is out now via Veta Records. Listen on Spotify.
You also ought to check out Julie’s ‘Female Fronted Drawn Together’ playist, and make sure you don’t miss HAWK live at The Lexington tonight!
Mari Lane
@marimindles
