Interview of Mor Music Group artist Aimee 

By Tejal 
(Tejal is the the Secretary-Treasurer of LUSH Radio, and the Features Editor of The Ripple magazine.)

So you’re going into your final year of your Performing Arts degree at De Montfort University, Leicester… I assume this is something you know you’ve wanted to do for a while?

Yeah, I’ve wanted to do it for ages, there’s so much to do in that sector, but that’s one of the reasons I’ve had to do my music separately - it’s hard to find a course that does it all. The course I’m doing at the moment is very abstract. It’s good I do a mixture of everything. I get to do shows every year at The Curve Theatre, and when I was younger I used to do a lot of musical theatre. Music and acting used to be combined, but now I think of them as quite separate, even if I have always been interested in acting.

Was there a particular moment where you realised this is what you want to do?

I’ve got two left feet,  so I used to struggle with the dancing when I did musical theatre. That’s when I went into them in separate ways.  If you go into the industries separately there are a lot more career paths you can take.

How did you get involved in Mor Music?

I have a friend who works at the recording studio Mor Music works with, and he recommended me. I auditioned, and that’s how I’m on board with the project now.

How do you balance your education, your job and your singing?

I like to be very active. I’ve got a bar job which brings in the income, but it’s also fun.  Last year of my degree wasn’t too bad because it was my second year, but we’ll have to see how I get on going into my final year! I’m doing my dissertation on Immersive Theatre, which is about participation of the audience in performances.

Are you from Leicester?

No, I’m from Elstree & Boreham Wood, where Eastenders is filmed and where the Big Brother house is. I’ve grown up in a place surrounded by the entertainments industry. I try and go home as much as I can but, with my work and studying, it’s only a few days a month. I took my little sister to the V-Festival for her 18^th birthday but it’s hard, I don’t see them as much as I’d like to.

Are your family into music?

Not at all, it’s really weird! My dad actually has a really good voice but he, my uncle and granddad design film sets. I’ve never gone with them but I’m going to do some extra work on one of films he’s working on at the moment.

Can you play any instruments?

No, only really basic piano but that’s mainly from warm-ups. Since I’ve grown up in a musical theatre background it’s never particularly jumped to my attention. I would like to learn now, I think it’s really useful when a singer can play an instrument.

If you were stranded on a desert island with one singer, who would it be?

Beyonce and I’d just steal all of her knowledge because I love her! She’s got such power in the music industry and her vocals are amazing. My favourite song by her would probably be ‘If I Were a Boy’, the lyrics are relevant for all men! But like I said, she has had money and the help from her dad. That’s why I’m so glad I’ve had Mor Music to really get me started.

Are there any songs that make you ridiculously happy or sad?

You’re going to think this is a strange one but ‘Time’ by Chase and Status is my all-time favourite song. Two years ago, I went to the Isle of White Festival and saw them and it just makes me so happy when I hear it now. It’s such a good summer song.  As for sad ones… they’re all kind of about being in love or how you’ve broken up with your boyfriend but I find ‘Show me Heaven’ by Mariah McKee quite emotional.

If you weren’t involved in performing arts what would you be?

I’d probably be involved in art and design. I’ve always been a big fan of painting or I’d even like to go into fashion. I can’t imagine doing something that isn’t in some way arty or creative. I find it really interesting how you can pin-point specific moments in fashion and music and see how they relate to one another – like at the moment people who listen to house music are dressing the same way people did when it was popular in the ‘90s.

How did you decide on your stage name?

Amy is my middle name and there are too many Taylors! So its just my middle name spelt differently.

How did you and Rakim meet?

Only through Mor Music but we actually really click. The music industry in Leicester’s so tight and everyone knows everyone, so when we started chatting I realised we know a lot more people than I thought.

What are the best and worst parts of working with him?

He always wants to do stuff, he always has new ideas but he’s a better poser than me! In our photo-shoots he has a lot more poses than me.

So now what’s happening with the single?

We have a few more recording sessions booked in and then we should be releasing it in November.

You can follow Aimee on Twitter@Aimee_0202