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Trippin’ with the queen of R’n’B
INTERVIEW: AMERIE
AMERIE is an American singer in the R’n’B mould. Half American and half Korean, she joins a melee of stars keen to sing songs in their mother tongue.
She came to London on Tuesday to sing at Hugo Urban Rules, an event held at Neighbourhood in west London as part of the fragrance company’s nationwide urban music programme.
A lot is made of your mixed Korean and American background – do you think this influences your music a lot?
Amerie: I think it has had an influence on me, but music is universal. Different cultures add different elements, but a lot of Korean pop is influenced by American music anyway, and particularly black American music. I’m definitely interested in K-Pop, though.
I recently collaborated with Se7en [a big Korean pop star], which was a great experience.
You’ve worked with many different people, from LL Cool J and Nas to Ricky Martin – how do you choose who you’ll collaborate with?
A: Well, Nas was always one of my favourite rap artists, so when I got the chance to work with him it was awesome. I remember buying his albums when I was younger, so recording with him in the studio was a humbling experience. Generally music is a collaborative experience and it’s amazing to be able work with people at the top of their game.
You’re playing in London soon – any plans for a UK tour?
A: I’ve travelled around the UK recently, playing smaller shows without my full band, which is much more intimate. I’d love to come back and do some big shows though.
Compared to the UK, America has a huge and varied music industry. What do you make of the state of R’n’B in America at the moment?
A: The US music scene is massive, but I think it’s really strong. UK artists seem to feel it’s a huge achievement to make it big in the States, but American artists feel the same way about the UK. To come to another country and to hear your songs on the radio and have your songs played in clubs is a really great feeling.
Have you had a chance to see the sights and be a tourist in London?
A: Usually I don’t get a chance to see anything besides hotels and airports, but last time I was in London I made sure I saw the sights. We went to the Tower of London and I had my photo taken in a really spooky room at the top of one of the towers! I wanted to go to the London Dungeon after that but we didn’t have time. Next time I’m in London I’ll definitely make sure I go!
You describe elements of your new album as “Go-Go Soul” – is this your new unique sound? Where did it come from?
A: “Go-Go” is pretty much heavy percussion beats, a mixture of soul and funk. It came from Washington DC [where Amerie herself grew up] in the 1970s. It’s a really strong sound, but there are also elements of 1980s New Wave on the album. It really combines and updates all sorts of sounds.
Speaking of dancing, you are the proud recipient of Vibe’s Club Banger of the Year for your massive hit single 1 Thing – were you flattered by such an interesting sounding accolade?
A: (laughs) Yes, of course! It’s great to have made a record which really gets people dancing. Growing up, I was never a regular on the club scene.
It’s easier to get me to stay in and relax than go out partying. But to have my song recognised as a great club tune is an honour. |
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