By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Fresh on the new wave of what he brands as “trapsoul R&B,” Melbourne, Australia-based artist Amāre has turned heads this past year with club-friendly bangers like “OCTOBER,” “Talk To Me” and “Believe It,” with combined production assistance by Swooshb3ats, FREQNCS, SNCS and Sid Mallick.
Inspired by acts like Bryson Tiller, Summer Walker and PARTYNEXTDOOR, he learned that in order to make it in the music industry, it starts and ends with you – and whatever love and heartbreak may come along the way.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with him about what he has been up to lately and more.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Amāre – The feeling of letting go and being vulnerable and honest with myself. The genre of trapsoul allows me to release my thoughts in the form of sonics. Helps me to speak my mind out instead of keeping it all in.
Music Bugle – What was the moment that made you want to become a musician?
Amāre – I started off playing the keys and tabla – Indian drums. Helped with melodies and cadence, but it just wasn’t fulfilling enough. I felt like I needed to express myself in a more vulnerable way. Ever since childhood, I would sing alone, in the shower or during late night solo car drives. I loved singing immensely, but I didn’t think I had a great voice. I was driven though, that’s for sure and I started my own vocal training. Once I heard myself on a proper studio mic, I knew I would be in it for the long run. Going through heartbreak at the time added that fuel to begin the journey of Amāre Brxwn.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Melbourne, Australia to someone who has never been there before?
Amāre – Melbs is dope, vibrant and lively. There is a creative community of underground and underrated talent here. This city has still got a long way to go, but I hope to push forward a new era of trapsoul R&B to help put my city on the map.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Amāre – Bryson Tiller, Che Ecru, Eli Sostre, Kaash Paige and PARTYNEXTDOOR are my sources of inspiration, for sure. They are each unique in their own music and have greatly impacted my sound and style.
Music Bugle – What was your goal for your single “Talk To Me”?
Amāre – I envisioned “Talk To Me” to be a song everyone in the clubs could bop to. I always wanted to perform live at a bar/nightclub too and I am forever grateful to have performed my debut live show at Laundry Bar in Melbourne. I did it. I captured the vibe.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Amāre – Both. Can’t have one without the other. Social media is great for exposure and traction, but in terms of impacting their continuous growth, it can be detrimental. Artists may end up comparing themselves to another artist and their progress, which can make them feel disheartened. Just got to remain optimistic and figure out how you can use social media best for your own growth, not your demise.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Amāre – Yessir. Countless lockdowns have hindered a lot of creatives’ growths, but I used the time wisely to write lyrics, listen to new sounds, network and evolve. Lockdown gave me an opportunity to find myself and my sound. So, I took it.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Amāre – Leave behind social media and go for a walk, run, or drive. Exploring nature to clear the mind really helps. Otherwise, I find myself locked in the studio room away from everyone and just absorbed in my own thoughts and world.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Amāre – There are two. One goes, “I am not defined by my past; I am driven by my future.” The other is, “I don’t want to be famous; I just want to be recognized for my art.”
Music Bugle – What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Amāre – Pushing forward a new trapsoul R&B sound with my debut single, “Believe It,” performing it live at Melbourne’s Laundry Bar and getting my first airtime on iHeartRadio – The Edge 93.1.
