#amandah

[umusicians]

UM Interview: Wild Youth

UK Indie Pop band Wild Youth have been a constant mainstay on Irish airwaves and music charts since their debut in 2017. Made up of David Whelan, Conor O’Donohoe, Ed Porter and Callum McAdam’s, the bands signature catchy choruses and unapologetic creativity have made them an act to keep watching for. Last month the band released their new EP ‘Forever Girl’ which showcases the collective diversity and boldness of the group when it comes to sonic risk taking. Stream the EP here. 

Amandah Opoku sat down with Conor of Wild Youth to talk about the band’s new EP ‘Forever Girl’ and creating music during a global pandemic.

Amandah Opoku: Wild Youth, thank you for doing this interview today! Before we kick off please tell our readers about yourself and one random fact people do not know about you. Wild Youth: Conor had a very near death experience, which in a roundabout way led to setting up Wild Youth. He was in intensive care and it was 50/50

Amandah Opoku: If you could describe your music in three words. What words would you choose and why?  Wild Youth: Big, Sad, Bangers.

Amandah Opoku: You recently released your sophomore EP ‘Forever Girl’. What was the writing and recording process like for the EP?  Wild Youth: Really fun, It felt super free to be allowed to do what felt right for us. So it was fun experimenting and trying lots of new things.

Amandah Opoku: What challenges did you face while you were working on the ‘Forever Girl’ EP? Wild Youth: A global pandemic haha, just meant it was a slower process . But also was nice to have something to focus and work on while being locked down

Amandah Opoku: Did any artists who inspired/influenced the sounds we hear on the EP? If so, who?  Wild Youth: Ye for sure, I think a lot of hip hop and some early disco really inspired this ep. We try to dive into the feel good feeling of disco with the bad ass beats and big choruses of Hip Hop.

Amandah Opoku: What is the inspiration behind the EP’s name, ‘Forever Girl’? Wild Youth: It's basically like the ep is a journal of my life going from heartbreak and the lows of that to finding love and a girl you want to be with forever.

Amandah Opoku: The ‘Forever Girl’ EP is a follow up to your debut EP ‘The Last Goodbye’. What would you say is the biggest difference between the two EP’s?  Wild Youth: I think 'Forever Girl' is riskier. A little more experimental and probably a bit more honest.

Amandah Opoku: What song would you say best represents/sums up what the ‘Forever Girl’ is about?  Wild Youth: Through The Phone or Next To You

Amandah Opoku: I really love the structure of the EP and how well the tracks fit together. If you had the chance to pitch any song on the EP for any television show and/or movie, what show would you pick and why?  Wild Youth: Wow this is a sick question. I always thought Weekend Rockstars and Wasted without you were quite cinematic, I could see them in a city overview shot on something like 'Power' or 'Suits' based in New York.

Amandah Opoku: What message do you want your fans to take away from ‘Forever Girl’? Wild Youth: The kind of band we are is that we always want to evolve. We also want to let them into our lives because they are family and we always wanna be open and honest lyrically.

Amandah Opoku: 2020 was an interesting year for everyone, where we had to adapt to this new “normal”. How has the pandemic affected you as a musician? What have you learned about yourself? Wild Youth: I think it affected confidence for sure. It was like what you were known for was taken away from you and there was so much uncertainty surrounding your job which you’ve invested your life into which is scary as fuck. But I learnt that no matter what comes my way or knocks me down I’m going to keep going, because music and writing and performing is my life and who we are as people.

Amandah Opoku: For new fans who come across your music, what would you like them to take away from your music?  Wild Youth: I’d like them to listen to our music and for it to be fun, and relatable. That they can dance while finding similarities in the narratives to their own lives. I like to think our music can help you escape the world and everything that’s going on.

Amandah Opoku: With the ‘Forever Girl’ EP out now, what can fans expect from you next? Wild Youth: We're announcing shows which are fun, and I'm straight back into the studio working on new material already. I’m so excited and ready to start writing whatever is next, whether that’s another ep or an album who knows.

Amandah Opoku: Wild Youth, thank you for sitting down with me! Before we close this interview is there anything you want to say to your fans and our readers?  Wild Youth: Thank you for everything, we love you. We can’t wait to bring you more new music and can’t wait to see you at shows

Connect with Wild Youth on the following websites: https://www.instagram.com/bandwildyouth/ https://twitter.com/bandwildyouth https://www.facebook.com/bandwildyouth https://www.tiktok.com/@bandwildyouth

[umusicians]

UM Interview: JAYO

Emerging recording artist and Los Angeles native, JAYO, isn’t afraid to speak his mind. The multi-talented artist traded his college running shoes for musical instruments and ensembles in 2013, a decision that led him into the right direction. Knowing dreams wait for no one, JAYO is living the best of both worlds, working a 9-5 job by date and pursuing his dreams as a singer/songwriter by night and rising YouTuber/Instagram personality in between. To date, JAYO has made a number of music releases including his debut EP ‘Say It’ in 2019, and his new single “HOODIE” which was released last week.

Amandah Opoku sat down with JAYO to talk about his new single “HOODIE”, dream collaborations, pursuing your dreams and more!

Amandah Opoku: JAYO, thank you for doing this interview today! Before we kick off please tell our readers about yourself and a new artist you’ve discovered in the last year JAYO: Thank you for having me! I’m a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California and I’ve been releasing music for 3 years now. I’ve found some success on Tiktok for comedy however my true love is music, so I’m putting a lot more focus on that this year! An artist I discovered last year was Push Baby, his song Thor is probably one of the best songs of all time and every detail of writing, melody and minimalistic production stood out to me and inspired me going forward. I want to achieve that same level of excellence.

Amandah Opoku: What inspired you to start writing and releasing music as an artist? JAYO: I never thought I’d be a singer-songwriter growing up. Everyone in my family is an athlete. I fell in love with choir in college and got scholarships to finish school. I was recruited from my school to sing background for Jordan Smith at the Radio Disney Award Show in 2016. Being on a big stage on national television after Ariana Grande and staring Lady Gaga and many other celebrities in the face just gave me a rush. I felt like this is what I need to be doing, I knew I wanted to be an artist, a performer, and sell out arenas! So, I started writing music that summer and releasing as soon as I met a producer willing to help my vision.

Amandah Opoku: What artists would you say have inspired you and influenced you musically both through your sound and lyrically? JAYO: Sonically I would say I’m influenced by Jon Bellion, Khalid, Justin Bieber, Lauv and KYLE. Lyrically I’ve always been drawn to the storytelling of Ed Sheeran and Frank Ocean. I used to listen to a lot of Jon Legend for my low end vocals and Gallant when I was trying to mimic falsetto songs.

Amandah Opoku: If you could describe your music in three words. What words would you choose and why? JAYO: Uplifting, Honest, Catchy

Amandah Opoku: 2020 was an interesting year for us, as we’ve had to adapt to our “new normal”. How has the pandemic affected you as a musician? What have you learned about yourself? JAYO: The pandemic has been hard on all of us. With all the doors that have been closed a lot of new ones have opened up. I’ve been put into a position where I needed to rely more on my artistic gifts on the internet rather than my job as a substitute teacher. Gold has to be put through fire to be refined and that’s what it feels like the pandemic has done to me as an artist. I’ve written some of my best songs in the last few months and I know its only the beginning.

Amandah Opoku: As an artist, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced? JAYO: As an artist having a creative block can be very frustrating and depressing. I was having a rough time at the start of the pandemic, and was facing thoughts of quitting, settling for a 9-5 and following the crowd. Patience is crucial, you have to have faith that things will fall into place, even when you can’t see that far ahead.

Amandah Opoku: “HOODIE” is your latest single and I love absolutely everything about the song. Lyrically, melodically and structurally. What was the inspiration behind the single? JAYO: Thank you! Yea so this girl “borrowed” my hoodie and just never returned it. We slowly grew apart and I really missed her… I mean it. So I wrote a song about how much I miss her… I mean the hoodie! 

As I mentioned before, Push Baby’s song Thor was a huge inspiration as far as storytelling in an honest way with minimal production style.  It was actually my first time meeting my producer John Samuel and he loved the inspiration. He started playing chords and we finished the song 3 hours later. Sometimes things just fall into place, so I knew I had to keep working with him, so we have a lot more stuff on the way.

Amandah Opoku: Did the writing and recording process for “HOODIE” differ from your previous releases? If so, how? JAYO: Yes and no! it was the same in that I usually start with the concept and then melody, but it was different and new because I was working with a new producer and cowriter, and everything happened a lot faster than normal. Chemistry was really flying.

Amandah Opoku: I can see “HOODIE” being pitched for a rom-com movie, or show centered around teenage love. If you had the chance to pitch this song for any television show and/or movie, what show would you pick and why? JAYO: I love that idea, I can definitely hear hoodie being played for a scene where the boy has to get his girl back after time apart or after she thought she moved on. Maybe on the next Spiderman or like Kissing booth.

Amandah Opoku: In the past you’ve collaborated with a number of artists including Curtis Roach, Jonmosslol and Max Stark. In the future, what artists would you like to collaborate with? JAYO: I love all those guys! My dream collab list is crazy but it includes Chance the Rapper, Justin Bieber, Jon Bellion, Ed Sheeran, KYLE, Khalid, Pink Sweat$, 24k Golden, Ariana Grande, Anne Marie, Alessia Cara, Julia Michael’s and some others!

Amandah Opoku: In true fashion you are living the best of both lives. Working as a substitute teacher by day, and pursuing your career as an artist at night. What advice would you give to any interested in pursuing a music career? JAYO: Make sure you prioritize your true dream. There’s been many times I had to not take a gig for subbing If an important opportunity for music popped up. I trusted that the money would come later. Also use your work to your advantage! I’ve learned so much about my audience and what they like to watch content wise because I work with them. This helps me with creating music and content. 

Amandah Opoku: As you continue to pursue your career as an artist, what do you hope to achieve? JAYO: I hope I can bring more light to people’s lives. I plan on being super vulnerable with my music in the future and I hope it helps even 1 person change their life for the better. My competitive nature also wants me to compete for awards like Grammy’s or best new artist, but I know I’ll be happy changing lives as well!

Amandah Opoku: For new fans who come across your music, what would you like them to take away from your music? JAYO: I would like them to walk away with the song stuck in their heads! I pride myself in being catchy but I definitely love being relatable too, so they never feel alone when listening to me.

Amandah Opoku: With “HOODIE.” out now, what can fans expect from you this year? JAYO: They can expect a high volume and quality of music! I’m bringing only bangers from now on! 

Amandah Opoku: JAYO, thank you for sitting down with me! Before we close this interview is there anything you want to say to your fans and our readers? JAYO: You are worthy of your dreams and goals. Everyone has imposter syndrome. I’ve been learning more that is normal to have doubts at times about whether or not you should be in certain rooms or circles. Don’t let those thoughts sit there, you are worthy, valuable and loved.

Connect with JAYO on the following websites: https://withkoji.com/~jayo https://twitter.com/jayothatsme https://www.tiktok.com/@jayo https://www.facebook.com/JAYO.ARTIST/

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Every moment is a fresh beginning Model and Artist : @amandahsound Photos-Video : @michael_bouvard Video clip of Amandah on https://valeur-suisse-institut.ch/project/musical-arts/ Source : https://valeur-suisse-institut.ch/project/elegance-suisse/ #amandah #quotes #geneve #switzerland #suisse #happy #geneva #swissphotographer #photooftheday #picoftheday #instadaily #instabeauty #top_portraits #portrait #portrait_perfection #cute #model #fashionmodel #photomodel #modelshooting #modelphotography #beautiful #beauty #swissgirl #swissmodel #pretty #instagood #instafashion (à Switzerland) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxomRqynLa9/?igshid=1d9eq5t2ea70i

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The only real #elegance is in the mind; if you've got that, the rest really comes from it. ______________________ Model and Artist : @amandahsound Photos-Video : @michael_bouvard Video clip of Amandah on https://valeur-suisse-institut.ch/project/musical-arts/ Source : https://valeur-suisse-institut.ch/project/elegance-suisse/ #amandah #quotes #geneve #switzerland #suisse #cute #geneva #swissphotographer #photooftheday #picoftheday #instadaily #instabeauty #top_portraits #portrait #portrait_perfection #model #fashionmodel #photomodel #modelshooting #modelphotography #beautiful #beauty #swissgirl #swissmodel #pretty #instagood #instafashion #happy (at Genève Aéroport) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvpR66xBheK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ni6kzhselhth

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I'm having fun. I'm being myself. I'm doing what I #love. That's all that matters. ______________________ Thanks to Model and Artist : Amandah @amandahsound Video (prod/post-prod) : Michael Bouvard @michael_bouvard Latest musical video clip of Amandah on https://valeur-suisse-institut.ch/project/musical-arts/ Source : https://valeur-suisse-institut.ch/project/elegance-suisse/ #amandah #quotes #geneve #switzerland #suisse #swiss #geneva #swissphotographer #photooftheday #picoftheday #instadaily #instabeauty #top_portraits #portrait #portrait_perfection #colorful #model #fashionmodel #photomodel #modelshooting #modelphotography #beautiful #beauty #swissgirl #swissmodel #beautifulgirl #beautifulmodel #beauties #beautifulwoman (at Rue Du Rhône) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvmes-6hFgU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=124h9tfc015ki

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Every moment is a fresh beginning 🤗 ______________________ Inspiring quotes with Amandah. Find latest musical video clip of Amandah on https://valeur-suisse-institut.ch/project/musical-arts/ Thanks to : Model, Artist : Amandah @amandahsound Video (prod/post-prod) : Michael Bouvard @michael_bouvard #amandah #quotes #geneve #switzerland #suisse #swiss #geneva #swissphotographer #photooftheday #picoftheday #instadaily #instabeauty #top_portraits #portrait #portrait_perfection #colorful #model #fashionmodel #photomodel #modelshooting #modelphotography #beautiful #beauty #fashion #swissgirl #swissmodel #beautifulgirl #beautifulmodel #beauties #beautifulwoman (at Geneva, Switzerland) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvlVUhXBJ9F/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mqlbhiuijqs8