Artist Interview- Lamia
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to interview singer Lamia. We discussed her 2021 project, “Ever After.” We also discussed her artistry roots, musical inspirations, and upcoming projects. The Ohio singer had much to say about the transformative process of her artistry and where she believes her new music release is heading next.
Our interview is below:
Ayesharp- I appreciate you taking this interview. I’ve always been a big fan and would like to discuss you as an artist. So my first question is about your artistry origins. How did you get into singing or songwriting? Or was this more of singing, then came the songwriting situation?
Lamia - So as for how my artistry came about. I started singing at age nine. I actually realized how much I loved music and singing when I was on Youtube singing karaoke songs by Beyoncé & Alicia Keys (Laughs). Then, at 11, I started to write my songs.
Ayesharp- Have you ever officially like recorded that song? I know some artist would rather leave their first lyrics in the past (laughs).
Lamia- I never professionally recorded my first songs, but I am pretty sure I posted a few videos singing them on my old Youtube channel.
Ayesharp - I have to find those songs, because this is info I never knew. Your style is very cool, because from an outsider's perspective it has an 90's R&B aesthetic, but on your last project "Ever After" it has sort of an early Kelis aura to it. Were these some of your musical inspirations growing up?
Lamia - I definitely am inspired by 90's R&B and that's such a compliment because I love Kelis. I grew up being infatuated by artists like Mariah Carey, Tevin Campbell, Boys ll Men, Usher, Jojo, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, and even more, so R&B has always been a large part of my identity as an artist. Also, artists like Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, Fergie, Taylor Swift, and others were who I adored in the pop world, as I grew up. I consider myself a good mixture of my inspirations in a way. when people ask me to describe my style, I usually just say pop girl energy with R&B-esque harmonies because that is how I feel about it (Laughs). Also, I can link those vids for you!
Ayesharp - Please do, I appreciate it. In regard to your current music, have you been working on anything new following "Ever After."
Lamia - I have. I’m currently set to release a summer single from my second album that I'm working on at the moment. it's almost finished, I just need to record a couple more songs and fine tune a few things. I’m hoping it'll be out be fall or winter of this year. As for the single, it's a very fun track, something you can dance to. It’s something out of my comfort zone, as it does lean towards being a bit suggestive, but I like that I pushed my own limits. another artist, Jordan occasionally also had a hand in helping me write it! they really helped me let loose & get creative. it's one of my favorites of mine, and I can't wait until it drops.
Ayesharp - Jordan? and Do you normally work with a co-writer? Because a dance-track from you sounds fun, and from your description it sounds like another avenue that listeners of yours aren't necessarily used to hearing.
Lamia - Jordan is also an artist. they make pop music as well. I’m normally the sole writer of my music, but I am open to working with other songwriters! This is actually the first time I've worked with someone else on the lyrical aspect of my music.
Ayesharp - Awesome, I'd like to hear some of their music as well. I can only imagine how talented they are to collaborate with you. And speaking of collaborations, naturally as a musician, you have those artists who inspire you. If you could, what artist would you love to collaborate with on your dream features?
Lamia - They're pretty amazing! and thank you. As for dream collabs, there are so many artist I admire, but I do have preferences. Ariana is naturally at the top of list as she is one of biggest inspirations, and I really think that we could make an amazing song together. Ariana is also known for the many layers she included in her music, so I think we would just have a ball harmonies honestly (laughs). Doja Cat is also a dream-collab. She is so versatile, and I think it would be fun making a song with her. I would also love to collaborate with Josh Levi. he is super duper talented, we are mutuals on twitter, and every time he releases, I am blown away. I would really love to make a duet with him or something close to it! His creativity is out of this world, and I believe it would be interesting working with him. Lastly, I would really like to work with Diamond White. she is a fellow black pop girl and her style is so unique compared to other artists. we talk a lot about the same things in our music, so I would love to make a song with her and just brainstorm together. That was a lot, sorry (laughs).
Ayesharp - (Laughs) Absolutely not, that's perfect. I can see you collaborating with each of these artists It actually makes me feel excited about the music you're set to release. So, as an artist, when you're making these songs, do you typically try to channel the energy of these dream collaborations. Like telling yourself "I would like to have Ariana's or Doja's energy on this song." And then try to emulate her presence? Or how is your creative process when creating songs, such as your new music?
Lamia - When I make my music, there are times where I do think of how Ariana or Doja would approach something. For instance, for my upcoming single, I wanted to have the confidence that Ariana exudes in “Side to Side” so it will be a bit cheeky & witty but in my own way. Most of the time, I come up with lyrics out of the blue without thinking. But sometimes, I will think about a certain experience, or go through something new and want to write about it. For example, there is a song I wrote recently detailing the racism I saw and felt in school. Basically saying white girls are given the benefit of the doubt, yet black girls are always seen as guilty. And sometimes, I get a beat back from my producer and start freestyling it, trying to come up with a song. The process is different each time, but I feel it doesn't have to be one specific way in order for it to work out.
Ayesharp - I completely understand, that's creative and really layered of a process. Because you’re able to express yourself as creatively and organic as the process allows. And with that, my final question is simple, do you have anything else you would like to say to the viewers reading this interview?
Lamia - Wow, I had to think for a second! Well, I would like to say to those who will read this, that hope you understand who I am as an artist more clearly, and know how much passion I have for my craft. And if my music speaks to you, I hope you follow along with me and follow with me on my journey through lyrical metaphors and layered harmonies (laughs).
You can follow Lamia on twitter here. You can also here her music here.
