I Like to Experiment with Sounds, Music Styles and Instruments - Amethyste

How and when did you start on your musical journey?
I think singing has always been a part of my life, but I have been so shy to really let this gift live on until 2 years ago. I have had the chance to meet an extremely nice and amazing music producer from Germany that has really helped me to bring my voice to where it is today. My musical journey has just begun, and I hope that it will take me far into new horizons and self discoveries.

What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
Mostly, I do Ambient but I like to mix also certain vocal styling into it. I love the electronic music coupled with Operatic/classical singing for a different listen and edge. I try to not limit myself to a pre-set of a certain style, as I like to experiment – My collaborators have been more than creative and have offered me an amazing array of sounds and styles for me to toy with :) My music is somewhat reflective. I say my feelings just the way they are. I don’t try to be someone that I am not as I am as translucent as water: I try to stay true to my music as I am to myself and the people around me.

Who is your musical inspiration?
Oh… I have many! I have to admit, Sarah Brightman has been the one vocalist that has influenced me the most. I have all of her records! Since she has lived her life in the public eye, I saw her evolve as an artist, but also as a woman. She really gave me the strength and certitude that it is ok to be fragile, sensitive and emotional when you open up your heart to either yourself or others. I also listened to Vangelis a great deal, his music really brought a sense of peace and quietude. I really admire him, the fact that he let the music speak for himself, I love the cloak of mystery that is surrounding him still after all these years…

How do you distinguish yourself from others?
The music style that we create is unique because of the types of instruments we use when the music is written. I love the whimsical sounds of the Music Box, the ocarina, harp and cello. My producer is very good at judging what I like and also what works with my voice. I am certain that I have given him plenty of nights filled with headaches (laugh), partly because my voice is probably hard to work with – I am a soprano soubrette, I can sing high with a certain ethereal quality and even though I have been blessed with an almost 4 octave range, there isn’t too much power in my vocal cords. But the way that my music producer has been able to make my voice shine through all of his compositions, that is where the true talent is shinning through… If I sound good, it is mostly because of him :)

Tell us more about your album 'Ethereal' on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
Certainly! :) – “ETHEREAL” is the diary of what my life was a couple of years ago. I was overwhelmed by so many feelings. At that time, I was going through a lot of changes, but mostly, I decided to make these changes by myself. “ETHEREAL” speaks loudly of all these feelings, with and without words. Every single song title means something to me. The CD has given me the ability to just “BE”. I let my heart and my soul speak, very sensually and lovingly… For the first time in my life, I fully experienced what it was to be a beautiful and unique woman.

Do you write your own songs?
Although I played the cello and the harp in my early years, singing has been my main focus. I do not write music per se, but I do enjoy sitting next to my producer (Gunnar Spardel) and give my opinion(s) on certain aspect(s) of a song. I enjoy writing lyrics, find adlibs melody lines and to experiment on the vocal part, but I want to give all the credits here to all of my collaborators: You are all geniuses :)

Which is your favourite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
Hmmm … All of the songs on “ETHEREAL” are little masterpieces in all honesty :) To me, they are all treasures to be enjoyed separately since they all have a story to tell. But the one that has touched me the most, in a very real and special way is “HELLO AND GOODBYE”. The song tells the story of a man and a woman deeply in love… But because they live in different countries, they have to be separated for an uncertain period of time. Learning to say goodbye is also opening the way for a hopeful “hello”…

Are you working on a new album?
Oh yes! :) I am really - REALLY - excited about “SHIMMER”. I hope to have it finished by May of 2008, but hey, I want to have it really close to perfection. The CD is deeper, with an amazing sincerity, I really wanted to make sure there was nothing left aside, all living inside the album for the listener to unfold and appreciate.

What is a day like in the life of a musician?
Ha-ha … A musician like me? I wish I could live from being a vocalist solely, but I work full time to be able to sing on my free time. I unfortunately work 6 days a week, but I hope that soon, I will be able to do less slave work and more “soul filling” achievements.

Any parting shot?
No way! This is only the beginning! Ask me again in 30 years or so ;)