International stardom on the horizon for Alex Amor, says Jim Gellatly
ALEX AMOR
WHERE: Glasgow / London
FOR FANS OF: Lorde, Arlo Parks, Beabadoobee
JIM SAYS: It’s always a struggle to find just 10 acts to include in my yearly list of acts to watch out for.
This year was no exception! Just so many fantastic emerging acts coming out of Scotland.
Alex Amor though was one of the first on my 10 for 2021.
I love edgy pop music, especially when the songs have something to say.
Alex does just that. Originally from Bearsden, but these days based in London’s Camberwell, the 24-year-old got a taste for performing at a young age.
She told me: “I played gigs around Glasgow when I was 16 in venues like Òran Mór.
“I started playing the flute when I was 8 and have been singing in choirs for as long as I can remember.”
A music career wasn’t her only option on a journey that has taken her from Glasgow to art school in Dundee, and now London.
Being Scottish is the best thing in the world
Alex Amos
She explained: “I have wrestled with pursuing two passions my whole life.
“I grew up wanting to be a textile designer but also dreamt of being a pop star.
“Ironically enough, I felt like the safer option was to be in fashion and go to art school.
“In reality, any creative endeavour is as difficult to pursue as the other.
“At the end of art school, I had this un-ignorable urge to write music again and I became obsessed with it.
“From that moment on, I made a pact with myself that there was no plan b.
“I’d move to London with the intention of making it as a musician.”
I’ve heard many tales of folk moving South and ending up getting disillusioned, but Alex has flourished with the challenge.
She said: “London puts this fast-paced pressure on you, the good type.
“It’s a melting pot of the best creatives in the world and I wanted a piece of it.
“I met some of my main collaborators in London and that helped me discover my sound.
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“I think moving to a big city pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me embrace the unknown.
“That was inspiring for my writing as well.”
Her main collaborator is her boyfriend Sam Knowles aka Karma Kid.
She added: “He helps finish off the production and is an amazing person to bounce off and discuss ideas with.
“I have a small team who are like family that I continually work with, which keeps the sound cohesive.”
After a string of impressive singles, the first Alex Amor EP has just been released.
I’m pretty straight talking and conversational in my music
Alex Amor
Her sultry vocals coupled with some glistening pop production works a treat.
Each song gives us a further dimension to her talent.
She said: “Love language highlights the paradox of a relationship.
“Its dizzying highs and the unbearable lows.
“Then there’s me, desperately trying to find a middle ground and retain my own autonomy while also succumbing to falling in love!”
With international stardom on the horizon, Alex has no intention of forgetting her routes.
She added: “Being Scottish is the best thing in the world.
“When I moved to London, I missed the self-deprecation of Glaswegians, and their friendliness.
“There’s a warmth to Scottish and Northern people that’s undeniable.
“I’m pretty straight talking and conversational in my music which probably stems from that Glaswegian, get to the point, honesty.”
MORE: www.facebook.com/iamalexamor
Jim presents a weekly showcase of New Music on Amazing Radio Sundays 2-4pm.
www.amazingradio.com
www.jimgellatly.com
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