Nestled amidst the urban complexity of Croydon, a dancehall sensation has been brewing. Indie Amoi, rooted in Kingston’s pulsating heart and London’s modern streets, is poised to seize the music scene with her debut EP, ‘LOVE GAMES’. Released under the revered label Finesse Foreva, the tracks exude Indie’s unique lyrical magnetism. Moreover, the weight of the album is bolstered by production from luminaries such as multi-platinum-selling JB Made It, alongside other industry stalwarts. This isn’t just another album; it’s an exploration of love’s vibrant spectrum, told through a harmonious blend of Jamaican beats and the eclectic rhythms of London.

In this exclusive interview, Indie Amoi opens up about her musical journey.

Pinch Of Sol: The title of this record reflects the nuances of romance. Could you expand on this and explain the inspiration behind your creative choices?

Indie Amoi: The title of the record, “Love Games,” reflects the idea that love is a multifaceted experience. This title was chosen because I believe that love is akin to a cyclical journey, sometimes filled with fun and games, but also encompassing various challenges and complexities. The inspiration behind this creative choice stems from personal observations and experiences. Many of the tracks on the EP are inspired by real-life situations that people I know have encountered in their romantic relationships.

Furthermore, my musical influences, which include a significant exposure to both love songs and songs that explore the theme of moving on from love (“forget love”), have played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the EP. By blending these two thematic elements, the aim is to capture the full spectrum of emotions and experiences associated with love, making the music relatable and reflective of the diverse nature of romantic relationships. Overall, “Love Games” serves as a fitting title that encapsulates the complexities and varied facets of romance explored throughout the EP’s tracks.

Pinch Of Sol: Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Croydon, UK, how have these diverse cultures shaped your sound, especially in Love Games? 

Indie Amoi: Growing up in London exposed me to a wide range of music genres beyond just dancehall and reggae. This multicultural environment allowed me to draw inspiration from various musical styles, expanding my sonic palette and making my music more versatile.

 Being born in Kingston, Jamaica, has enabled me to embrace the rich cultural heritage of Jamaica. I can incorporate elements of Jamaican culture, such as rhythms, melodies, and lyrical themes, into my music, giving it an authentic and distinctive flavour.

The combination of these two cultural backgrounds allows me to create music that transcends boundaries and genres. I can blend elements from both worlds, creating a fusion of sounds that resonates with a broader audience.Travelling back and forth to Jamaica for recording has had a positive impact on my creative process. Many artists find recording overseas to be more conducive to their artistic flow. The peaceful and vibrant atmosphere of Jamaica has likely contributed to a more relaxed and inspired recording experience, leading to the creation of music with a unique energy and vibe.

In “Love Games,” you can hear the influence of these diverse cultures through the fusion of musical styles, the incorporation of Jamaican cultural elements, and the overall atmosphere and vibe of the track. This blending of cultural backgrounds has allowed me to create music that is both rooted in tradition and open to innovation, making it distinctively my own.

• More On This Topic: Indie Amoi’s Debut “LOVE GAMES” Merges Croydon’s Streets with Kingston’s Vibez

Pinch Of Sol: “Situationship” blends dancehall and R&B. What led you to create this hybrid sound, and how did you strike a balance to ensure one genre didn’t overpower the other? 

Indie Amoi: One of the key factors in creating this hybrid sound was my deep appreciation for both dancehall and R&B music. Listening to a lot of R&B allowed me to understand the nuances of the genre, including melodies, harmonies, and vocal techniques. Likewise, my familiarity with dancehall gave me insight into its distinctive rhythms, beats, and lyrical themes.

To create a balanced fusion, I aimed to overlap and integrate elements from both genres seamlessly. This involved identifying commonalities, such as the emotional depth often found in R&B and the infectious rhythms of dancehall, and finding ways to merge them within the track.

The vocal delivery is crucial in blending genres. I likely adapted my singing style to incorporate elements of both R&B and dancehall. For example, I might have used the smooth, emotive vocals typical of R&B while infusing dancehall’s rhythmic flow and vocal cadence when needed.

Lyrically, I likely drew from themes common to both genres. R&B often explores themes of love, relationships, and emotions, while dancehall can touch on similar topics with its own cultural perspective. Striking a balance in the lyrical content can help maintain cohesion in the hybrid track.

In essence, creating a hybrid sound like “Situationship” involves a deep understanding of the genres being fused, a thoughtful approach to blending their distinctive elements, and a commitment to finding harmony between them. By overlapping the vibes of R&B and dancehall and leveraging the best of both worlds, I was able to create a track that resonates with fans of both genres while offering a fresh and unique musical experience.

Pinch Of Sol: “Flex On My Ex” and “Like Me” are described as empowerment anthems. What message do you hope listeners take away from these tracks, especially those going through heartbreak or seeking self-affirmation?

Indie Amoi: “Flex On My Ex” is aimed at females who have experienced heartbreak and have come out of it stronger and more self-assured. The message here is about self-worth and self-confidence. By encouraging listeners to “flex on their ex,” the track is not about throwing shade or seeking revenge but rather celebrating personal growth and resilience. It’s a reminder that one’s worth is not defined by a past relationship, and moving forward with confidence and self-assuredness is a powerful form of empowerment.

“Like Me” also emphasises self-worth and self-respect. The message is clear: no one should settle for less than they deserve in a relationship. By encouraging listeners to have self-respect and class, the song aims to boost their confidence and self-esteem. It’s about recognising one’s own value and not allowing anyone to diminish it. Ultimately, “Like Me” seeks to make listeners feel good about themselves and their standards, reminding them that they deserve to be with someone who appreciates and respects them fully.

Both of these tracks are about empowerment, self-love, and self-assuredness. They aim to uplift and inspire listeners who may be going through heartbreak or questioning their self-worth, reminding them that they are strong, valuable individuals who deserve the best in life and in love. The songs encourage a positive and confident mindset, ultimately promoting personal growth and self-empowerment.

Pinch Of Sol: How did your collaboration with Finesse Foreva come about and what was it like working with a heavyweight producer like JB Made It? 

Indie Amoi: My collaboration with Finesse Foreva came about through a longstanding personal connection. The individuals in Finesse Foreva are like family to me, and our relationship extends beyond just music. They have a deep belief in my craft and talent, which made our collaboration a natural and organic process. This mutual trust and familiarity likely contributed to a strong creative synergy, allowing us to work together seamlessly.

Working with a heavyweight producer like JB Made It was an incredible experience. JB’s reputation and expertise in music production added a new dimension to our collaboration. What stood out was JB’s high level of engagement during our recording sessions. He was actively involved and consistently contributed ideas and insights, which is not always the case with every producer. This collaborative approach likely led to the creation of a dynamic and exceptional sound. JB makes some of the baddest riddims!!!

Pinch Of Sol: You mentioned that love becomes a rhythm to embrace and cherish when the right partner is found. Can you share more about how your personal experiences have influenced the stories and emotions we hear in the EP? 

Indie Amoi: I’ve had the chance to encounter both “useless” men and good ones in my personal life, and I’ve drawn heavily from these diverse experiences to craft a wide range of stories and emotions in my music. This diversity enables me to explore the many facets of love, from the depths of disappointment and heartbreak to the heights of joy and fulfilment.

Personally, I tend to love intensely, and that intensity is palpable in the emotional depth of my songs. You can hear it in the passion in my vocals and the heartfelt lyrics, allowing listeners to connect with the profound emotions that come with love.

Through my personal journey, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of not wasting time on relationships that aren’t leading anywhere. This theme is central in my EP, particularly in the track “Standards,” where I encourage listeners not to compromise their standards. It’s all about personal growth and self-awareness, and I believe it’s something many can relate to and find inspirational.

My personal experiences serve as the wellspring of authenticity and emotional depth in my EP. By sharing my journey of love, self-discovery, and personal growth through my music, I hope to create songs that not only entertain but also inspire and connect with listeners who may have undergone similar experiences. My music is a testament to the power of art to reflect and uplift the human experience.

Pinch Of Sol: As a multifaceted artist who writes, sings, raps, and adapts to any beat, how do you envision your sound evolving in the future, and are there any genres or influences you’re eager to explore further?

Indie Amoi: As an artist who writes, sings, and raps across various beats, I envision my sound evolving by embracing genre experimentation, deeper storytelling, collaboration with diverse talents, and drawing inspiration from global influences.

I see my sound becoming even more eclectic and boundary-pushing. I’ve always been eager to experiment with different genres and musical styles, and I believe that will continue to be a driving force in my evolution. I’m drawn to the idea of blending genres in unexpected ways, creating unique fusions that resonate with listeners on multiple levels.