"What I'm trying to get across is that I'm not bothered if I don't fit in."
Sounds of pop, soul and jazz collide in an eclectic combination through the soulful voice of 12-year-old singing sensation, AmeyA.
Bursting onto the music scene with her original debut track ‘Release Me,’ this talented young Brit Asian effortlessly resonates high-octane moods.
Evoking emotions of struggle and anguish on a scale far beyond her youth, AmeyA has the makings of a powerhouse in the music industry.
Hearing her voice alone, it’s astonishing to be reminded this is the voice of a 12 year old girl!
Ameya Kohli has struggled with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism causing high level anxiety, as well as communication and learning difficulties, throughout much of her life.
Dealing with her experiences and using them in a positive light through her vocal gift, has enlightened her and many of those who hear her sing.
Having her talent recognised at an early age by friends and family, her mother set about writing reflective original lyrics and melodies for AmeyA to perform.
Soon after, she was signed up to a London based music management company at the tender age of 11 (their youngest ever artist), where she begins to record her songs in the studio.
AmeyA goes from strength to strength, following in the footsteps of her idol, the late Amy Winehouse.
DESIblitz chats exclusively with the singing sensation that is, AmeyA:
The promotional video for your first song ‘Release Me’ has had over 20,000 likes on social media to date. What kind of reaction do you receive from people?
“People were mostly really proud and very happy for me. I couldn’t believe people I didn’t know were saying they were excited about the song.
“I didn’t expect so much response and it was all so positive.”
When did you first realise that you had a talent for singing and wanted to take it up as a serious profession?
“When I was 7, I sang ‘Jar of Hearts’ by Christina Perri and that’s when my Mum told me that I had something special.
“She always says she hears emotion and tone in my voice. I’ve wanted to take it seriously for a long time. I find school difficult and challenging, but singing in front of people is a huge challenge.
“I would love to be a successful singer.”
You’re inspirations are legendary female pop and soul singers. How much of a ‘diva’ are you?
“[Laughs] Well, I can be a diva at home but it’s just to have a laugh really. I’ve got to try and see what I can get away with haha!”
The lyrics to ‘Release Me’ speak of wanting to be ‘set free’. How does this relate to your personal experiences?
“‘Release Me’ is a plea because I hate my situation being diagnosed with Aspergers.
“I always struggle at school and with others my own age. I’ve had to change schools so many times because I just couldn’t fit in, and teachers didn’t understand my social and academic struggles.”
What has life been like since being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome?
“It’s been really hard being accepted and making friends or even just feeling comfortable. I’m always really nervous, anxious and worried.
“I’ve had a lot of support since, like Learning Support at my new school.
“My parents are always understanding and help me through everything. They don’t put any pressure on me or expect me to do as well as others at school.
“They encourage me to follow my passion for singing.”
Do you have a message for young people on the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who are going through struggles similar to yourself?
“Don’t always think the worst, I know I do a lot of the time but I shouldn’t.
“As long as you have the support you need from family, things will improve.
Being different is good! Also, I hope the lyrics of my songs will help them.”
Who would you most like to collaborate with in the studio?
“It would have been Amy [Winehouse] without a doubt, I love her unique style of singing and her tone.
“Now it would be someone like Duffy or Sia.”
What was it like to be on national radio when you went on Nihal’s BBC Asian Network talk show in December 2015?
“I was really nervous and scared, but in the end it was a great experience. I even managed to sing acapella on the spot, which I can’t believe I did.
“Overall it was fun and I hope I can go on radio again.”
Who do you take inspiration from both within the industry and outside of it?
“My biggest inspiration is my mum.
“She understands me better than anyone and that’s why she writes my lyrics for me. She sees things through my eyes.
“Again, Amy Winehouse is my inspiration within the industry, I wish she was still here.”
Watch the music video for ‘Release Me’ right here:
Dou you have any plans to experiment with a more Asian/Bollywood sound?
“I’m not sure to be honest. I do like listening to some Indian songs, and especially like Sunidhi Chauhan and A.R. Rahman.
“I’ve covered a few verses of Bollywood songs, but I struggle with pronouncing the words.”
What can you tell us about your next track?
“My second track is called ‘Daisy Chains’ and it’s about friendship. It’s an upbeat song with a faster tempo and it has a little more attitude.
“What I’m trying to get across is that I’m not bothered if I don’t fit in.
“‘Daisy Chains’ will be released in March just before World Autism Week which begins April 2, 2016. I can’t wait!”
What can we expect to hear from AmeyA throughout 2016 and beyond?
“I hope to release more songs. Hopefully I’ll start writing with my mum. If I’m ever good enough I can fire her [laughs].
“One day, my dream is to sing at the Royal Albert Hall.”
Listen to AmeyA’s soul-filled cover of ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?’:
AmeyA’s promising journey as a young, refreshing singing artist is an exciting prospect, as her fruitful career begins to blossom.
It seems only a matter of time before she fulfils her dream of performing at the illustrious Royal Albert Hall.
DESIblitz congratulates AmeyA on her achievements and wishes her all the best for a prosperous future.
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