Getting To Know... Amy Swift

Having already made a serious mark on the new music scene this past decade, emerging artist Amy Swift looks set to become one of the more exciting names for the year ahead.

Originally known for her work with the electro-soul group Pacific State under the alias Berri Farley, Swift is set to make some serious moves in the months ahead. With her 2022 LP 'Moving' showcasing some of her most heartfelt songwriting to date, 2024 looks to be the year she reaches her highest heights yet.

So we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.

-

What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

I think it was my voice…I realised I could sing when I was about 11 and then never stopped!

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

Ooh I loved all Motown as my late father always played it. I also loved late 90’s early 2000’s R&B when I was a young girl, I would absolutely rinse that.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Jamiroquai ‘Travelling without Moving! I asked for it for Xmas from my Mum and Dad.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

I love storytelling, so it would have to be a Motown track like Isley Brothers ‘The Highways of My Life’ or ‘Papa was a Rolling Stone’.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

To be honest I personally just need space, and not physical space, but space as in freedom, to be able to have the head space to just write is something really important to any creative.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

Oh I love Gabriels and Thee Sacred Souls at the moment, also Yebba Smith, she’s awesome.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

OMG what a question, there are so many! Probably Smokey Robinson, what a legend.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Just being able to do what I love on a daily basis, and get paid for it is amazing for me, it took me years to get to that point.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Probably the years and years of pushing and working for nothing!

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Do it for the love of it, not for the money or the fame.

-

Amy Swift's latest album 'Moving' is available to stream now. Listen to it in the player below.