In this exclusive interview with the innovative music artist H Amarr, we delve into the inspiration behind his latest track, “Voodoo,” exploring its themes of control, societal challenges, and the impact of real-life events. Amarr shares insights into the emotional depth shaped by the Tottenham riots and personal loss, providing a glimpse into the powerful narrative woven into the lyrics. The collaboration with Fahbz adds a dynamic layer to the song, and Amarr sheds light on the creative process and the unique influence of diverse locations during the recording. As we discuss the incessantly catchy chorus, the nuanced theme of confidence, and the delayed release due to publishing agreements, H Amarr offers a comprehensive look into his artistic vision, versatility, and collaborative approach, providing a captivating behind-the-scenes perspective on the making of “Voodoo.”
Can you share the inspiration behind the theme of “Voodoo” and how it relates to the concept of control mentioned in the song?
The lyrics express a desire to avoid stress and societal expectations, focusing instead on personal goals such as financial success. The reference to “Voodoo” signifies a rejection of societal norms and embraces unconventional or negative forces to gain control over one’s own life, steering away from the pressures imposed by others.
The first verse of “Voodoo” delves into the impact of Tottenham riots and the loss of a friend. How did these real-life events influence the lyrical content and emotional tone of the track?
The first verse of “Voodoo” delves into the profound impact of real-life events, notably the Tottenham riots and the loss of a friend, shaping both the lyrical content and emotional tone of the track. The reference to the “riots” suggests a turbulent and challenging period in my life, marked by social unrest and upheaval. The aftermath of the Tottenham riots seems to have left an indelible mark on my consciousness, with the lyrics capturing the chaos and disarray that ensued.
The mention of losing a friend adds a poignant and personal dimension to the narrative. The emotional tone of the track is deeply influenced by the grief and sorrow stemming from this loss. I navigate through the pain, reflecting on the impact of the friend’s absence on their life. Lines like “Fam was behind all the fuckin time when the busters hit it” and, “Knowing rickets was alive till the fuckers killed him”, convey a sense of longing and frustration, depicting the emotional toll of losing someone close.
I use vivid imagery to paint a picture of the struggle, resilience, and determination to rise above the challenging circumstances. The narrative unfolds as a journey through adversity, with me confronting hardships caused by external forces (“suckers”) while striving to maintain a sense of self and purpose.
In essence, the Tottenham riots and the loss of a friend serve as catalysts for the emotional depth in “Voodoo.” The lyrics become a poignant reflection on the harsh realities of life, combining themes of social unrest, personal loss, and the quest for inner strength. The emotional tone oscillates between the pain of loss and the resilience to overcome, creating a powerful and heartfelt narrative that resonates with listeners on a visceral level.
The collaboration with Fahbz on the second verse adds a dynamic layer to the song. How did this collaboration come about, and what was the creative process like working with another talented artist?
As the second verse of “Voodoo” unfolds, the collaboration with Fahbz introduces a dynamic layer to the song, enriching the overall narrative. The partnership with Fahbz likely came about through a shared artistic vision, or a pre-existing creative connection between us. Collaborations often emerge from mutual admiration for each other’s work, a desire to explore synergies in musical styles, or a shared interest in addressing certain themes.
The creative process of working with Fahbz on the track involved a collaborative exchange of ideas, where we contributed our unique perspectives and skills. Perhaps we shared insights into the themes we wanted to explore, the emotions we aimed to convey, or the overall vibe we wanted to create. Fahbz’s contribution to the second verse may have involved adding his own lyrical content and stylistic elements that complemented the tone set by the initial verses.
In the studio, we engaged in a dynamic back-and-forth, experimenting with different melodies, rhythms, and lyrical nuances. This collaborative effort would have allowed for the fusion of their individual artistic expressions, creating a seamless and harmonious blend that adds depth to the song.
The decision to feature Fahbz on the track could have been driven by a desire to diversify the sonic landscape of “Voodoo”, and infuse it with the energy and creativity of another talented artist. Collaborations often bring out the best in musicians, fostering an environment where we can push each other creatively and create something that transcends the sum of its parts.
Ultimately, the collaboration with Fahbz not only enhances the musicality of “Voodoo”, but also brings a collaborative spirit to the creative process. It transforms the song into a shared artistic endeavor, showcasing the synergy between the two artists and contributing to the overall richness of the track.
The track’s recording process took place in Dubai and Lagos back in 2019. How did the diverse locations influence the overall sound and vibe of “Voodoo”?
The recording process in Dubai and Lagos in 2019 infuses “Voodoo” with a unique blend of cultural influences, urban sophistication, and rhythmic richness. The track benefits from the diverse musical landscapes of both cities, resulting in a sound that is both globally resonant and culturally nuanced.
The chorus of “Voodoo” is described as incessantly catchy. How do you approach creating a memorable and hooky chorus in your songwriting process?
Simplicity is Key: Keep the chorus simple and easy to remember. Use straightforward language and uncomplicated melodies that listeners can grasp after just a few listens. A clear and concise message enhances memorability
The lyrics touch on the idea that confidence sometimes doesn’t work in our favour. Can you elaborate on the message you wanted to convey with this theme and how it fits into the broader narrative of the song?
The theme in the lyrics suggest that “confidence sometimes doesn’t work in our favor”, and delves into the nuanced relationship between confidence and its consequences. This idea speaks to the complexity of self-assurance and how it can impact one’s journey, especially in the context of the broader narrative of “Voodoo.”
Overdosed on Confidence: The lyrics acknowledge being “overdosed on confidence,” highlighting a situation where an excess of self-assurance may not necessarily yield positive outcomes. This admission suggests a recognition that unchecked confidence, when taken to extremes, can potentially lead to unforeseen challenges or negative consequences.
Society’s Response to Confidence: The line “them suckers don’t condone it,” implies that societal norms or expectations might not always appreciate or support excessive confidence. This aspect adds a societal perspective, suggesting that the external environment may play a role in shaping the impact of one’s self-assured demeanor.
Balancing Act: The theme underscores the importance of balance and self-awareness. While confidence is often valued, the song suggests that finding the right balance is crucial. It touches on the idea that an overwhelming display of confidence may not always be conducive to positive outcomes and that navigating this balance is an ongoing challenge.
Realities of Life’s Challenges: By acknowledging that, “What we want is not always what we get,” the lyrics convey a sense of realism and recognition that life’s challenges are not always overcome solely through confidence. This perspective adds depth to the narrative, highlighting that external factors and unforeseen circumstances can impact the trajectory of one’s journey.
Resilience Despite Setbacks: Despite the acknowledgment that confidence doesn’t always work in their favor, the lyrics also express resilience. Lines like, “Cold as some peas, last year, mama put in the kitchen” and references to familial struggles underscore the ability to persevere in the face of adversity, revealing a multifaceted approach to overcoming life’s challenges.
In the broader narrative of “Voodoo,” this theme contributes to the complexity of the protagonist’s journey. It adds layers to the portrayal of confidence, acknowledging its potential pitfalls while emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability. The song becomes a reflection on the intricacies of navigating life, where confidence is just one element in the broader tapestry of experiences, setbacks, and triumphs.
You’ve mentioned the recording process was completed in 2019, but the track was released recently due to publishing agreements. How do you feel about the timing of the release, and did it impact the reception of the song?
If the song’s themes and musical style have a timeless quality, the delay in release might not significantly impact its reception. A track with universal themes can resonate with audiences regardless of when it is introduced, contributing to its lasting appeal.
The versatility of your musical prowess is evident in the diverse genres you’ve explored. How do you approach blending different genres in your music, and what role does this versatility play in your overall artistic vision?
My approach blends with different genres in their music as a deliberate and integral aspect of their artistic vision. This versatility serves as a means of expressing diverse influences authentically, fostering innovation and creativity. By combining elements from various genres, I aim to connect with a broader audience; adapt the music to different moods and themes, and avoid creative limitations. This approach also allows for the evolution of my identity, ensuring a dynamic and responsive musical expression that stays relevant in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
Your career has involved collaborations with both emerging and established artists. How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your individual style and adapting to the different sounds and styles of your collaborators?
In navigating collaborations with both emerging and established artists, I maintain a clear understanding of my individual artistic identity while fostering open communication with collaborators. I prioritize respecting their unique styles and approach collaborations with flexibility, adaptability, and a focus on finding common ground. Balancing artistic freedom ensures that collaborations authentically blend our individual voices. These partnerships serve as opportunities for learning and growth, enriching my own artistic expression while contributing to a harmonious collaborative environment.
Having worked on mixing for artists like Cynthia Erivo and DJ Khaled, how do you bring your unique touch to collaborations while still allowing the distinctive styles of the featured artists to shine through in the final product?
I achieve a delicate balance between imparting my unique touch to the collaboration and preserving the distinctive styles of the featured artists. This involves understanding their artistic vision through open communication, enhancing individual strengths, and striking a balance between consistency and innovation in mixing techniques. Attention to detail is crucial to ensuring a cohesive, fresh, and dynamic final product that authentically integrates the diverse elements brought by each artist.
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Rishma
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