AmeyA is an incredible singer-songwriter based in Ascot. Despite struggling with Aspergers she is already signed to an A&R music management company at the tender age of 12. William Gadsby Peet speaks to Ameya and her family about her love of music and new single Daisy Chains
AmeyA is 12 years old and already signed to an A&R music management company in London. That would be impressive enough on its own but she also suffers from Asperger syndrome – a condition, which amongst other things, causes great social anxiety and a difficulty with communication. It would be incredibly brave and mature for any 12 year old to be performing at AmeyA's age, but to suffer from a condition that's main hallmark is anxiety in social situations and still have the courage to perform music in front of people is unbelievable.
The young starlet has an incredible voice that belies her age with a soulful maturity that is the main feature of her music. She has already released her debut single Release Me a few months ago which you can check out below. Her latest single Daisy Chains, is out now on iTunes.
I was lucky enough to speak to AmeyA, as well as her proud mum and dad, about her love of music and the importance of the upcoming Autism Awareness Week (April 2–8), in educating people on the struggles faced by those suffering from the condition.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Ameya: "I’ve always loved listening to music and singing just seemed so natural. It’s something I’ve always had a passion for, eventually I realised I could take it seriously. Music helps me to relax and also makes me joyful and happy."
What are the biggest challenges you think people with autism face on a daily basis?
Ameya: "Friendships are one of the biggest challenges for me, especially at my age when everyone seems to have a best friend. Because my Aspergers affects how I understand and relate to others, if people don’t know this about me then it’s very hard having a conversation. Sometimes people may think I’m being rude, but I’m not."
M&D: "Autism affects everything! From the way you ‘manage’ yourself to how you interact with others. From the moment Ameya wakes up she is being challenged. She struggles with daily routines and sequencing, instructions always need to be broken down. Regularity does not come naturally and being organised is a struggle. School in particular is incredibly difficult and Ameya is certainly reserved and inhibited in that environment."
What have been the biggest challenges you've faced so far trying to start a career in music?
Ameya: "Controlling my nerves is my greatest challenge. I’m confident about my voice, it’s just when I have to face a crowd it becomes overpowering. I have entered competitions where other children of the same age take it in their stride, but I get scared, worried and nervous so much that it can affect my vocals and performance. Sometimes this has been the reason I don’t progress to the final stages."
M&D: "Again it’s definitely the nerves! Singing in front of any size audience, even relatives has been a huge challenge. With time Ameya has progressed but the fear and anxiety are an immense hurdle. Any preparation can be ongoing weeks before so it’s a challenge to instil confidence and reassurance. But she’s getting there one step at a time."
Do you think your autism influences your music?
Ameya: "Definitely. My songs are about my feelings and situation living with autism. I could easily just sing about anything but I can connect with the song much more if it reflects me and who I am."
What/who would you say your largest musical influences are?
Ameya: "Amy Winehouse is my idol! I love her style, tone and uniqueness. I also like singers such as Sia, Adele and Alessia Cara because they’re artists with so much talent and not just about image. They’re all so talented. I must say my mum is a huge influence, she has always championed me."
You were signed to an A&R music agency at the age of 11, how did that come about?
Ameya: "I was surprisingly called in for an audition after they’d spoken to my mum and heard some of my covers. I was petrified going there, and my audition song was Valerie by Amy, acapella. A few days later they called and said the Producers wanted to work with me and they’d like to sign me up to their Agency. I couldn’t believe I was signing a contract at my age!"
How hard is it to work up the courage to sing in front of people?
Amyea: "It’s extremely difficult. That’s my downfall because I fear the worst! I’m scared I’ll mess up and then be laughed at. I’m really conscious of singing in front of anyone and the bigger the audience, the worse I get. I’m different to other people my age, even if they aren’t the best singers they never seem to be afraid. I just have to keep convincing myself that I’m doing it for a reason, I want to make my parents proud and somehow I will get through it. One day I hope I can actually show my real personality on stage and sing without so much fear, that would be a dream."
Talk me through some of the meaning behind your first single 'Release Me' and your latest single 'Daisy Chains.'
Ameya: "Release Me is about wanting to escape from my situation and finding everyday so hard and challenging, especially at school. It’s a plea to God, I wish I could be the same as the others and accepted. I find it unbearable to hang out like the others so instead I wish I could be let free."
"Daisy Chains is a more light hearted song about friendships. Even though I always feel left out I’m saying it’s no big deal if I don’t fit in, I don’t mind being different."
You were on BBC radio in December, how was that??
Ameya: "It was fantastic! I was a nervous wreck before the interview but everyone was so nice to me I eventually calmed down and got into my element. Everyone said I was absolutely amazing considering, I think I may have even put my dad to shame!"
Favourite musician?
"Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Adele, Sia, Alessia Cara"
Least favourite musician?
"All Boy Bands!"
What do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
Ameya: "I would like to keep singing original songs that are meaningful and that people can relate to, everyone has difficulties in life and sometimes it is music and song that can make a real change. Obviously as I grow older I will continue to experiment with my voice and style. I will also continue doing covers of songs I really like. One day I hope to be a major artist and make everyone proud of me. If I can bring joy and happiness to people, then it’s all worth it!"
How important is Autism Awareness Week?
Ameya: It’s incredibly important as so many people are still unaware what it is and what it means to have Autism/Aspergers. If parents and children can understand more about it, people who face these huge challenges every day will feel more accepted and understood. It’s something that should be openly discussed and not something that should be hidden or be embarrassed about! Society needs to embrace all types of people and not let them feel different."
M&D: "I think people also need to appreciate the practical complexities i.e. the daily difficulties people can face. Unfortunately, unless there’s someone in the family or a friend it’s very difficult to be able to relate. It’s made more difficult because of the variable spectrum aspect of Autism. But certainly awareness is the start!"
How proud are you of what your daughter has already achieved at such an early age?
M&D: "We are proud beyond words! It’s impossible to express the joy and happiness we have whenever Ameya sings at home let alone to an audience. We could never have imagined Ameya achieving what she has at such a young age, she is absolutely incredible!! She inspires us as parents and we’re in awe of her talent. For someone in her situation –to have Aspergers and to do what she does – sing in front of people, I’m not sure we can fully comprehend the magnitude of what goes on inside of her. To have come this far makes it the more unbelievable! We will continue supporting her and always be very proud."
Any advice for kids looking to follow in your footsteps?
Ameya: "If you have a passion or dream, follow it. Even if you’re not successful in the end at least you tried. I’m going to keep trying and never give up, you should too."
You can support AmeyA's career by buying her latest single on iTunes here
You can read up on autism and autism awareness week here
