By: Alex Turner
We’re thrilled to have had the chance to sit down with indie/alternative pop artist Shoshana Ami to discuss her latest record, ‘BABY,’ a project that has captivated both fans and critics alike. Known for her deeply personal storytelling and unique sound, Shoshana has crafted an album that explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and love. In our conversation, she delves into the creative process and her background as both a native New Yorker and musician. We’re excited to share this exclusive Q&A, where Shoshana opens up about her journey with this new record.
1) Tell us more about your background as an artist. How did you get started?
I was going to copy and paste from other interviews but then I thought – no way that doesn’t feel authentic to me. My commitment to being authentic supersedes all at this point in my career. In my life!
My background is filled with darkness and light, drama and humor, and always set to music. If I would score it, I might base it on “The Sound Of Music” – lots of scenes of our musical family playing and singing – sometimes in harmony and many of us fighting for the solo part.
I learned a lot about all kinds of music from my talented family and was a gifted flutist myself. I practiced an hour a day – set to an oven timer – but whenever I could get a moment alone at the piano or guitar, I would drop the constrictions of classical music and write my own secret songs. I also wrote poetry and even tried my hand at writing my own film script – which won an award in college. So writing music and words which express stories and feelings has been an important outlet for me, always.
I found myself modeling after college and transitioned to acting which I adored – especially in independent films. I had the opportunity to work with creative and talented writers and directors and I grew as an artist.
These were tough years in my personal life (no one gets out of their 20s unscathed), and I ended up leaving acting, getting sober, and finding my way to a healthier and more spiritually connected life.
I then joined a NYC pop punk band and had the best time being the lead singer and performing on iconic stages like CBGB’s and the knitting factory.
That’s when I decided I wanted to see what it would be like to hone my craft as a songwriter. I began to actually study the art – and learned how to record and produce in Logic. And here I am releasing my 2nd album and working on a third!
2) Congrats on the new album BABY! We love it. What was the writing and recording process like?
Thank you!! This 2nd album flowed more easily than my first album, Pretty Liar.
It was written and recorded during Covid; I had a lot to say and was enjoying getting better at the process of songwriting. It began to feel good to allow myself to be not so great at something and get better at it by actually working at it! Who knew!?! And I had a lot of time to write while living out in Sag Harbor in the woods and while the world was shut down. And no one cared if I played guitar loudly and sang my heart out!
I then, out of necessity, began to create my own tracks from scratch – I got better at producing drums and just finding the overall feel of the song. My producer Tony Conniff and I would send the tracks back and forth as the process went on. It was a wild time in life and in my work. Through it all music saved me – as it has all my life.
3) As someone who resides in NY, how has New York impacted your music career?
I am Brooklyn born and have lived in New York all my life – except for a short while in LA. I have both the edge and the warmth of a New Yorker. That informs all my work and keeps me honest which I think listeners appreciate and relate to.
As far as it affecting my music career, I would say NYC has put me in contact with very talented and lovely human beings who I relate to and connect with. My fellow artists are so important to me and keep me going. And I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the creative relationship I have with my Producer Tony Conniff. New York gave him to me so that’s another reason to be grateful for NYC.
4) Do you have a favorite NY music moment?
Yes – when we came out on stage in CBGB’s and, I felt like the wind blew through me and I was connected in that moment to music history – and to those incredible artists who made that stage what it was. The high was better than any other! (My other favorite moment was walking behind David Bowie on an empty block in Noho. I didn’t know what to say. I was so overwhelmed, but we walked in silence for three blocks. Never forget that one.)
5) What’s your favorite thing to do in NYC when not writing and performing music?
Being a mother to my incredible 12 year old daughter – we really get to explore NYC and do things like ice skate in Central Park and see the Nutcracker… or just cuddling up in the apartment and sharing 90’s movies with her! Also my husband Neal (Zum) is an incredible bassist and I love jamming out with him.
We live uptown but often you will find me wandering around the East Village looking in record stores and getting vegan food from my favorite spots.
6) How can our readers keep up with you going forward?
Come follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter!
https://www.instagram.com/shoshanaamimusic
http://www.facebook.com/shoshanaamimusic
X/Twitter – @ShoshanaAmi
Also on Spotify and Apple Music:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3lqwQIbbZ80GRtpVc1S0h9
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/shoshana-ami/1542288598
Published by: Josh Tatunay
