Aimée

Musician — London

01Profile

A Aimée Photo

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
Aimée, and I am from West London.

Describe your style in three words?
Young old lady.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The best gig I have ever been to would have to be The Melvins in LA in 2019 because they still sound incredible and I felt like I was in the '80s.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Ahmad Jamal Trio because I truly believe the music Ahmad Jamal made was art for the ears and not a lot comes close to the emotion it provokes. Could only be a privilege to be on that line up. Dolly Parton - Self-explanatory, an amazing songwriter, super positive and just looks like one of the most fun experiences life can offer. It was also a cover of 'Jolene' that I posted online which led to my manager discovering me - so I owe her big time.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Jazz, soul, and punk.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I have been listening to a lot of Charles Mingus lately and I would have loved to sit down and pick his brain when it comes to jazz composition.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Mau Mau in Portobello for sure (RIP) - that venue shaped me into the musician I am today and really boosted my confidence as a musician. Pure West London reggae and ska.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Irma Thomas and Sister Rosetta Tharpe for sure!! Irma because her songs (especially 'Time Is On My Side') are so iconic yet so under-recognised. Both are very powerful voices too. Sister Rosetta Tharpe birthed true rock and roll - incomparable to any other female performer of her time. Pure gospel and guitar solos, it’s unbelievable - also her style was impeccable fashion-wise as well as the way she played.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Superstar' by Jamelia - played on repeat with Mum.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'No Values' by Black Flag but then also 'At Last' by Etta James - slight juxtaposition.

One record you would keep forever?
'Amazing Grace' by Aretha Franklin.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"You should thank your lucky star
Cause the music is a gift
And it’s stronger than all else
Provides me with the bliss”

From 'Half Time' by Amy Winehouse.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Water No Get Enemy' by Fela Kuti.

A song you wished you had written?
'Day Dreaming' by Aretha Franklin.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Oh My God' by Mark Ronson (ft. Lily Allen).

Best song to bring people together?
'Valerie' by Mark Ronson (ft. Amy Winehouse).

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Nothing Breaks Like A Heart' by Mark Ronson (ft. Miley Cyrus).

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'1 Thing' by Amerie.

Any new bands you are listening to right now?
'Abusey Junction' by KOKOROKO.
I’m basically an old lady so feel like i’m ill equipped to answer this but some gems are:
'Show You' by Baby Rose.
'Hu Man' by Greentea Peng.
'For Keeps' by JGrrey.

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
Aimée, and I am from West London.

Describe your style in three words?
Young old lady.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The best gig I have ever been to would have to be The Melvins in LA in 2019 because they still sound incredible and I felt like I was in the '80s.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Ahmad Jamal Trio because I truly believe the music Ahmad Jamal made was art for the ears and not a lot comes close to the emotion it provokes. Could only be a privilege to be on that line up. Dolly Parton - Self-explanatory, an amazing songwriter, super positive and just looks like one of the most fun experiences life can offer. It was also a cover of 'Jolene' that I posted online which led to my manager discovering me - so I owe her big time.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Jazz, soul, and punk.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I have been listening to a lot of Charles Mingus lately and I would have loved to sit down and pick his brain when it comes to jazz composition.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Mau Mau in Portobello for sure (RIP) - that venue shaped me into the musician I am today and really boosted my confidence as a musician. Pure West London reggae and ska.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Irma Thomas and Sister Rosetta Tharpe for sure!! Irma because her songs (especially 'Time Is On My Side') are so iconic yet so under-recognised. Both are very powerful voices too. Sister Rosetta Tharpe birthed true rock and roll - incomparable to any other female performer of her time. Pure gospel and guitar solos, it’s unbelievable - also her style was impeccable fashion-wise as well as the way she played.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Superstar' by Jamelia - played on repeat with Mum.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'No Values' by Black Flag but then also 'At Last' by Etta James - slight juxtaposition.

One record you would keep forever?
'Amazing Grace' by Aretha Franklin.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"You should thank your lucky star
Cause the music is a gift
And it’s stronger than all else
Provides me with the bliss”

From 'Half Time' by Amy Winehouse.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Water No Get Enemy' by Fela Kuti.

A song you wished you had written?
'Day Dreaming' by Aretha Franklin.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Oh My God' by Mark Ronson (ft. Lily Allen).

Best song to bring people together?
'Valerie' by Mark Ronson (ft. Amy Winehouse).

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Nothing Breaks Like A Heart' by Mark Ronson (ft. Miley Cyrus).

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'1 Thing' by Amerie.

Any new bands you are listening to right now?
'Abusey Junction' by KOKOROKO.
I’m basically an old lady so feel like i’m ill equipped to answer this but some gems are:
'Show You' by Baby Rose.
'Hu Man' by Greentea Peng.
'For Keeps' by JGrrey.