What a pleasure it was talking to the lovely Anamelia about her newest release, Rock With Me. She talks about what it means to be Polecunian, being outspoken and supporting young musicians.
“As independent artists in the Rap, RnB and Pop world I feel like there is an underrepresentation of Polish artists and especially women (even in Poland), so my mission is to encourage this and hopefully become an artist people look up to.”
Listening to your previous releases there is a definite 90s R&B vibe that is coherent throughout your releases. How would you describe your own sound?
I always feel like I’m experimenting with music, and I like to go off on the vibe I’m feeling at the time of creating. However, there does seem to be a ‘go-to’ as you mentioned, and that being the 90s RnB influence. I would like to say that my sound is definitely a hybrid of RnB, electronic music and Pop, with a dash of Polishness in there too. I do love soul and blues so a lot of my vocal influences derive from artists such as Jill Scott or Erykah Badu.
I love the UK culture and its diversity. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know people from many different backgrounds and absorb all those teachings, to then turn those influences into my music.
You’re a singer, rapper, songwriter and also bilingual. Is there anything you can’t do?! You’re based in Manchester now, but identify as Polecunian. What does that mean to you? And how has your emergence of different cultures influenced your songwriting?
I have always been proud of being Polish and I certainly still surround myself with as much of the polish culture as I do with the UK. This firstly started with me writing songs naturally in both languages and switching in between them throughout the track. I’ve always loved Manchester, even as a kid I used to hear my family say ‘Manchester’ and I’ve always felt this weird familiarity with it, not even knowing that it is an actual place in the world. As a polecunian, I want to represent and give a voice to those polish artists who are here, and migrated like me. Many migrant people will know, it is not easy to leave your country behind but I have been lucky to be so welcomed by many different cultures and people from many different walks of life. As independent artists in the Rap, RnB and Pop world I feel like there is an underrepresentation of Polish artists and especially women (even in Poland), so my mission is to encourage this and hopefully become an artist people look up to.
“I believe expression of emotions to be the most vulnerable you can be, but also the most empowering thing you can endure.”
What was the inspiration behind Rock With Me? It has a 90s feel about it that I absolutely love!
Thank you! I love jammin to it myself! I always laugh at the fact that I’m forever putting my own music on and dancing around to it! I guess I’m just proud and happy to be able to evolve with the times and improve my craft with every song.
The first thing was the beat. I connected with a Polish producer in Manchester through a friend of a friend, and it all naturally flowed from there. I was in the studio with my girl at the time and started humming the chorus melody. I tend to find words that fit the mood and the initial rhythm, and as though I was involved in a situationship at the time, I guess I just said what I had to say about it! HA! I’m quite outspoken with my feelings and I’m not afraid to share my emotions. I believe expression of emotions to be the most vulnerable you can be, but also the most empowering thing you can endure. There aren’t that many sexual references in this particular track but, I always try to encourage women to express their desires, no matter how intimate those might be. This track basically says “I like you, but if you don’t fix up and make up your mind, I’m gonna go, because - ain't nobody got time for that.”
You mentioned that this song explores female empowerment. How does your youth mentoring help you feel empowered?
Seeing youth literally duplicate my teachings and coming to me for advice is such a humbling experience. I try my best to listen to people, help where I can, be there for them for guidance, but seeing people progress in many walks of life is the best feeling. I feel so proud when I see them create and get hyped about their work, seeing the spark in their eyes and the moment where they realise “I can do this”. I learn so much about myself through those relationships and conversations, it’s a total exchange of knowledge. Creating a community, and essentially a family of creators is my goal, and this particular field of work is what keeps me motivated and empowered.
“As a polecunian, I want to represent and give a voice to those polish artists who are here, and migrated like me. Many migrant people will know, it is not easy to leave your country behind but I have been lucky to be so welcomed by many different cultures and people from many different walks of life.”
What advice would you give to a young woman trying to navigate the music industry?
Take your time, observe, stand your ground, be patient, if something doesn’t feel right intuitively - your gut feeling is always right! Get advice, surround yourself with other female creators, join classes, programmes, projects in your city where you can meet a like minded community, somewhere where you know you can rely on people to give you honest advice, constructive criticism and be there for you! Don’t be afraid of feedback! Fall in love with the process! & mostly, just know you aren’t alone! Find your tribe.
What female artists are you listening to at the moment?
Oooo, I have recently connected with and discover Nadatte from Manchester (she is AMAZING) she’s also a foreign girl like me! There’s also Carla Prata, Portuguese-Angolan artist from London. Forever Aaleyah, Jorja Smith, I’ve just seen Koffee at parklife as well, Snoh Aalegra is always my go to. There’s an amazing rapper from Manny called OneDa, I’ve recently listened to ShayD’s album too! So so many!
“Creating a community, and essentially a family of creators is my goal, and this particular field of work is what keeps me motivated and empowered.”
What can we expect from you in the future?
I plan to evolve and learn! Haha. I have music ready for an EP, as well as some features with Polish artists! I’m currently working on some grime, garage, house and dance music to be released soon too! Totally stepping out of my comfort zone here! & generally, I just want to learn, collaborate, enjoy the music creation and as I mentioned earlier, become an icon :D haha.
I’m excited to be working back with the live band now as well, and practising my upcoming music, hoping to be ready for shows with the new releases. I’m also currently helping build a youth / recording space for peeps in Oldham, so I’m excited to see that come to fruition and the music we develop through those projects.
I had some time to myself throughout Covid and I feel fresh and ready to take on the world!
Anamelia’s newest release will be on all major streaming platforms on the 22nd September.
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