Ami Carmine, A Singer, Songwriter, Producer, DJ & Model from London, UK @amicarmine

What was the situation in which this photo was taken?

I took this one after I’d had my hair done – so I was feeling fresh – and I’d just found out that my band Them&Us were at number one in the Beatport breaks chart with Stanton Warriors & Jay Robinson – so even though I look a bit moody I was actually very happy.

Could you tell us something about what you do?

I’m a professional musician by trade. In my career so far I’ve performed across the world with artists such as Basement Jaxx, Gary Barlow, KT Tunstall, Killa Kela, Jay Sean and more. I’m currently involved in a duo project with Killa Kela (renound beatboxer) which is called Them&Us. We’ve released 3 EPs so far and recently had a Beatport number 1 alongside Stanton Warriors & Jay Robinson called ‘Bang!’ I also DJ professionally, and have performed across the world everywhere from the Singapore Grand Prix, V Festival & London Fashion Week, to Freshers events, Festivals and big clothing brand launches. I model as a ‘secondary’ thing when I have the time between my main work.

How did you first become interested in making and playing music?

I guess it was just something I loved to do as a child, and decided that it was what I wanted to do with my life from an early age. I love music and think it’s so important as a human being to be able to do something you really love to keep you sane!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Well, all of it really! From the creative process of writing, to performing those songs that you’ve written in front of a crowd. It’s the most amazing and humbling experience. It’s always waaay more daunting when it’s your own material , as its kind of like your baby that you are presenting to the world to judge, and you just hope people like your baby as much as you do! 🙂

What are you working on at the moment?

Them&Us are currently working on new material in the studio right now which we are really excited about. I’ve also got a few pending releases of my own with a Todd Terry (Armada) Jay Robinson (Nightbass) & Conrank (Circus) and I’m co writing for some big girl bands out in Asia, so lots of different things, but all really fun!

What are the challenges in what you do, and how do you overcome them?

I think the hardest challenge is having to do everything ourselves at the moment. We’re like octopi! We run our own record label to release our music, and have to make sure we manage ourselves right to get things done as there are only two of us. It’s good that there are 2 of us though as we can kick each others asses and make sure we’re motivated. Also, being a full time musician isn’t the most steady job. Sometimes work flies in and other times it’s like a dessert, so you have to be good with money to make sure it can stretch far enough for you to survive some months, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Could you describe your personal style?

I’m a bit of a chameleon when it comes to my style, and I think it all depends on where I’m at in my life & how I feel. I don’t really follow ‘trends’ and prefer to create my own looks, and I like to make my own clothes and accessories. I like to think of my aesthetic as Mermaid Punk, which is soft, ethereal & feline but with a tough edge…a bit like my personality being both a Pisces and Aries!

What is your present state of mind?

I’m extremely motivated at the moment, and I’m waking up really excited about life and to work! I recently found out I was severely vitamin D deficient after months of struggling to feel properly awake throughout the day, and since I’ve been diagnosed and on medication I feel like a new person! Life is good!

What music are you listening to at the moment?

A bit of everything! I don’t own a TV, so as soon as I wake up I put music on and try to listen to as much new music as possible. I’m a big fan of artists like Bjork, Bowie, Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush but also current artists like Lana Del Ray, The Weeknd and iamamiwhoami.

Which artists or designers inspire you?

Well, all of the above. I like innovators, so artists that are prepared to push the boundaries of what’s classed as ‘normal’ I’ve never really understood normal or going along with the tide, it’s boring to me!

What is the purpose of art, in your view?

I think art, in all its forms – is an extension of your soul. It represents your fears, your desires, your good and your evil. It’s really important for humans to express themselves in the form of creation – whether that be making music, stitching a dress or taking photos. When I sing it’s like therapy for me, and nothing else gives me that feeling. I read recently that music and arts were being cut out of some schools educational programs because of lack of budget, and that made me so sad and angry. Children more than anything need to be able to learn who they are on the inside from any early age, and I believe art is a key part of humanity. Put it this way…can you imagine a world without music?!?

How do you spend your free time?

Well, with the little spare time I have at the moment, I like to watch junk on Netflix, mainly serial killer documentaries! 😀 I think if I didn’t make music I would have done something in forensics for sure. I’m also thinking about taking a wig making course at some point soon. I’ve always been fascinated by it, so when I get the time to do it, that’s next on my list!