A Q&A with Crybabyamy

Fast-rising pop from, from Dublin…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Validation’ is a song I wrote about struggling with social media. I had spent months before the writing of ‘Validation’ trying to figure out why I was constantly on my phone. One day I was doing a workout and the penny just dropped. I realised I loved the validation I was getting from posting and being online. Feeling like I was a part of something. ‘Validation’ is a tribute to anyone who is going through this, and please know I am right there with you!

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
The hardest part of deciding to release ‘Validation’ was probably my own attachment to it. It meant so much to me and I was incredibly protective of it. It was Rob (Milton), who co-produced the song with me, who made me realise how great the song was and that I needed to let go a little and put it out into the universe. Once Rob worked his magic on it there was no going back.

What did the producer bring to it?
‘Validation’ started out with just me, but my demo was quite different from the song we have now. When I sent it to Rob Milton he really loved it and made me realise what a great song it was. I would say Rob brought a really groovy liveliness to the production that wasn’t there before. He transformed the song and I remember getting the mix and texting him like ‘WOAH!’

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
Everyone’s so hard on themselves nowadays. Especially the younger generation of people dealing with social media and the online world. I want people to know that it’s not supposed to be easy to navigate everything and that’s perfectly okay. Writing is my way of processing things and I really hope when people listen they feel like they are processing their own emotions and feelings too.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
I usually start by sitting at my piano, getting some kind of beat going production wise and seeing what feelings come up in me. Usually I’m playing some piano chords, and generally speaking something will reveal itself to me pretty quickly. When something is bothering me I usually write quite fast, and if the production side of things is flowing I usually end up getting lost in it for hours and hours and going to bed at 3am!

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
There is a wonderful female producer and songwriter called Ivory Layne, she produces and writes all of her music and is so incredibly talented. She has shown me that having your own little bubble of creativity and inspiration is really powerful and a very special thing. Another incredible female writer I adore is Lauren Aquilina, Lauren has really heavily inspired me since I was 14. People like SHY Martin, GRACEY, Dayglow and Kygo are also huge inspirations of mine.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
Playing anywhere would be a total dream. At some stage (pun not intended, but I will take it) I’d love to play in the 3Arena in Dublin, where I’m from.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Probably the newest single, ‘Validation’, it’s a really good representation of the music that’s coming, and really portrays this new phase for me as an artist.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
I would really like my music to help people through difficult things. I’m a really emotional person and I spend too long on things. I’m too in my head most of the time and music really helps me to understand what’s going on. If I can make one person feel less alone because they can relate to something I’m singing, that would make me very happy.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
I hope people love the new single. It’s an ode to anyone struggling with social media. In this generation, we’re all feeling greedy for attention, and trying to learn how to love ourselves offline as well as online. I hope it connects with you.

For more info visit instagram.com/iamcrybabyamy