Visualize with me. Imagine an artist that has grit, passion, confidence and oozes elegance. If you are not able to visualize such an artist, then I promise you, after meeting Amanda Reifer you won’t have to visualize any further.
Amanda Reifer is a genre-bending, Island Pop artist who hails from Barbados. She has been active in the music industry for about 10 years and has released multiple songs. Some of which include ‘Ransom’, ‘Girl Like Me’, ‘Duppy’, ‘Bang Bang’ and her most recent & most popular single, ‘Rich B*!ch Juice’, which stands at a total of 43,000+ views on YouTube.
Adaptability is an important component to any artist, especially during these unprecedented times. Many artists have taken advantage of social media and other platforms to showcase their talent, projects and even to do performances. Amanda created a series called “Living Room Live”, in which she performs her songs live from her living room on Instagram. These lives are also available on YouTube. We had the opportunity to have an amazing chat with Amanda and trust me this is a conversation you don’t wanna miss. So without further ado, let’s get into what she had to say.
CARIB VOXX: Embedded in your songwriting style is an interesting duality. Songs like ‘Rich B*!ch Juice’ depict a defiant , unbothered woman while songs like ‘Shitty Day’ show vulnerability and imperfection. How did you create this balance in your writing style?
Amanda: “Well there’s a duality within myself, and it therefore comes through in my music. I spent a lot of time labeling certain aspects of myself as “good” and trying to be those all of the time. But by suppressing the other qualities that seemed “bad” I was relinquishing so much of my power as an artist, and not embracing my true self. Once I gave myself permission to be all that I am, unapologetically, I started to find my real voice in my writing.”
CARIB VOXX: “I don’t want no duppy, hit it if you lucky” – Your plethora of male fans who listened to your track ‘Duppy’ would be familiar with this lyric. I’m sure they also would be curious to know; what characteristics a woman of your caliber would look for in a guy that would make him “lucky” ?
Amanda: “Ha! Step to me with some integrity and we could chat. Confidence is also a big deal, good conversational skills. I have to like your energy and your mindset. Smell nice and lotion your skin! I’m really picky though so no guarantees. Also, for me, it’s either serious or it’s nothing. I don’t have time to waste. “
CARIB VOXX: The Amanda Reifer brand places a high premium on visuals and you’ve consistently had outstanding music videos for your songs. How involved are you in the creative direction of your visuals?
Amanda: “Thanks! Music and visuals go hand in hand for me. I conceptualize, co-direct and edit/co-edit all of my visuals. It’s one of my favorite parts of being an artist. If I want my art to be authentic it has to come from me so I’m involved in everything. There’s nothing I don’t touch, oversee or just do myself. When I decide that I’m going to release a song, I immediately focus on conceptualizing the video for it. I get a flood of visuals that come to me as I listen. The best ones always come to me in dreams. I don’t overthink it. I follow my intuition and if it feels right I create it.”
CARIB VOXX: You both are beautiful, you both are Bajan, your voices have a similar timbre and you both are PISCES. How have you handled the inescapable comparisons you get to Rihanna & what aspect of her legacy inspires you the most?
Amanda: “Every aspect of her legacy inspires me. Come on, its Rihanna. Pisces Gang! I have so much respect for her, her fearlessness. It’s motivating to me. I don’t try to escape the comparisons because they are inevitable. I think it’s flattering to be in the same conversation as someone I admire so much. Who in their right mind could ever be offended by a Riri comparison?”
CARIB VOXX: I’m sure just like every other creative, you had big plans for 2020 which have been hampered by the Coronavirus. Despite this, what has been the biggest advantage of being in quarantine from your perspective?
Amanda: “2020 must have laughed so hard at us talking shit in 2019. I’ve been using this time to get even more in touch with my intuition and do a lot of self-reflection. Time alone is time with God. It’s all preparation for what’s to come. I’m working on a couple projects that I’m really excited about, so that keeps me moving.”
CARIB VOXX: Your online series “Living Room Live” has received a tremendous outpouring of love from your core fans but also garnered the attention of new fans. What motivated you to start this series ?
Amanda: “I miss doing live shows. Quarantine pushed back any plans to do that even further so I decided to scratch that itch a little by doing these sessions. It was really fun, brought me back to those old Fedora session days.”
CARIB VOXX: Did Koffee hear your cover of ‘Throne’ and are there any chances of a collaboration ?
Amanda: “I have no idea but that’s one of my favorite songs. Koffee is a young legend, so much love and respect for her. I’m a fan and I’d love to work with her.”
CARIB VOXX: Speaking of collaborations, name 3 other artists from the Caribbean that you would love to collaborate with?
Amanda: “Koffee, Jada Kindgom, Popcaan and obviously Rihanna.”
CARIB VOXX: What do you think artists in Barbados need to contribute; in order to see the island attain more global recognition for the unending talent and creativity that presides there?
Amanda: “I think the artists are doing their part. It takes a lot of courage to be an artist in Barbados and go against the grain. Bajans need to continue to support Bajan artists. The louder we are about our own artists the more the rest of the world will hear them!”
You can follow this profound artist on Instagram @amandareifer and subscribe to her YouTube channel to keep up with anything she releases!!!
