Amie Blu’s tactile folk-pop is cut with a bittersweet melancholy

The London-based songwriter cuts deep with her new album when all is said and done. Get to know her in this week’s Opener interview.

The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.

The opening three song titles on Amie Blu’s when all is said and done give a good impression of the album’s downcast vibe: “swimming in pity,” “worse,” and “missing everything” make it clear the album is for grey days and depressive moments. The fourth song, titled simply “take me as I am,” meanwhile, is the London-based songwriter reaching out a hand in the darkness. It could be adressed to a partner or the listener at home tuning in through their AirPods.

“Take me as I am,” the 22-year-old pleads between carefully picked acoustic strings. “It’s been so long since I felt whole.” At a time when feelings of misery and hopelessness can often feel like they’re being used a chic aesthetic, Blu’s songwriting hits a cord with its blunt approach to documenting life’s most uncomfortable feelings.

It’s an approach that breeds connection and this year she opened for Faye Webster on tour while another when all is said and done song, “shadow,” was co-signed by SZA online.

She is set to headline her first run of U.K. and European shows starting in October. Before that we asked him for some photos from behind-the-scenes of her recent shows, and got her opinions on Black Swan, London in a heat wave, seeing Justin Bieber live and other hot topics.

Describe the first show you ever went to.

Justin Bieber’s My World tour. Wow. Iconic. It was amazing. I went with my mum, we were so high up which meant I was way too far for JB to see my mysterious nonchalant act but I was so happy to be there.

What was the last movie you watched, and give a short review.

I watched Black Swan for the first time last weekend with my friends. I loved it, I like how confused I was but not to the point that I couldn’t follow the film. Natalie Portman’s performance as the Black Swan was incredible but the fade to white at the end felt a bit bleh. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in one film means it’s gonna be lit

What’s a motto that you think everyone should live by?

“Not trying is for losers” – A$AP Rocky

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

My nan is French and taught me how to make crepes. She ADVISED me to learn how to make crepes.

What’s your favorite song to play live right now and why?

Probably “falling to pieces” from my album. The song is from the perspective of my cat while he gets extremely ill and eventually passes away. Some people have been putting up pictures of their pets on their phones while I sing this song and it’s the sweetest thing ever. I could cry thinking about it.

Describe the best show you’ve played this year so far.

I was opening for Faye Webster in June. Every show on that tour was amazing but the Bristol show holds a special place in my heart. I had never been there before so I had no idea what to expect, but that crowd showed me so much love. In general, her fan base are so supportive and open minded. I was extremely lucky to be a part of that.

What’s the best thing you’ve bought yourself recently and why?

I bought a mini AC fan because my flat is so hot. It should be illegal how hot it gets in this flat. It’ll be like 27 degrees outside and 30 degrees in my flat… make it make sense.

What was the last creative idea you had that made you ask, ‘Can we do that’?

I had a listening party in London for my album where I invited fans to come hear me play a couple unreleased songs. It was originally meant to be in a live room but when I visited I fell in love with their kitchen and was like, ‘Can we do it here instead pleaseeee?’

Forward us the last meme that made you laugh.