Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Billie Skye
THE RELEASE
Meet Billie Skye, a 19-year-old songstress from the sun-drenched landscapes of Byron Bay, Australia. From a family of seven which was infused with music as more than just a peripheral hum but as a beating heart, her muse was found through her musician father. If every love story on this planet was an individual, Billie Skye is its multifaceted, captivating embodiment. Vulnerability breathes through her words; through the connection and the very thing that gave her life just 19-years ago which has given her the ammunition to weave life’s endless melodies into a story…an untold, beautiful story.
The true essence of ‘Amorous Mirage’ lies in the personal journey taken through the heart and unfiltered emotional expression, as every emotion – profound or mundane – is priceless and contributes to personal growth, guiding through inner conflicts and the unfamiliar discomfort of one’s surroundings, enabling the return ’home’ to the light. Raised on a vast array of blues, funk and pop, Billie Skye fuses R&B beats and pop melodies to create this seamlessly textured, unique sonic quilt that has the ability to resonate deeply. What truly separates this record is its transparency and authenticity. Every lyric and melody within ‘Amorous Mirage’ is a poignant projection of love and truth – one that is meant to lead others out of their own darkness. You wont regret giving this one-of-a-kind 4 song EP a listen.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
I have a lot of musicians I admire; Raveena, Orion Sun, Eloise, Sade, ASAP Rocky, Amy Winehouse, Armani Caesar + more. They all carry such an original flare that translates throughout all their work. It’s this idea that you can be recognised just by your sound and the way you own your craft.
Throughout the production of your new EP, were there specific challenges or breakthrough moments that had a profound influence on the overall direction and cohesion of the project?
Towards the end I really felt a story had woven its way into my first 3 songs, the falling in love, deep heartbreak, then this redemption and ownership. My breakthrough was probably this innate feeling that the fourth song had to be a conclusion of this chapter of my life. I had to resolve my inner conflicts to write the truth about moving on.
Can you offer insights into the collaborative dynamics that shaped your latest EP, shedding light on the contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers, or featured artists and how their involvement impacted the final body of work?
I worked with James Hamley on the last 3 songs and I loved the way he worked. I had years of poetry I would bring into the studio, because I like to freestyle melody but lyrics are definitely considered for months and really need to be perfect. He never liked to stay on one project for too long and as a perfectionist, he allowed projects to come together so smoothly but quickly. He also allowed such vulnerability in his studio without any judgement. It was such a blessing working with him.
Considering the entirety of your EP, what lasting impact or impression do you hope the collection of songs will leave on listeners, both individually and as a cohesive musical journey?
This feeling of being connected, of feeling understood and above all the acceptance and allowances of immense, raw, honest emotion. As an emotional being, sometimes I felt as if my feelings were dramatic or did not serve a purpose but I want to embrace the reckoning of such large unfiltered expressions.
As you look forward, how does the release of this EP set the stage for your future projects, and are there any subtle hints or clues you can share about the evolving musical direction you plan to explore in the coming months?
I hope to explore more soul in my music, but still maintain a pop edge.
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