From an unexpected conversation with Andromedik to founding Bass and Boundaries and finding her voice as ÆMY, Amy talks about community, confidence, creative expression and why connection matters.
Q: Can you tell me about how Bass and Boundaries started?
Of course! Back in March, I went to see one of my favourite artists, Andromedik, and somehow ended up bumping into him at a hotel! We spent about an hour chatting about music, and I mentioned that I’d always wanted to explore vocals and start a podcast. He was genuinely lovely and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I don’t think he realised quite how much that conversation would mean to me!
At the time, I was so miserable in my day job that I thought maybe it was universal timing because it’s not every day you walk into a hotel and meet one of your favourite artists!
Q: Since starting it, was there a particular moment, project or response from someone that made you realise what you were building mattered?
It’s being told that what I shed light on matters. From mental health to giving someone a voice, it’s not superficial stuff. That’s where I pride myself.
But it’s realising we’re all just people. From listening to your favourite artists to interviewing them, collaborating with them and suddenly seeing them follow you on Instagram or TikTok, it is such a surreal experience! I know we’re all just human beings, but sometimes I still have those little “Is this actually happening?” moments. I cherish every second.
I don’t think people understand how much it means to me because I’ve spent my life trying to fit in somewhere. But we all just made this massive community where we’ve all felt the same thing, and now we all just piece together lovely!
Q: Has the project evolved from what you originally imagined? Have your priorities or the direction you want to take it changed along the way?
Omg, massively! Bass and Boundaries only started in late March/early April, so everything has happened incredibly quickly. It’s been an extremely busy summer!
Initially, my focus was entirely on the podcast, but it’s evolved into so much more. I connected with an artist called Krisna Artha, and what started as a conversation led to a podcast collaboration and eventually us working together on a track. It’s crazy how things can change!
I pride myself on being a woman of many hats! I do a lot of things, from promoting to vocals to a podcast, but I do all of this for my kids. I recently went into their school and did a presentation about not necessarily having a conventional job, but basically showing them that they can do anything!
Q: With Bass and Boundaries, you’re giving other artists a platform to talk about their work and experiences. What do you look for in the people you feature and what do you hope listeners take away from those conversations?
For me, it’s never been about how many followers someone has or how successful they are. I’m interested in authenticity, passion and the person behind the music. Everyone has a story, whether they’re an established artist or someone who’s just starting out. I love hearing about people’s journeys, their struggles and the moments that have shaped them.
I want listeners to realise that behind every track is a human being. The music industry can be incredibly competitive, and I think it's important to create a space where people can speak openly without judgement. If someone finishes an episode feeling inspired, understood or even a little less alone, then I feel like I've achieved something worthwhile.
Q: You’re building Bass and Boundaries while also having your own identity as a vocalist under ÆMY. How did these two sides of your work come about, and what made you want to pursue both?
The funny thing is, they both came from the same place, which is my love of music!
I’ve always loved singing, but for a long time, it was something I wanted to pursue rather than something I was actively doing, through fear. What if people think I can’t sing? What if I’m rubbish? It’d always hold me back.
Starting Bass and Boundaries opened up a whole new world of opportunities, and through meeting artists and producers, I finally started exploring that side of myself, which then led to this immense confidence I didn't realise I had! Now I’m like, “Who cares what people think? I’m doing it anyway!”
I even had production lessons! Can I do it? Not really, but knowing the basics helped with my vocal work!
Q: How would you describe yourself as a vocalist, and what are you trying to explore or develop creatively at the moment?
Love this question!
I’d describe myself as quite an emotional and expressive vocalist. I love music that makes you feel something, whether that’s happiness, sadness, empowerment or even anger. I’m particularly drawn to drum and bass because there’s something incredible about combining powerful, energetic production with vocals that tell a story. I’ve always been a storyteller, so you can hear that in my music because every experience that I’ve lived, I like to put into my music.
I'm still discovering my sound, and that's actually one of the most exciting parts. I'm experimenting with different styles, writing my own lyrics and learning more about how my voice works within different productions. I don't want to put myself into one particular box. I want to keep developing, challenging myself and making music that feels authentic to me.
Q: What are the values you want to stay true to as Bass and Boundaries grows? Are there things you would rather say no to than compromise on?
Authenticity, kindness and respect are probably my biggest values. I never want Bass and Boundaries to become something where people feel they have to be a certain way to be included. Whether someone has 100 followers or 100,000, I believe everyone deserves to be treated with the same respect and given the opportunity to be heard.
I'm also a big believer in boundaries, hence the name! I've learned that not every opportunity is necessarily the right opportunity. I'd much rather turn something down than compromise my values or work with people who don't respect what I'm trying to build. Success means very little to me if I lose myself in the process.
Q: What have you learned about yourself through doing this work?
I’ve learned that I’m capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for. For a long time, I think I underestimated myself and what I could achieve. Starting something completely from scratch, putting myself out there and approaching people I once only dreamed of speaking to has really pushed me outside my comfort zone.
I've also learned that I thrive when I'm doing something I'm genuinely passionate about. My ADHD means my brain is constantly full of ideas, and rather than seeing that as a negative, I've started embracing it. I'm creative and determined, but I've realised those things are part of what makes me who I am!
I also don’t care about being embarrassed. So if you see me dancing in my car in a line of traffic, join in! Life is too short to be boring.
Q: Has this experience and project changed the way you approach music, collaboration or community?
Absolutely! I think before starting Bass and Boundaries, I saw the music industry mainly from the perspective of a listener and a fan. Now I’m beginning to understand just how much work, passion and vulnerability goes into creating music. It’s given me a completely different appreciation for the artists and producers behind the tracks we love.
It's also taught me that collaboration should be about genuine connection rather than simply what someone can offer you. Some of the best opportunities I've had have come from completely natural conversations. I think when you approach people with kindness, curiosity and mutual respect, amazing things can happen. That's the kind of community I want to be part of building.
I’ve interviewed some people who never made it to my platform due to their unkind words and arrogance. That’s not what music is about. If you’re trying to “get rich quick”, it’ll never work. Music is connection. That’s at the forefront of everything I do in my work. Connection is everything!!!
Q: When you look at everything you’re building, what would you love to be able to say you’ve achieved a year from now?
A year from now, I’d love to look back and see that Bass and Boundaries has continued growing into a recognised platform where artists genuinely want to share their stories. I’d love to have interviewed even more incredible people, built stronger connections within the music industry and hopefully created opportunities for emerging talent along the way.
On a personal level, I'd love to have released more music as ÆMY, developed my confidence as a vocalist and perhaps even performed live! But more than anything, I want to be able to say that I kept going, continued learning and stayed true to myself. If this much can happen in 6 months, imagine what another year could bring! Let’s go!!
Q: Finally, you've also got a charity rave coming up in November! Can you tell us a little about that?
I’m also hosting a charity rave in Burton-on-Trent in November. I never thought I would be doing that either, but here we are, and I really hope some amazing people come and support it! It’s for a really great cause for children.
