Aimee Stevens- “My Name”
Interview Conducted on Feb. 20, 2020
by Dan Locke
Aimée Steven hales from Walton Village, Liverpool, UK. She released her first single “My Name” with her newly formed band in March 2019 on At Large Records. While releasing two more singles with the label she spent her summer playing festivals such as Sound City, Kendal Calling and LIMF. With support from National Radio and countless cool reviews from the UK Music Press, she then moved to her current label “Jacaranda Records” and released her critically acclaimed final single of last year “Better Off Dead”. Having now signed to SJM touring and with her next recordings ready to go, Aimee is set to have a busy 2020.
Dan Locke: What was your upbringing like?
Aimée Steven: Typically Liverpudlian. Fun, musical and full of emotion. I loved being a kid, to be honest, it was a time I associate with feeling happy. I suppose that’s how your childhood should be. We didn’t have much money but we were always laughing and spending time together; we tried not to worry too much. I’ve taken that attitude into my adult life.
How did you discover music?
One of the first things I remember is music. My family always had music playing in the house, at parties, etc. I went through phases as all young people do and discovered my favorite artists. I was a big fan of The Smiths and Queen in my early teenage years.
How did you get your first guitar and do you still have it?
I bought a very cheap acoustic guitar at a local music shop in Liverpool. It was, in my head, just a guitar I could learn to play on. I still have it, yeah but I don’t really like playing it anymore. Once I went electric I found it very hard to go back.
How did you get hooked up with Orange Amp and Gordon Smith Guitar?
I got those through my first record label. I was very lucky and I absolutely love both brands. They sound so amazing.
Which model of guitar did they give you and have you named it yet?
I’m not sure about the model. I know Gordon Smith made it especially for me. I chose the color (baby blue) and the wood too. It’s a dream to play, it’s super smooth. I don’t wanna name it – no name is cool enough. Except maybe Lucille – but BB King has that covered.
Since you are from Walton Village Liverpool, UK. What is live music like there?
Walton is in the North of Liverpool and there are loads of great musicians from the area. Locally there aren’t many gigs as most events are held in the city center. It’s a great place to grow up and to drink but in terms of local music spots, there could definitely be more progress. Liverpool is quite small though, so I can understand why the city center is the hotspot.
Are there a lot of female guitar players in Liverpool?
There are a few yeah. Still not enough for my liking though. I’m really happy with how female artists are starting to be received in the city and I hope our numbers can continue to grow.
You played at the Liverpool International Music Festival. How was it? Since you are in Liverpool, did you check out the International Pop Overthrow Music Festival held at the Cavern Club?
I did, it was fun. We made a proper day of it and the other bands were great too. I absolutely love The Cavern Club, obviously, plus I’m signed to Jacaranda Records, and their office is above The Jacaranda Club which is the first venue that The Beatles played in under that name, so it feels great to be part of that! Unfortunately, I didn’t catch the Pop Overflow Festival but I will check it out thanks to you guys!
What is the Cavern Club like to play a show there?
It’s unbelievable. It’s almost surreal like it’s not really happening. The history there is immense and knowing that it was such an iconic venue (and still is) just makes the experience ten times better.
What was the first and last concert you went to?
When I was a little kid I went to see Justin Bieber haha, that was my first proper concert. Most pubs around Liverpool are like concerts if you go at the right time – lots of (bad) karaoke haha. My last gig was a local one to see my mates’ band Psycho Comedy. They’ve played in the US actually, you might have heard of them.
What was the first song that you wrote? And how did you go about getting your feelings onto paper?
If I’m honest I can’t remember but I can guarantee it probably wasn’t very good. My songwriting has definitely improved haha. I have always been the same with expressing myself and find it quite easy to write my emotions down. It all just comes out if I’m in the right mood – or if I’m drunk.
How did you get your record deal?
I met Jon Withnall, a great producer and it all went from there. I’ve been signed to two labels now, including Jacaranda Records which is my home now. The people are lovely, really easy to work with and that’s such a big thing for me as an artist.
Tell me about “Hell is a Teenage Girl”?
It’s a song I wrote about my experiences as a teenager. I had a few struggles in my late teenage years with mental health etc and the song explains my interactions with other females at the time. I was surprised to learn that some girls felt the same as I did and even more surprised that others completely didn’t understand – or care – about my feelings.
How did you get the title of it?
It’s actually from a movie. I already had the idea for the song running around my head for a few weeks and then I heard the line and thought, ‘’WOW’, that’s so true’’. I knew it would be perfect.
In your videos, it seems that you are heavy into vintage styles?
I’ve always been massively influenced by retro fashion, particularly ’60s and 70’s styles.
Any plans to tour this upcoming year?
Yeah, there’s tonnes of stuff going in the dairy that we are gonna be putting up out on social media and Spotify in the coming weeks. I’m really excited to travel and reach more people with my music.
Any plans to get over to the United States?
I would absolutely love to, hopefully, we can arrange something soon. I’ve never been to the US before so it’s on my list, I have family in LA so I’m ready to visit.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Hopefully still writing music and touring the world. I wanna stay healthy and happy really. We’ll see eh!
Anything in closing you like to say to your fans?
Nice one, thanks for listening and stay tuned haha.
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