We all too often fail to celebrate those artists who haven’t touched us directly through a single or an album. Take, for instance, Amelie Blake. While the name might not be one that people currently associate with chart-topping songs and best-selling records, Amelie’s actually been contributing to the music industry for years.
How? Well, until now she’s been writing music that’s been used exclusively for adverts, movie trailers and television all across the world. She’s likely had an effect on people from all different countries and continents – whether they realise it or not. However, that’s all about to change as Amelie is stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight.
Amelie, from Chapelford in Warrington, has just released her debut single. Titled Let The Words Unfold, it’s a multi-layered track that showcases the artist’s strength as both a songwriter and a vocalist. The single became available on September 18th, with Amelie proclaiming that it marks the start of her journey as an independent artist.
Prior to the single being released, an excited Amelie hyped it to her followers on social media. She wrote:
“As a versatile songwriter for publishers, it’s taken me years to craft my sound as an independent artist. I can’t wait to unveil it to you, beginning with this track.”
This is just a small glimpse of the bravery of a woman who’s ready to step into the unknown – even if on the surface is seems she’s always been a part of the world she’s entering. The truth, however, is that Amelie is a self-proclaimed ‘introvert’. The journey she’s now on might seem like a natural pathway for someone who’s already a part of the music industry, but for Amelie it’s a turning point that she never really saw coming.
Amelie explained:
“For years I have written music as a ghost-writer and also music for advertising, trailers and TV. This suited me as I am somewhat of an introvert, but at the same time I prevented myself from going after my dreams of becoming an artist.”
Then – in a statement that really shows the enormity of Let The Words Unfold, she added: “I am now ready to put myself out there starting with this release.”
Thankfully, Amelie looks destined to make an impact and be rewarded for her change of direction. The debut single is a marvellous first step into another side of the industry – one where success is largely measured by rave reviews, video streams and sales. At just under three minutes in length, the song is both relatable and heartfelt at the same time.
Let The Words Unfold is at its core about empowerment. It begins: “Why do I make the same mistakes again, handing over my power to you.” It’s full of raw emotion as it tells the story of a person who’s trying to breakout and become their true self.
It’s not a stretch that Amelie must have had her own journey in the music industry in mind when she wrote the lyrics. In particular, the chorus really conjures up an image of an artist who is grappling with a creation. It goes: “While the words unfold (Out, letting it all out).”
While there is this very personal element, the song is still likely to have an effect on listeners of all different backgrounds. Why? Well, because it’s uplifting! In one of the verses, we hear: “Taking it back, back to you, taking the power they hold over you.”
It’s true to say that most people will be able to take something away from this single – whether it’s thinking about an ex-partner or questioning your career. In this way, Amelie has potentially struck gold. But what else would you expect from someone who’s already got 10 years experience in the music industry?
Amelie’s really done so much in the last decade, mostly while working with some of the world’s most famous names and brands. This includes writing songs that have featured on the likes of Netflix, the BBC and ITV. Then, of course, there’s the work she’s done with movie studies and Hollywood.
Earlier this year, Amelie let her fans know that one of her songs had been used in the trailer for the film Good Posture. Sharing the footage on Facebook, she wrote: “Excited to hear that one of my tracks, 5,4,3,2,1, has been featured on the official trailer for Good Posture starring Grace Van Patten and Emily Mortimer.”
For context, this trailer has been watched over one million times and has had over 8,000 ‘likes’ just on Facebook. It really shows the reach that Amelie’s had with her music well before even releasing her debut single.
Amelie’s also performed her music live and delighted fans in the process. After starting to write music at the age of 15, she burst on to the acoustic scene doing sets around Palmyra Square in Warrington. From there she’s performed on BBC radio stations and even supported the likes of Rudimental.
It’s clear that Amelie will always be a more low maintenance kind of artist – one who prides themselves on substance over style. You only have to look at some of the names that she lists as influences to see this, including Tom Misch, Shura, Tame Impala, Massive Attack, Fractures and Bon Iver.
There’s surely an even brighter future on the horizon for Amelie, who like many artists is now operating within the confines of lockdown restrictions. Luckily Amelie recorded her single just before the UK’s shutdown in March. While she might not have the opportunity to perform it in front of a live crowd at this point, it’s surely going to feature on many people’s playlists throughout the autumn and winter.
Arguably though, there’s something just as important to take away from Amelie’s story. This is that it’s never too late to change direction and step outside your comfort zone. In one way, that could be the real music to your ears.
*Amelie Blake’s new single, Let The Words Unfold, is out NOW.