Q&A
aMVRILLO
Published January 21st, 2024
Q&A
aMVRILLO
Published January 21st, 2024
Q: How long have you been making music?
A: “Goes back to when I was nine and I dropped karate to pick up a violin. I dabbled with music on and off during this time and ended up performing in my high school talent shows every year starting in 2017 but never took it seriously until after graduating.”
Q: Tell us about your first song or projecT
A: “Definitely not my best work that’s for sure but it was a start! It was this song called 'Tough Life' and it was my take a Chance the Rapper sort of vibe. Again, you gotta start somewhere. Finding your sound and flow as an artist is definitely an experience in itself and I’ve come a long way since then.”
Q: Who serves as your inspiration in the music industry?
A: “Three rappers that I listened to reguarly growing up that inspired me to create are Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino and XXXTENTACION. They got me through some tough times in my childhood and I look up to and respect their artistry. It really set the fire under me to pursue my own creative endeavours.”
Q: Are there any notable features you have collaborated on?
A: “I've worked with a number of artists both locally in Edmonton and several in the USA and even in Sweden! A list of some of these amazing musicians include my friend YUNG HOSS KOTU, Xtaylor, Axel Muco, Liam Connor and THIRTYSIX LIVE artist Kohr36. I'm always down to work with new artists so this list will likely grow in the future.”
Q: If you could work with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
A: "That's a tough one. But if I had to choose I would've loved to work with XXXTENTACION. Dude's whole persona and energy was just on another level and to even share space in the same studio as him would definitely be a life highlight. His death impacted me harder than any other artist I've listened to and it's a shame he's not here with us bringing those positive vibes with his music. Long Live Jahseh.”
Q:Who are your most significant supporters in your musical journey?
A: “Definitely my small core of friends from high school and the ones I've made along the way. Even a couple of the artists I've collaborated with have become a source of insight and wisdom navigating through the music process. YUNG HOSS KOTU has been that one supporter that has always seen the potential in me and always has given me feedback and advice on what moves I should make from an artistic aspect.”
Q: Do you write your own material, and if so, what’s your creative process like?
A: “I write all my songs myself. A lot of it comes randomly, you know, that random wind of inspiration that hits you and things just click and you got to whip your phone out and jot the bars down. A verse here, a hook there. Sometimes I write the whole damn song in one sitting! Most of the music I make comes from things I have experienced. I love delving deep introspectively as well as I happen to think or get in my internal thoughts a lot. Music has definitely helped being that outlet that I can express my emotions and it's one of the major reasons I decided to pursue music from the start!”
Q: What's your favourite genre or type of music to listen to?
A: “Since getting into music seriously, I've expanded my pallette to many different genres, especially to draw new ideas from a production standpoint or a certain mood or song vibe. I love hip-hop or course, but I also love me some indie, (whether that be alt rock, pop or shoegaze), ambient, and even electronic music! I'm also an avid vinyl record collector so chances are you could bump into me shopping in the record store looking for an album I've been bumping lately.”
Q: Can you share insights into what you’re currently working on?
A: “This year I am focused on primarily singles since I've dropped a lot of full-length releases over the past two years. But that's not to say I'm not working on new mixtapes or albums! Expect a couple EP's, singles and a mixtape from me this year. The goal is to drop something new every single month in 2024. I also have this idea of a collaborative mixtape called the "Limonata Mixes" featuring solely Edmonton artists with my production as the foundation for the project. The vision is multiple volumes hopefully being released every year for the next few years. I'm all about being part of the culture and putting on Edmonton artists together would be a big step in bringing the artists of this city together."
Q: Tell us about your latest release.
A: “189 is the first song I released at the top of the year and it's basically a storytelling account of the time someone in a McDonald's drive thru paid for my coffee. I also dived a little deeper in the song into how it made me see things differently, from focusing on my own selfish needs to realizing selfless acts are what can make a major difference in an average person's life. There should be more people like that mother of five who bought me coffee. This track is meant to make you reflect on just how impactful little acts of kindness can be.”
Q: When can we expect your next release?
A: “Within the next month here! I have a track with a Latin American artist named ULIDS called 'tortuga' that we've been working on for the better part of the past few months. We also plan on dropping a collaborative EP as well in the near future!”
Q: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be
A: “Japan. Their culture is otherworldly to me and I'm sure it would be an eyeopener for me. Also all of Asia would be a thrill of a lifetime too. Hong Kong is the place where my family is from and I dream of going there some day as well! It would be awesome to put on a show in some of those countries. Sweden and the Scandinavian countries would be also an amazing place to perform.”
Q: What’s the largest audience you have performed for?
A: “My largest crowd would have to be at one of my first performances showcasing my music at the Rec Room in South Common back in 2021. It was hosted by Kohr36 and THIRTYSIXLIVE and it was packed! Probably like 50 people in the front of the stage for sure and many more in the stands. That was an electrifying experience playing my music in front of that many people.”
Q: Is there an artist you envision touring with in the future?
A: “Shit I would love to tour with North Carolina artist MAVI or even go with some artists more local too. If you like Earl Sweatshirt, you gonna love MAVI. Honestly, whatever door opens or opportunity that comes my way for touring, I'mma take it the whole nine yards.”
Q: Who is the producer behind your music?
A: “I am! AMVRILLO isn't just a rapper, he's a producer as well. I've taken it upon myself the past five or so years to learn the process of production and I'm still learning new ways to manipulate sound and create something new and exciting. There are some tracks that I have had other producers make for me but I like to keep the production on my side as much as I can.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years within your music career?
A: “I want to travel and tour for sure within the next five! Figuring that out is gonna be a process and most likely will take some consideration but even if I end up moving to a whole new city to be based out of so be it. To all them aspiring artists coming up, the future is in your hands, so go make your opportunities and make those dreams happen! You never know where this music shit will take you.”
Instagram: @Amvrillo