A Quick Chat with Amalia

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?

Sugar Baby is about letting loose. It's that moment when you stop overthinking and just give in to the joy of being alive. For me, it's a celebration of freedom, fun, and the kind of energy that makes you want to dance with your friends or drive with the music all the way up. I hope people hear it and feel a little lighter – like it gives them permission to just be.

Who are some of your influences and why?

Janis Joplin for her raw power. Elton John for his storytelling and how effortlessly he blends emotion with fun.

I've also been shaped by artists like Stevie Nicks, Florence Welch, and Adele – strong voices who aren't afraid to be bold, dramatic, or vulnerable. They make you feel something real.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

It usually starts with a lyric or a melody idea – sometimes both. I’ll be in session with my cowriter and producer Julian Schweitzer and we build from a melody and write a lyric from there. We tend to work in a very instinctual way – trying things out, layering sounds, chasing the feeling. It's less about getting it “perfect" and more about capturing the energy that made us start writing in the first place.

What do you think makes a great song?

Something that connects – whether it makes you want to cry, dance, scream, or just sit with it. A great song doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to be honest.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Stevie Nicks is the dream – she's been a huge influence since I was a kid. I'd also love to write with Lana Del Rey one day – her lyrics are so visual and moody. And Benson Boone's live energy is insane — I think we'd make something cool and unexpected haha!

When not working on music, what other creative outlets do you have?

I teach songwriting, which keeps me connected and constantly inspired. I also love to paint – it helps me process everything. And I love making playlists, visual moodboards, anything that helps build the world around a song or an idea.

Who are some local bands we should check out?

There's so much great stuff coming out of Melbourne right now. I love what Gretta Ray is doing – her lyrics are clever and honest. Sycco always brings something fresh. And Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are just so fun and unapologetic.

Winter or summer and why?

Summer. It feels more open, more alive. Late nights, live music, that sort of vibe!

What do you have planned for 2025?

A lot. I've just released Sugar Baby, and l've got a headline launch show coming up on the 6th of June. There's more music on the way after that - feels like everything is lining up!