Q&A: Amalyn
Interview by Sarah Ruiz
Allow us to introduce you to Amalyn, a Colombian-American bilingual Artist & Songwriter hailing from the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. As a first-generation American, she carries with her the rich cultural heritage of her family, who immigrated from Colombia. Amalyn's musical journey spans across diverse genres, from the infectious rhythms of reggaeton and afrobeat to the soulful melodies of corridos tumbados and alternative pop. Tongue Tied was able to learn more about this rising artist.
When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Since childhood, my love for music has been undeniable. However, it wasn't until the end of my third semester studying computer engineering during the COVID pandemic that I had a pivotal moment. Alone in my room, grappling with advanced calculus through Zoom, the quote "You only live once” hit me hard. Despite my passion for technology and innovation, my love for music burned even brighter. It was then that I knew I had to pursue music seriously.
How have your Latina roots inspired the music you create?
I grew up in a solely Spanish-speaking household, where we would only watch Spanish television and listen to Spanish music. Also, my mom was a singer and songwriter in Colombia, so I grew up, listening to a range of Latino genres. It’s been very interesting growing up in LA County and finding my own way of merging both worlds in my art.
What is your inspiration when composing songs?
The themes of love, self empowerment, and positivity particularly inspire me when it comes to songwriting.
You just released a Musica Mexicana style song “ Tu mi Luz” What was the inspiration behind that?
Tu Mi Luz is a song that means a lot to me because I wrote it about someone very special and I wrote it with my mom. I grew up listening to regional Mexican music growing up because my mom was in a mariachi band.
What is something that people who are first listening to your music should know about you?
Something people should know about me right now, especially in this initial phase of my career, is that I love making various types of music. Whether it’s Reggaeton, Afrobeats, Amapiano, or Corridos, I love being able to explore and express myself through varieties of genres and not put myself into a box because it’s what’s “practical”.
What advice would you give other women pursuing a career in music?
My advice to other women pursuing music is to just make music that is true to you. To not be afraid to think outside the box, to not be scared of releasing something that’s different. Something my producer told me that will always stick with me is to have a clear idea of what kind of artist you are. Otherwise you will have everyone around you trying to tell you who you are and what type of artist you are.
What performance of yours is your all time favorite?
My all-time favorite performance so far has been opening up for Sevyn Streeter at the Guitar Center Music Foundation x Who Has It Grammys Music Celebration in February this year. I got to perform some of my favorite unreleased songs and perform with choreography for the first time which really opened up my eyes to the potential that I have in terms of creating an engaging performance. It was an amazing learning experience and I’ll never forget it.
What can we expect from you in 2024?
This year I am going to be releasing a lot more bilingual afro beat music. I’m aiming to release music every month and a half so stay ready!