Getting To Know: Amethysts

Amethysts, the dynamic duo known for their captivating blend of electronic, indie, and dreampop elements, is set to unleash their latest EP, "New Moon EP," following the success of singles "Bloodline" and "New Moon." The evolution of their sound takes center stage with a bigger, less lo-fi electronic vibe, enriched by the addition of live drummer Luke. Produced by Alex Gordon, recognized for his work with The Cure and Bat For Lashes, the EP promises an atmospheric and emotive soundscape.

Clarice's delicate yet soaring vocals contribute to the emotional depth, matching the mood of their personal and heartfelt lyrics. With over 1.7 million plays on Apple Music and 750k on Spotify, Amethysts discuss how online success has influenced their approach to music without compromising authenticity. As artists supported by BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, and Radio X, they reflect on the impact of recognition on their journey. Ahead of their live performance at Moth Club in London on February 13th, fans can expect the EP to come to life with a new energy, featuring surprises and teases from this evolving musical powerhouse. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of "New Moon EP" live!

1. Your latest EP, "New Moon EP" follows the success of your singles "Bloodline" and "New Moon." How do these new tracks contribute to the evolution of Amethysts' sound, and what can listeners expect from the full EP release?

We’ve recently bought an amazing live drummer called Luke. Him playing with us really informed how we wanted to grow our sound going forward, so on this EP we’ve gone for a much bigger, less lo-fi electronic sound than in our previous releases. It’s more of a ‘band’ feeling EP in general and all the songs are very guitar led. 

2. The EP was produced by Alex Gordon, known for his work with The Cure and Bat For Lashes. How did this collaboration come about, and how did Gordon's influence shape the atmospheric and emotive soundscape of the "New Moon EP"?

We’ve heard a few records that Alex has produced and really love the sound he gets, so we approached him for mixing cause we really thought he could bring the tracks to life. Needless to say, he made it sound huge! The EP was mastered by our brilliant live engineer Tom.

3. Amethysts is renowned for blending shoegaze-influenced guitar riffs, analogue synths, and warming bass. How do you navigate the fusion of electronic, indie, and dreampop elements in your music, especially considering the unique atmosphere created during your live shows?

We’ve never really had to try particularly hard to make our sound come together, we’re just making the music that comes naturally to us. Style wise, it's just something that has happened whilst we’ve been writing! 

4. Clarice's vocals are often described as delicate yet soaring. How does her vocal style contribute to the emotional depth of your music, and how do you approach vocal expression within the context of your sonic landscape?

Haha thank you! We always write about personal moments in our life and this EP is no different. Vocally we try to match the mood of the lyrics with the delivery and using the music to compliment the vocal lines. 

5. With over 1.7 million plays on Apple Music and 750k on Spotify, Amethysts has gained significant traction. How has this online success influenced your approach to creating and releasing music, and what role do platforms like Apple Music and Spotify play in reaching your audience?

We always try to avoid writing music that we think will be popular so we’ve been very lucky with the success we’ve had so far. It’s always felt like, to us anyway, music should be an expressive, emotional and heartfelt thing.. an art - so we’ve tried to avoid writing to get more streams, but, it's obviously been great to have built a strong base of listeners and really propelled the project forward!

6. Having received support from various press and radio outlets, including BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, and Radio X, how has this recognition impacted your journey as artists? Additionally, opening for acts like Anna Meredith and playing festivals like Latitude Festival, how do these experiences shape your live performances and connection with the audience?

Radio and press have been an important part of our growth, as with a lot of bands. It’s great to have so many nice things said about our music, really makes it feel worthwhile. Our local BBC introducing have been really supportive which has really helped us grow, gain better live gigs and get on festival line ups like Latitude. 

Live we’ve been gradually evolving our sound over the years, changing our set up and adding depth to it. As I mentioned previously, part of that is the recent addition of a live drummer. We’ve used drum machines live for a few years but with the sound of this new EP, we knew we wanted to change things and bring a new energy to our live set up. 

7. You have an upcoming live date at Moth Club in London on February 13th. Can you share any details about what fans can expect from this performance, and are there any surprises or announcements you'd like to tease for this upcoming show?

It’ll be one of the first times we’re playing the new EP, so if you’ve heard it and you like it, come down and see it live!