An Interview with Singer Songwriter Amirah
Sylvia: Hi Amirah. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to interview with me. Please tell us about yourself and your business?
Amirah: Hi Sylvia. My name is Amirah and I am a singer-songwriter. I am originally from Malaysia and currently living in Los Angeles recording my debut album. I love incorporating an East meets West concept into my music and clothing designs. That is what gets me going. Musically, I love fusing traditional instruments into my modern cinematic songs. I enjoy experimenting with these concepts. I have always been passionate about unity, so I would say I am definitely a unity advocate, which is also expressed in my song lyrics.
Sylvia: Hmmm, how interesting. I took a few minutes to listen to one of your songs, “You Are My Land’ and the tempo and words were just beautiful. You are very talented. What does success mean to you?
Amirah: Thank you for taking time to listen. For me, being successful means that I am free to be my true self, without hiding any part of who I am, and at the same time, fulfilling my calling and mission in life. My calling and mission are to unite people through music. That is the most important thing to me.
Sylvia: How do you create work-life balance?
Amirah: I tend to hyperfocus when I am working, so, for example, I have to tell myself that before the sun goes down, it’s time to stop. The beautiful colors in the sky during the golden hour helps drag me away from work and go for a walk or hike. My morning routine of meditation, journaling, affirmations, and exercise is also very important. What also helps me is to unplug from all digital devices on the weekends and go for an immersive hike in nature.
Sylvia: I like that. I think it’s important to disconnect and unwind. I like to sit and be quiet often. It helps to clear my mind. In what way do you give back to your community?
Amirah: I give back to my community by inspiring unity through my music and voice. I am also an Autism Advocate as I was diagnosed with Aspergers later in life. I am happy to share my gifts, talents, and challenges as an autistic, female, singer-songwriter, and to lead a bi-monthly Aspergers Group online.
Sylvia: What steps do you think are necessary for an entrepreneur who wants to move her business / success to the next level?
Amirah: It’s very important to have a clear vision, and have a really strong ”why”. Having a strong “why” will help pull you through the darkest and hardest times. It is also important to have an honest understanding of your strengths and weaknesses to avoid burnout.
Sylvia: I agree. Knowing your why is extremely important. It keeps you focused on what matters. What challenges and opportunities do you see in the present economic environment?
Amirah: Honestly, this has been one of the best times for me as an independent singer-songwriter. People are so much more open to working remotely, and this has allowed me to focus on my music and on performing digitally in a more affordable way. A huge benefit of this is that I don’t have to live in the city, which is a life-saver for me, especially since I am an introvert. This suits me perfectly and I am enjoying it!
Sylvia: How do you promote/market your work?
Amirah: I try to knock on all doors from social media, email, newsletters, interviews – anything and everything I can as long as it fits my vision and brand.
Sylvia: What books and resources would you recommend to other women in business?
Amirah: “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg, “The Seven Day Weekend” by Ricardo Semler, and “The Effective Executive” by Peter F. Drucker.
Sylvia: Yes, all of those are good books. What advice do you have for women who are just starting out?
Amirah: Have a clear and strong vision, dream big and focus on building one thing at a time.
Sylvia: How do you stay connected in mind, body and spirit?
Amirah: My daily meditation routine is essential. Spending time alone and in silence is a necessity for me. If I don’t allow myself this time, I cannot think clearly and my senses are overstimulated.
Sylvia: What is your favorite quote to live by?
Amirah: “When love appears, religion disappears.” – Osho
Sylvia: What is your power word? Why this word?
Amirah: Unity. It is the reason I am here on this planet and it guides everything I do.
Sylvia: Share with us two industry or general business related tips that could help other women business owners.
Amirah: Be your original true self, don’t take no for an answer, and “there is no box”.
Sylvia: What is the most important lesson you learned after entering the music industry?
Amirah: I believe that we are meant to forge our own paths, in a way that works best for each of us. I learned this the hard way myself. Our destiny and path can be entirely new and different from anyone else before, and better than we could have imagined.
Sylvia: What advice would you give to beginning singers?
Amirah: Be who you are. Don’t try to sound like other artists. A skilled and experienced vocal coach is important because you do not want to damage your voice. They are not easy to find, but don’t give up because it’s worth the effort.
Sylvia: This has been awesome, so glad to meet you.
Amirah: Likewise, thanks again Sylvia
ACCOLADES
THE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) 2011 USA, FINALIST. BEATING 15,000 ENTRIES FROM 115 COUNTRIES. JUDGES INCLUDE TIMBALAND, PETER GABRIEL AND RIHANNA.
THE JOHN LENNON SONGWRITING COMPETITION 2010 – USA, FINALIST, BEATING 19,000 ENTRIES FROM OVER 100 COUNTRIES.
THE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC) 2013 – USA, SEMI-FINALIST
THE VOIZE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS (VIMA) 2013 – SOUTHEAST ASIA, 7 NOMINATIONS, THE HIGHEST OF THE YEAR, WINNER FOR “BEST FEMALE ARTIST” AND “BEST PERFORMANCE”
THE 13TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS 2014 – USA, NOMINEE
THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS (IAMA) 2014 – USA, “BEST FEMALE ARTIST”
ANUGERAH INDUSTRI MUZIK (AIM) 2011 AND 2013 – MALAYSIA, TOP 5 NOMINEE
MARIE CLAIRE WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE AND STYLE AWARD 2011 – MALAYSIA
Credit: https://amirah360.com
Sylvia Browder is CEO of Specialty Home Services LLC, a Home Improvement Company; a Small Business Consultant at Browder Consulting Group, a startup consultancy firm to help women with startup assistance, marketing, website and graphic design work and other support services. In addition, she has co-authored several published books; publisher of ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs’ a lifestyle blog; and publisher of ShopSpendBlack.com Business Directory & Blog platform created to help consumers find black owned businesses in a searchable format. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years; 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren; church; friends and motorcycle riding.
