Magnetic Zone is Fiona Amaka’s latest single and it’s about something that almost everyone has experienced before; that irresistible force of attraction that overcomes reasoning and lets emotion be the driving force. The song is a universal experience, both the romance and the risk of love and want. A reminder that these strong feelings can be as challenging as they are lovely.
The track’s journey is what makes it even more interesting. Magnetic Zone began as a classic rock song, but developed a different direction from its original form as it was created. It evolved into a new kind of music—a pop-rock song, with Americana and country influences. In the final version, Fiona’s level of honesty and openness in her songwriting is evident, with real emotions and real experiences shared with warmth and sincerity.
Producer and session guitarist Andy Zanini played a big part in shaping the song’s sound. His ability to see the vision in Fiona’s head and make it sound beautiful to music really helped to bring the song to life. Fiona explains that his guitar playing really gave the song its message, which words couldn’t have.
Fiona is currently dividing her time between performing live with the Fiona Amaka Band and personal solo acts, and is excited towards future collaborations and performances.
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Congratulations on the release of Magnetic Zone. What was the initial spark that inspired the song, and how did the idea develop from its earliest stages to the finished track?
Thank you! I wanted to explore a timeless theme which I think many people can relate to – the kind of attraction towards another person where your head rules your heart and you’ve more or less lost control over rational thought as far as the other person is concerned. You’re almost breathless in their presence and your friends notice that you’re literally glowing physically, Do you get the picture?!
Magnetic Zone explores the intense attraction that can come with love and desire. What drew you to this theme, and why did you feel it was important to tell this story?
Because it’s a unifying human experience which happens to people of all ages, status, races, cultures. But it’s also often the case that the energies and the risks are not equally matched on both sides. Which may explain why it can so often end with at least one person getting their fingers burned!
You mentioned that the song began with a classic rock feel before evolving into a pop-rock track with Americana and country influences. How did that musical transformation happen during the creative process?
Yes, that’s right—we’d actually recorded a completely different chorus for the song. Andy had hinted vaguely that he wasn’t really feeling it. I wasn’t feeling it either to be honest, which gave me an excuse to make a last minute improvised switch. And before I knew it, the chorus had tilted towards an Americana style chorus without me really thinking too much about it!
Your music has always blended elements of rock, soul, blues, and folk. How does Magnetic Zone reflect your musical identity as a solo artist today?
I think the song strongly reflects the openness and clarity of description I go for when trying to talk about a human experience in a song. Especially the chorus “I’m drawn by your light until it burns” which is about as honest as I can be. I like it when musical influences come together to blend in their own way which is what happened with Magnetic Zone.
Producer and session guitarist Andy Zanini played an important role in bringing the track to life. What was it like collaborating with him, and what do you feel he added to the final sound?
Andy is incredible at picking up a vibe and shaping it into a musical approach that is exactly what you were looking for but were somehow unable to articulate. He’s done it over and over again with my music, most recently in my most recent release Justified which came out on 28 June. The guitar licks reiterate the message of the song but without words. How does he do it? I don’t know!
Listeners have often compared your voice to artists such as Skin and Macy Gray. How do you feel about those comparisons, and which artists have had the greatest influence on your vocal style?
Skin and Macy Gray are exceptional, stand-out, one of a kind artists who don’t fit the mold- they make their own mold. Their music has stood the test of time. Obviously it’s very flattering from my perspective to be compared to either of them but I wouldn’t dare presume similarity.
You can maybe hear Skunk Anansie vibes in some of my songs, like Standing Right Beside You. People describe my voice as raspy and grainy. I accept that my voice is probably not as conventional or commercial as I would have liked, but it’s what I’ve been given!
The lyrics describe a relationship that feels almost addictive before revealing its darker consequences. Was there a particular message or emotion you hoped listeners would take away from the song?
Not specifically. But if listeners get a sense of deja vu from the song because they’ve been there (or are there at the moment)- its ok, you’ll get through it!
Having previously fronted the band Bittersweet and now re-establishing yourself as a solo artist, what have you learned about yourself creatively during this new chapter of your career?
I’ve always seen being in a band as kind of my natural state, because I’ve always sung in groups. I’ve been fronting the Fiona Amaka Band for the last couple of years – our last gig was at the Rebel Inn, Streatham in May this year. Initially I was terrified of playing solo gigs, but as time has gone on I’ve really appreciated the intimacy of solo acoustic gigs alongside my band gigs. Its just a different vibe.
Your influences range from Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman to Smashing Pumpkins and Stevie Nicks. Which of those influences do you think listeners might hear most clearly in Magnetic Zone?
I have a lot of musical influences across many genres, but I couldn’t say which of these you hear the most in Magnetic Zone. So I’m inviting the listeners to tell me straight! Don’t be shy guys!!
With Magnetic Zone now out in the world and live performances gradually returning to your plans, what can fans expect next from Fiona Amaka in terms of new music, collaborations, and upcoming shows?
I’m currently working on some exciting collaborations both solo and with the band so watch this space! I’ll also be playing a solo gig at the Camden Club in NW1 on 08 July, supporting two fabulous artists so feel free to pop in!
