Off the back of her most recent release, ‘Missing Everything’, the south Londoner talks self doubt, dream collabs and post-show blues.

soulful melodies, confessional lyrics and catchy R&B beats — now resonates far beyond her south London roots. For the twenty-one-year-old singer-songwriter, her musical journey has been filled not simply with sound, but with family. “My parents basically forced it onto me,” she laughs, “I’d write songs and record covers with my dad. It is one hundred per cent that came from them.”

It’s encouragement that has clearly paid off. Since her debut EP in 2022, 5 for U, Blu has solidly carved out her identity as an artist. The singer has spent the last three years honing her craft. The result? Songs that are brimming with astute emotional clarity, connecting deeply with her audience without sacrificing the sound. Her lyrics never shy away from depth, but the delivery is often kept light.

Her most recent release, ‘Missing Everything’, is a testament to this balance. It’s intimate and introspective. Each moment feels considered to achieve a melodic sensibility akin to the work of industry giants like Frank Ocean. Rather than pretence, Blu’s songs are ones that clearly come from lived experience, narrated from a place of unwavering honesty. This June, Blu is set to open for fellow musician Faye Webster on her upcoming European tour. It’s a break-through moment for the rising artist that feels like the natural next step.

It’s here, the month before a major career highlight, where our conversation begins.

Daisy Packwood: You go on tour soon. How do you prepare for live shows? What does backstage look like for you?

Amie Blu: Yes, man! Honestly, I’m so excited. I have an amazing band, so it’ll just be a case of going through the set list, programming and then rehearsing with them. Backstage looks very calm. I just like having my friends around me. Being on stage is such a unique experience, and my mood can drop significantly after a show, so it’s really important for me to have people I love around me afterwards.

DP: Have you found performing in front of live crowds has gotten easier over the past few years?

AB: Definitely! I don’t think I’ve ever been scared to sing, but I used to be so scared to move around. The more you perform, the less you overthink about it all — for me, at least.

DP: Correct me if I’m wrong, but I would describe your music as unwaveringly honest and confessional. How have you found the path to this self-discovery and authenticity?

AB: The people I work with are a huge part of this. They are so talented. It helps that they’re my friends, so I feel more comfortable. It means I can be way more vulnerable. They also know me well enough to call me out when they know I can dig a bit more.

DP: Are you a fan of collaborations? Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in the future?

AB: Every song I write is a collaboration in some way! I love them. Some of my favourite songs are collaborations. I think Frank Ocean is an artist I would love to collaborate with. That would be sick!

DP: You’ve just released ‘Missing Everything’. True to form for you, it’s a deeply personal song. What does your songwriting process look like?

AB: We usually start with the guitar, and I like coming up with a topic before we start writing. I wrote ‘Missing Everything’ with Hargy, Humble and Worm, and we just kind of figured it out together.

DP: If there have been any, what would you say is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career so far?

AB: Probably my own mental state. It’s challenging and frustrating having all your wins stolen and overshadowed by your own negative thoughts.

DP: What would you like to tell your younger self if she could see you now?

AB: I’d tell her to start learning guitar sooner [laughs].

DP: Finally, in case any of the tour team are reading, if you could have three things on your rider for the rest of your life, what would they be?

AB: Honestly? It usually always ends up being whatever my band wants. I just want water, Tangfastics and maybe some grapes.

STYLIST Morgan Elizabeth Hall BEAUTY DIRECTOR Marco Antonio
HAIR STYLIST Keiichiro Hirano at The London Style Agency using MARIA NILA STOCKHOLM
PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT Olly Dundas
FASHION ASSISTANTS Biba Faulks-Potticary, Abbie Mitchell, Sim Wouhra
PHOTOGRAPHER Rankin
WRITER Daisy Packwood