About Me
CHICAGO and PHILLY raised
Amatus was first inspired by the music listened to by her father. A local Trombone Jazz musician in Chicago later turned Imam, he introduced her to musical geniuses such as: Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Sonny Rollins, Chaka Khan, Carole King, and Yusef Lateef. Like most teenagers growing up in the 90s, Amatus listened to artists like Nas, Wu-Tang, Black Star, Mary J. Blige, Portishead, and Fiona Apple.As a freshman at New York University, Amatus entered the music business. She began interning during the tail-end of D’Angelo’s 'Voodoo' album recording sessions at New York’s most prestigious recording studio, Electric Lady Studios, founded by Jimi Hendrix in 1970. During this time, drummer/producer Ahmir “?uestlove†Thompson of The Roots saw Amatus’ great potential and it was here that the process of recording and producing the music she loved began.With no “formal†music training up to that point, she began attending Jazz Legend’s, Barry Harris’ workshop, and continued for two years. There, she learned the fundamentals of jazz improvisation and vocal phrasing. Very shortly after, it was Amatus’ chance meeting with nine-time Grammy nominated artist, Meshell Ndegeocello, that led to her return to the studio. It was there that she learned production techniques from the perspective of a woman and how to approach her vision as an artist.Amatus is currently at work on her debut album entitled, 'Everything In Pieces', featuring Meshell Ndegeocello, Roy Hargrove, drummer Chris Dave, Mark Kelley, Lakecia Benjamin, Maurice Brown, and Butter, to name a few. This album is produced, arranged, performed and written by Amatus. 'Everything In Pieces' is a deeply personal record inspired by religion, race, class indifferences, and violence happening on all levels of life. The journey continues.*CHECK OUT THE NEW VIDEO
