By: Staff
There are songs that entertain, and then there are songs that pull you into an entirely different realm, where reality blurs, emotions swell, and the lines between dreams and illusions disappear.
Am Élie is an artist with an undeniable presence and an ability to weave soundscapes that linger long after the last note is played. Now, with the release of "Phantasmagoria", she is unveiling her most captivating work yet.
This latest release is more than just music; it's is an experience, one that grips you from the first haunting melody and refuses to let go. With a voice that stirs the soul and lyrics that dive deep into the human psyche, Am Élie crafts a journey through the shadows of emotion, reflection, and revelation.
We had the chance to connect with the mind behind "Phantasmagoria" to unravel the story, inspiration, and artistry behind it. In this exclusive interview, Am Élie shares the moments that shaped the song, the emotions that fuel her performances, and what’s next on the horizon.
Step into her world, read the full interview below.
Begin Interview:
Hello Am Élie, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. For the fans meeting you for the first time, Is Am Élie your name or a stage name? What inspired you to choose that for your artist persona?
A. Am Élie is a stage name, but it’s also a bit of a puzzle. It plays with duality—like saying "I am Élie," but also sounding like "Amélie," which is my name. It represents both my real self and the version of me that exists in the world of my music.
Q. What was the creative process like for “Phantasmagoria”? Did it come to you in a sudden burst of inspiration, or was it something that evolved over time?
A. The inspiration for “Phantasmagoria” came like it does for many of my songs — from a dream I had, which inspired the idea of running but never escaping. I had the word “Phantasmagoria” in my notes for a while. I’ve always been drawn to the word—it means a shifting sequence of illusions, like a dream that blurs into a nightmare. And this inspired the production of the track, which I started drafting next, such as the synth that opens the track—which sounds like a lock being picked. I was going for a ‘dreamscape-y,’ surreal, atmosphere - sort of like a haunted fairytale. And this inspired the opening lyric "Hands up, you caught me red-handed, picking the lock," which to me captured the idea of a relationship where things are not as they seem, and where fantasy and reality are blurred. There are a lot of moments in the production where certain themes are woven into both the lyrics and music.
Q. How would you describe the song's meaning and what you want people to get from this message?
A. I always like leaving my songs open to interpretation. While my lyrics follow a specific narrative, I like the idea of them being somewhat ambiguous, in the sense that different people can interpret them in different ways—like an optical illusion that shifts depending on your perspective and personal experience. "Phantasmagoria" is built on that very idea—illusion, falling for someone dangerous, not realising who they are until it's too late, and questioning whether you ever really saw things clearly at all.
Q. Do you see this song as a natural progression of your musical journey, or were there specific personal or musical experiences that influenced this direction?
A. It’s both. Sonically, it pushes deeper into my love for cinematic, dark electropop. Lyrically, it’s part of a bigger narrative that I’ll be building through all of my releases for this year—one that unpacks the stages of a troubled relationship, from infatuation to realisation to escape. "Phantasmagoria" is the preamble to the story arc.
Q. Your vocals are an absolute stunner. The styling, intonation, and accentuation are brilliant and captivating. When did you first realize you had this talent, and what was a defining moment for you to move forward and record your voice for the world to hear?
A. That’s so kind—thank you so much! I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I remember sitting in the car with my parents, listening to the radio, and thinking, I want to be the one on there someday. So in a way, it’s always been the dream. But everything really clicked when I started experimenting with production—hearing my voice in a full sonic world. That’s when I fell in love with the creative process. Recording wasn’t just about singing; it was about storytelling, about crafting an entire atmosphere.
Q. Can you describe to us the theme for your artwork and what was the inspiration and intention for the observer to absorb from it?
A. The artwork mirrors the song—surreal, unsettling, like you’re looking at something familiar but distorted. At the centre is a marionette, suspended yet eerily poised, embodying the tension between control and illusion. It plays with light and shadow, a visual representation of reality slipping away—like a dream that feels real until you wake up and question everything.
Q. You’re a graduate of both the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Talent Development Project—two prestigious programs, congratulations! How have these experiences shaped your artistry?
A. Thank you! The Sydney Conservatorium helped me build on my production skills—sound design, arrangement, how to break the rules after you learn them. TDP gave me the confidence to step into the industry and believe in my voice. Both shaped me, but the real education happened in my own home studio, experimenting for hours.
Q. What’s next for you after "Phantasmagoria"? Are there any upcoming projects or surprises your fans should look forward to?
A. This year is going to be a big one for me in terms of new music. There’s a story unfolding—one that explores the conflict between illusion and reality. Phantasmagoria is the beginning chapter.
Thanks again,
Amélie
Am Élie, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Am Élie’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about her creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience her incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube