Review: Ama Lou
Photo and Review by Naba Ahmed
April 23, 2018
19-year-old North London singer Ama Lou opened for Jorja Smith at SLO Brew in San Luis Obispo, CA on Monday, April 23.
In a local bar in San Luis Obispo, Ama Lou’s performance was short, but sweet. Lou is touring with electronic R&B singer Jorja Smith. Both singers are from London and have melodic, powerful vocals.
Lou and her backup singers performed only four songs before Smith came out. Three of which were from her DDD EP released March 28, 2018. The crowd was on their feet swaying to the rhythm of the music.
Whenever Lou would hit an impressive string of notes, specifically when she was belting “Tried Up,” the crowd was cheering and whistling. She also played “Wrong Lessons” and “Wire” before ending with “TBC” – the song that started her career and elevated her into the music world, referencing the last words spoken by Eric Garner before he was choked to death by the police in July 2014.
As one of her first songs, it was truly inspiring to see how she approached current events and took it upon herself to share the story through her musically-inclined perspective. Lou’s music traverses the typical electronic pop scene. Lou’s music production is not simply to please – her songs are full of meaning. She speaks volumes in attempting to spread awareness and tackle global issues such as gender roles and police brutality.
At a young age, Lou was introduced to classical singing which requires discipline and precision. Lou’s performance was simple and understated, which accentuated her strong voice. It carried throughout the small San Luis Obispo venue, captivating everyone who was present.
19-year-old North London singer Ama Lou opened for Jorja Smith at SLO Brew in San Luis Obispo, CA on Monday, April 23.
In a local bar in San Luis Obispo, Ama Lou’s performance was short, but sweet. Lou is touring with electronic R&B singer Jorja Smith. Both singers are from London and have melodic, powerful vocals.
Lou and her backup singers performed only four songs before Smith came out. Three of which were from her DDD EP released March 28, 2018. The crowd was on their feet swaying to the rhythm of the music.
Whenever Lou would hit an impressive string of notes, specifically when she was belting “Tried Up,” the crowd was cheering and whistling. She also played “Wrong Lessons” and “Wire” before ending with “TBC” – the song that started her career and elevated her into the music world, referencing the last words spoken by Eric Garner before he was choked to death by the police in July 2014.
As one of her first songs, it was truly inspiring to see how she approached current events and took it upon herself to share the story through her musically-inclined perspective. Lou’s music traverses the typical electronic pop scene. Lou’s music production is not simply to please – her songs are full of meaning. She speaks volumes in attempting to spread awareness and tackle global issues such as gender roles and police brutality.
At a young age, Lou was introduced to classical singing which requires discipline and precision. Lou’s performance was simple and understated, which accentuated her strong voice. It carried throughout the small San Luis Obispo venue, captivating everyone who was present.