Aphrah Talks New Music, Her Voice And More

Singer-songwriter Aphrah has released her new single ‘Pretty Broken Chords’ which follows her previous release ‘Silhouette’. She chatted to us about her new music, her voice and more:
When did you begin songwriting?
I think I wrote my first song or at least started to put my thoughts to music when I was about 10 years old. I then properly started writing songs in my late teens.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Singing in a choir when I was a little girl or listening to my parents’ old vinyl records.
Your single ‘Silhouette’ is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?
The song originally just started out with the title, which is not something I’ve done before when songwriting. I usually write the song then the title follows. I kept thinking about the word Silhouette and that I wanted to write a song about body image and how we can view ourselves within society’s standards of beauty. I drew inspiration from my own journey with these themes and wanted to make something empowering and positive for the listener.
Who did you write the track with?
I wrote the track with songwriters Jessica Sharman and LANTA.
Where did you record the single and who produced it?
I recorded the single in Ramsgate, Kent with producer Rhiannon Mair.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
It was very empowering for me personally to write and record this song as it touched on such personal themes and experiences for me.
Was it a difficult song to write?
In some ways yes as it’s probably the most vulnerable I have been in a writing session but on the other hand it really flowed quite quickly after sharing stories as the other songwriters created such a safe space for this.
The single is accompanied by an official lyric video. What was the thought process behind the video and who created it?
I have always wanted to work with an animator on my songs and after lots of time looking for the right person, I was introduced to Sophya K who completely got the project and the style I was after. I really enjoyed storyboarding the video with her, bringing the lyrics to life through animation and referencing things that came up in the writing session such as teenage girl magazines and mirrors. We wanted to show the journey of the character throughout the song going from a place of self-doubt to empowerment. We wanted it to be simple and sketchy and I’m so happy with the result.
Who created/designed the single artwork?
As well as doing the video, Sophya K also did the artwork.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
We used a Telefunken mic for the vocals which is an incredible microphone to use in the studio and gave my voice such clarity. Also a mix of real instruments and various plug-ins combined to give the track that upbeat poppy sound.
Which of your tracks on your new album hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
a) probably Silhouette because of where it gets to by the end of the song and it’s the most upbeat of the tracks
b) I can’t think of any that are angry!
c) Let Us Be Still which is a whole reflection on the pandemic and what we were all going through at that time.
You have also released your latest single ‘Pretty Broken Chords’. What was the story/inspiration for that song?
Pretty Broken Chords is about loving someone when they don’t love themselves and are experiencing feelings of brokenness, sadness and depression.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I hope the audience has been moved by my songs and I hope I did them justice.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I love to play on a real piano when I can instead of a keyboard and always lots of reverb!
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
My hometown now is Canterbury. It’s historic, sacred, small, busy and beautiful.
How do you look after your voice?
Keep singing most days, drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep if I can.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
I’m a Nick Hornby fan so I’m going to say High Fidelity even though it’s been done before!
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
I’m influenced by strong female artists like Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and Bjork. For new artists I recommend a lovely artist with a gorgeous voice called Roma Rose.
Do you have any UK/European live dates planned for 2025?
Not yet but watch this space!
Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025?
Yes I’m excited to say I released a drum and bass remix of Silhouette by pyxis and then a whole run of releases from the EP being released every month from January 2025 including remixes of each track.
What makes Aphrah happy and what makes you unhappy?
Being with my family makes me happy and leaving them makes me unhappy!
Feature Image Photo Credit: Emma Viola Lilija
Aphrah’s singles ‘Pretty Broken Chords’ and ‘Silhouette’ are both out now to stream and download.
Pretty Broken Chords: https://ffm.to/aphrah-prettybrokenchords
Silhouette: https://ffm.to/aphrah-silhouette
She will release her debut EP very soon. For more information visit her official LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/aphrah