Amaarae’s Unforgettable Live Performances: A Conversation About ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’

Amaarae’s highly anticipated second album has taken the music world by storm, captivating fans with its blend of ethereal soundscapes, introspective lyrics, and infectious rhythms. Nearly a year after its release, the 14-track project continues to dominate playlists, propelling Amaarae to international acclaim and a recent performance at the prestigious Dreamville Festival. With each listen, ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’ reveals new layers of sonic exploration, explaining the recent surge in popularity of ‘Angels In Tibet.’ The track has become the fourth official single from the album, joining the ranks of fan favorites ‘Reckless & Sweet,’ ‘Jumping Ship,’ and ‘Wasted Eyes.’ Its popularity has also spawned a mass remix EP, featuring reimagined versions of the song by renowned producers Juls, Kaytranada, and Aliyah’s Interlude. The magic of ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’ truly comes alive during Amaarae’s live performances, where she has the opportunity to present the album in a new and captivating way. The in-person experience empowers the singer with a control panel of creative possibilities, allowing her to reimagine her album in countless ways. While crafting the songs in the studio is one task, translating that vision into a captivating live performance is another, but Amaarae embraced this challenge from the outset. Following her electrifying performance at Dreamville Festival, we had the pleasure of speaking with Amaarae about her approach to live performances and what her dream concert experience for the album would entail. When asked about her thought process behind translating the album’s essence to the stage, Amaarae emphasized the importance of capturing the energy and emotions of her music. She explained that her previous album, while beautiful, lacked the raw power and impact she desired for her live performances. This realization led her to focus on creating a heavier, more pulsating sound for ‘The Angel You Don’t Know,’ ensuring that the drums and synths would resonate deeply with the audience. Amaarae also spoke about the specific elements that enhance her live performances, such as lighting and movement. She believes that lighting plays a crucial role in creating an immersive and emotionally charged atmosphere, while movement allows her to connect with the music on a more physical level. She has discovered a unique style of dance that complements her music, enabling her to convey the story and emotions of each song through her body language. When asked about her dream concert experience for ‘The Angel You Don’t Know,’ Amaarae’s imagination soared. She envisioned a stage seamlessly integrated within the cascading waters of the world’s most magnificent waterfall. Such a setting, she believes, would create a spiritual and awe-inspiring ambiance, perfectly complementing the album’s ethereal and otherworldly themes. Amaarae expressed her satisfaction with her current openers, Talia Goddess and Amindi, and acknowledged the importance of a great DJ to set the tone for her performance. Throughout the interview, Amaarae exuded a profound sense of self-belief and confidence. She recognized the personal growth and self-discovery that ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’ represents for her. The album, she explained, is not simply about love or lust, but a journey of self-acceptance and empowerment. Through her music, Amaarae encourages her listeners to embrace their own journeys, to stand tall in the face of adversity, and to prosper in all aspects of their lives.