Singer Amel Larrieux talks new album and possible Groove Theory reunion
theGRIO REPORT - Singer/songwriter Amel Larrieux, half of the chart-topping 90s duo Groove Theory, is set to release a solo album during this fall.
The musical landscape has changed a lot since your Groove Theory debut in the early 1990s, how have you managed to keep up with all of the numerous changes?
In the late 90s/early 200s, the label I was on had no sense of the weight of the Internet. But fortunately, I’ve always had my husband who is also my manager and he has his hand in everything. He understands how decisions will impact my career as well as me personally and us as a family. One thing effects another and us and me. He knew I needed to be connected to the audience, so he’s always made sure that I’ve had an online presence. He’s the business guy. I do the creative stuff. The Internet has leveled the playing field in a sense so that everything and everyone is more accessible That’s great! There are pros and cons, but that’s how life works. You are constantly needing to change and adapt. I always say that if I didn’t have him next to me, I wouldn’t be here doing what I’m doing. At a certain point, your talent is a small percentage of what contributes to your ultimate success. If you don’t have that team behind you, you’re non-existent in this industry. My husband has done a really great job. I’m so grateful for him. We’ve been married for 20 years.
How do you and your husband balance your personal relationship and raising your two daughters and handling the business side?
It’s not easy, but the meditation has been key for me. I had to really understand that stuff is going to happen. I have to just be in it with a little grace and a little level headedness. There’s no way to turn things off. The personal side and the business side spill into each other. We’re opinionated and passionate. In the end it’s about the level of respect you have for each other and respect for the other person’s craft and skill. Real life stuff happens and you have to roll with it and not fall apart. We’re still alive and haven’t killed each other, so that counts for something.
Your older daughter is in your band. Is that working out?
Skye is 18 and she’s amazing. She’s plays keyboard, she’s a background singer and she’s basically my musical director. I don’t know what I would do without her. She also produces. She can do a whole song by herself right there on the computer. Her album is in the works and we’ll be here to make sure the wolves don’t get at her. Her little sister Sanji is 14 and she plays drums and is very into musical theater. She also loves volleyball. She’s not sure yet if she wants music to be a career. I support them in whatever they love to do. It’s shocking how good their voices are. I get chocked up every time I hear them and it’s not just because I’m their mom. There’s that ping in the heart that you get when you know you’re hearing a great talent. And I always say those girls are not mine. They are the universe’s children. I am a vessel that they came through but I’m just watching these these incredible miracles like everyone else.
That’s beautiful. You have an album on the way and your daughter has an album in the works. Any chance there could be a new Groove Theory album?
Bryce and I have performed together over the past few years. It’s always love when we work together. He’s been pursuing his film career, so he’s busy with that and I’m on the road often. But one day, sure. A new Groove Theory album could happen.
Amel Larrieux’s new album Ice Cream Everyday will be available on iTunes and on the BlissLife website on August 27, 2013. The single “Afraid” is available now.
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