Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Bushell

Hi Amelia , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

My story is one of constant growth, creativity, and emotional exploration. It’s not just about creating art but about connecting with others through shared experiences, emotions, and music. From a young age, I was drawn to the performing arts, even though I was very shy. Moving around a lot as a child left me with a sort of unclear sense of identity. I was able to discover who I am and find my voice through music.

I’ve been a professional songwriter and performer since 2011, exploring different sides of myself through various projects. I’ve been part of bands such as my dream pop project Belle Mare and my post-punk band Grim Streaker, each allowing me to experiment with different sounds and push boundaries. However, my solo project, Extra Special, is where I feel I’ve truly found my voice. My music is deeply personal, and I use it to process emotions and make sense of my experiences. It has become my purpose to help others feel less alone through music.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Across many projects, I’ve faced challenges as a woman in the music industry, particularly when it comes to being heard—both literally and creatively. There have been practice sessions where I’ve struggled to hear myself, even after repeatedly asking bandmates to lower their volume, only to be met with resistance. On top of that, having my ideas and input overlooked or dismissed has been an ongoing battle. More recently, I had a male client make inappropriate advances and refuse to leave my home studio, which was a deeply unsettling and frightening experience. And this was right after I had opened up to him about a past sexual assault I’d survived. These are just a few of the obstacles women face when trying to assert their voices in this space. I’ve had to learn to change my attitude and communicate more gracefully when issues arise, rather than letting my fiery side take control. Tantrums are never the answer, but the frustration of having my voice shot down in the past could lead to those at times. Now I know how to be firm but civil in my approach to solving conflicts.

I never expected my first EP with Belle Mare to gain any attention. In fact, I cried the night before releasing it because I felt embarrassed about people hearing what was essentially my diary. But the record resonated with more people than I expected. We were given some incredible opportunities, but not all of them panned out the way we hoped, which caused the band to sort of fall apart. To be honest, I don’t think I was ready for a sustainable career in the music industry at that point in time. I didn’t truly know myself yet—I hadn’t lived through the transformative experiences of my 20s, nor faced the depths of hitting a rock bottom of sorts. While I wouldn’t say enduring those things are a prerequisite for a lasting career in music, I now understand how much more I can contribute having faced some of life’s harsher realities. Those experiences have shaped my perspective, resilience, and creativity in ways I couldn’t have imagined before.

Another significant turning point was, of course, the pandemic. It abruptly paused the momentum Grim Streaker was building, forcing me to reassess and redirect my focus. During that time, I leaned into writing and singing for other artists in genres I’d never explored before. While some of these ventures were challenging, they pushed me to grow as a songwriter and vocalist, sharpening my craft and introducing me to music scenes I never imagined I’d be part of. It was a transformative period that expanded both my skills and my creative horizons.

Each day continues to bring new opportunity, and I’m so grateful to say that I now wake up excited rather than miserable. Living in New York City, a place of endless possibilities and diverse people, I’m constantly reminded that quite literally anything could happen at any moment—and that’s a feeling I cherish deeply.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m a passionate and versatile vocalist and songwriter whose work spans multiple genres, blending personal storytelling with experimental soundscapes. I first gained a humble amount of recognition through my debut project, Belle Mare. That sound, often described as sultry, ethereal, and haunting, has remained a core part of my music as I’ve ventured into genres like trip-hop, melodic techno, and house. In addition, I’ve been known to put on a pretty wild performance in my punk/post-punk band Grim Streaker. Over the past few years, I’ve been quietly working on collaborations with many rising and established artists, particularly in the expansive EDM category. I can’t wait for it all to see the light of day and to connect with even more like-minded people.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to use music as a tool for healing—not just for myself, but for others as well. So much of my inspiration comes from my own mistakes, challenges, and lessons, and it’s humbling to hear when my songs resonate with someone navigating their own pain, whether it’s heartbreak or the loss of a loved one. Those moments of connection remind me of what I feel my purpose has grown to be: creating music that helps others feel seen, understood, and maybe a little less alone.

What was your favorite childhood memory?

One of my favorite childhood memories is from when we briefly lived in a house with tall ceilings in America. I was probably 3 years old. I remember my mother swinging me around by my arms, singing “Oh No, What Can the Matter Be,” and feeling so full of joy and love in that moment. It’s a memory that has stayed with me, filled with warmth and the simple happiness of being a child.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @extraspecial4you
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/extra-special?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ANEORYDjMsHrF42Du60CW?si=sJSxCDVyR1uKozm03hJkbA

Image Credits

Kaz Yabe
Michelle LoBianco
Bill Dvorak