Singer-songwriter and actor Shoshana Ami dropped her debut album, Pretty Liar, in 2021. The pandemic had shut everything down, resulting in Pretty Liar never receiving the attention it deserved.
Ami shares, “The album is me. Different parts of me, both real and imagined. It also incorporates experiences that other women have shared. In many places, it centers around a character who is in fantasy and is resisting an imposing reality. Tracks such as ‘Pretty Liar,’ the album’s title, highlight a thematic darkness – the abandonment of a child that leads to creating a false self as protection.”
Pretty Liar is a grand album, highlighted by Ami’s marvelously distinctive voice, at once delicate and evocative. Tinted by subtle twangy textures, it’s not quite pop and not quite country. Lying somewhere betwixt and between, it’s different enough to make an impact yet melodious and charmingly supple.
Tattoo.com spoke with Shoshana Ami to find out more about her unique sound, how she got started in music, and her creative process.
How would you describe your music?
Great opening question thank you!
I was in a workshop for songwriters last night and the leader used my song as an example of music that can “fit into many genres.” which makes it interesting to describe.
I would say it’s ‘90s-influenced, guitar-girl, melodic alternative rock pop. I just made that up this moment. Ask me tomorrow and it will be a different answer!
If I had more time to get deeper into it, I would say that I write songs that are emotionally driven and story based. I don’t consider myself a poetic writer – I’m much more direct in the lyrics, but I also write music with a vibe that the listener can feel.
Tell us more about ‘Pretty Liar.’ Walk us through your mindset as you recorded.
It was an intense experience for me. Before this album, I would write music as an outlet. It was a way to process through experiences in my life. With ‘Pretty Liar’ I was working with Tony Conniff – my producer and mentor and someone I admire as a musician. I would come into the studio with a few songs and play them on guitar and he would give me his thoughts. The reason I say the process was intense is because it was the first time I was as open and honest as I could be with my writing – and I found it terrifying. Coming from the background I did – a family full of accomplished musicians – I felt too fragile, too exposed – I wanted to hide and only project an illusion of perfection. Now I was doing the opposite – and the songs were a reflection of where I was at that time as well as strong memories from the past that still haunted me. I didn’t know what would become of these songs. The only thing I knew for sure was that I loved the process of making music and being myself was crucial to my emotional health. Sounds dramatic saying this now. But it was true. Still is.
‘Pretty Liar’ encompasses ten tracks. Is there one track that’s more personal to you, that carries more meaning, than the others?
They are all so personal to me!
‘When I’m Gone’ hits hard because it was written after a death in my family and my daughter and I began to talk about death and dying a lot. Sounds morose but we both enjoyed these conversations. I try to be open to talking about all subjects with her, so she won’t be alone with her worries and fears. And that’s how I feel about songwriting! One of my hopes is that someone will identify with me and feel less alone.
My favorite track is “Back Together.” What inspired the song?
Mine too!
A very intense breakup inspired it.
I literally felt like I was not part of this world while I was going through the process of grieving it. It was something I wasn’t expecting. It shocked me and shook me to my core. I was walking around in such agony that it was like being high. I held on to the fantasy of getting ‘Back Together’ to get me through the pain.
Later on, when one of my friends was going through something similar, I would recognize that dream state. I knew better than to try and rip the fantasy away from them. Fantasy can save you when reality is too painful. It’s also important to know when it’s time to wake up. But that comes later!
With ‘Pretty Liar,’ what was your main focus? What did you really want to try and achieve with this record?
I wanted to MAKE A RECORD! Records were my absolute favorite part of life. Buying them, listening to them… I wanted to create something tangible and professional. I was learning how to produce, and I sat in the studio for hours watching Tony Conniff produce and arrange my songs. I was never bored for a moment – even though the process is so detailed and intricate – I was excited and inspired the whole way through. I was so proud of myself for finishing the project – that was another achievement for someone who was a great starter but not the best finisher.
And of course, I had a vainly hidden, penetrating desire to have my music and lyrics move people. Yes, the old cliche – I want to feel meaning and purpose in my life. I want to know that what I have to say is valuable and meaningful to someone else.
How did you get started in music?
I was born a musician. My mom was a concert pianist, and I was memorizing Bach sonatas on my flute at age 6. I bought my first guitar on 48th Street when I was in Laguardia High School in NYC – just so I could learn how to play Led Zeppelin’s ‘Fool In The Rain.’
I had been writing songs for a few years after I left my acting career and my band Scarlet X – in which I sang lead but did none of the writing.
I would record them as voice memos on my phone which was convenient but pretty disorganized. I discovered Garage Band which I screwed around with and realized that I had no idea how to use it.
Along came my mentor Tony Conniff, who was teaching a workshop on producing and recording in Logic – and I was hooked. What a powerful experience it is to actually create a vibe from a drum track and guitar riff that came right out of my gut.
Why do you make music?
When I’m not making music, I feel lost. Conversely, when I am making music, I feel inspired, excited, and connected to something bigger than myself. It seems to me that if it brings me this feeling that I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing…then hey. Maybe I am? And maybe it’s something that someone somewhere will find enjoyable? Oh my God, what a thrill it is to feel like the music I created gave a moment of pleasure to a listener. Come on. Nothing better.
What can you share about your creative process?
It’s a ride. It begins with an inspiration. Usually a musical idea – sometimes a lyric. That’s the fun part. Then …the torture. I write a song. I listen back to what I’ve written. Cue my inner critic. Showtime!
“Oh my god you suck. You are ridiculous. What made you think you could write a song? You are stupid. Shallow. Boring. You have absolutely no talent.” Etc. You get it. I am amazed at how I battle those voices. I literally tell them to F off and I force myself to tolerate the screaming while I do the difficult part of writing a song…the actual WORK. It’s work to craft good lyrics. To create interest with the music and rhythm and of course a great melody. That doesn’t just come down from heaven like the lazy dreamer in me wishes it would.
And when I have an actual finished song it’s truly like a miracle to me. I am so damn proud of myself for sticking with it despite the powerful desire to quit that dogs me all the way through the process. Whew. Even writing about it is intense!
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?
The sound of my 1965 Silvertone semi-hollow guitar inspired a lot of the songs on ‘Pretty Liar.’ Listening to people’s stories inspires me. Looking into their eyes and wondering what they are feeling. Poems, literature and just listening to all types of music. It’s common for me to get ideas for songs in my dreams – a line or a scene will come to me, and I have to wake up and write it down. I also use writing to make sense of life experiences. Or to celebrate them. Or to mourn and let go. It’s been a part of my healing to write. The thought of someone identifying with me is inspiring.
Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?
I’m a Libra. You are asking me to choose one? I love all the aspects of the process. When the writing flows it’s like going on a ride. I also really enjoy recording. My second album was recorded by me in my home studio. That was a big learning curve and so exciting. I stayed up many nights recording because I was so involved in the process I wouldn’t notice the time. I used to love the stage. Especially the camera. As an actress, I felt most at home there. Something has happened to me, and I am now freaked out at the thought of performing. Maybe because I’m not hiding behind someone else’s words? Or because I no longer have the power of youth to make me feel invulnerable – albeit delusional? A little of both and probably more. It’s a fear I do want to take on this year.
What’s next for you?
I have a lot more music to share – some already written and some in the process of editing. I would love to hear my music played in unexpected places – at unexpected times. Each day I feel more and more willing to be honest and to open myself up to the reality that waits for me. In all its brutal beauty. (Hey – what an interesting phrase. Do I hear a song?)
