Celebrity Access: AmyB

All guns blazing! Once part of a house duo now a pop wannabe, AmyB is on the verge of international fame. Bellaboo chats to a girl on the way up

You are known for your utter passion, loud antics and up-front charisma, do you think that has contributed to your success to date?
I'm not too sure that confidence goes hand in hand with being loud and upfront, but I believe it gives me a strong and free-willed nature which is something I hold onto. I don't think I would be where I am today if I didn't have the initiative to speak up for myself and to show people what I can do and who I can be.

You grew up in Hong Kong! What was that like?
I loved Hong Kong! I feel that being exposed to two completely different cultures has allowed me to be open-minded. I feel that living there has allowed me to easily adapt to different situations, which in the performing world is something that is extremely important.

It has been said you were not a studious person?
No, I wasn't very into school growing up. I loved the social side, but I was never focused on studying. Year 12 was the only year I knuckled down and worked hard.

But I guess you had a dream and you stuck to it even during school?
Yes I did. I always knew that there was something else out there for me. Apart from algebra and science and the like, I just envisioned my life being more creative and more centered in performing arts.

What would you say to girls in the same situation?
Do what you can do in school. It is not the be all and end all. I think it is all about finding what you're good at or what you love and sticking to it. Follow your passion and ride with it - although I would not encourage miss-behaving.

It was in December 3 years ago in Sydney that you got up on stage, performed and won the club scene over. What was that experience like for you?
I t was extremely random actually. When I left school, just for extra money I worked on the door at a club in Kings Cross. On this particular day I finished at 4 in the morning and saw there was a girl up on stage singing. I thought to myself wow I could do that, so I got up and had a go. I guess I didn't know what was going to happen. I had no idea I was going to get the response I did. It all just fell into place.

You've been teamed with DJ Q45 for a few years now, how has that influenced you and what are perhaps the more specific lessons you have learnt?
Tom (DJ Q45) is one of my best friends. He is the reason I am even a singer today. He made me realise my dream and taught me to have the drive to push myself to live it. He has given me so many amazing opportunities. We signed our first track together with Ministry of Sound; an experience I never thought possible.

Signing with Ministry of Sound would have been a defining moment, did it make you think OK, maybe I have made it?
It is so weird, because I still don't think that I have made it. If something great happens I find I don't even really stop to consider it in that sense, I pick the next battle and move on. It's funny, even talking to other people in the industry; they don't acknowledge the whole fame thing. They consider it work and are constantly striving to be bigger and better professionally. I do hope one day though that I can look back and reminisce, but for now it is just go go go.

You're heading into the Pop scene, what can we expect from you?
Well style wise, I hope to bring a cool, funky vibe similar to Britney Spears and Rhianna. Regardless of the media hype, they are extremely good at bringing a sense of self and individuality across to the audience. Something I hope you can expect from me.

In your career so far how have you coped with rejection?
Oh every day I cope with rejection, it is the reality of the entertainment industry. I have constant insecurities about being taken seriously. I always ask myself "Are you stupid for wanting this?" and I figure at the end of the day you only answer to your self and the passion you have to fulfill your own dream.

The best way I find to deal with stress is to talk about your frustrations with someone you love, have a cry and get it out. My boyfriend cops the wrath of my career and upsets, as I do with his.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will be at the top. Age plays a major factor in the music industry so I have to work my a** off in the next 3 years. It is quite freaky, to imagine my life 10 years from now, but then again, imagination only brings on a better reality, I think.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Exercise! I absolutely love yoga. Although it is going to be hard on tour, maybe I can pass off some yoga moves in my room, I don't know. I also enjoy shopping and listening to music.

How would you describe your style?
My style is all over the place. It just depends on my mood, so I tend to shop for a mixture. Sometimes I do classy, sometimes funky and rock. I love vintage shopping and roaming around Oxford St, Paddington and even Crown St for those one-off buys!

What is on your Ipod's top play list?
Well of course Britney and Rhianna. I have chill out sessions on there, Lupe Fiasco and basically a whole mix of music that I get from my friends in the industry.

What is your life mantra?
Take everything that comes your way - within reason of course. You never know where an unexpected opportunity might lead you.

What is the best advice you have been given.
I guess the most effective advice I have been given is to shape your personality and be tactful. I have been told to sometimes tone down the upfront attitude because this industry is full of first impressions. Be mindful and work around people. It is about knowing when to dose the ego.