We always try to keep up with the many amazing artists that we have covered here on the pages of Indie Band Guru. It is not always easy with the amount of talent out there. We know some artists have fizzled out and went on to pursue other opportunities. Then there are others that just keep adding to their artistry in additional ways. Our friend Amaru is of that latter camp. One of the hardest working multi-talented artists that we know.
Over the summer, Amaru released The Crime Of Silence, a full length album with a message. This 16 song collection dives deep into his own struggles moving from South America to Europe, as well as all the hurdles he had along the way. In addition we are inspired to think about our own lives, the current state of the world, and what we can do to make a better future.
Even with all the depth Amaru always creates music with a happy vibe and a sense of love. Starting off with “Help A Brotha Out” and its positive groove will get the listener in the right state of mind for the full album. When “Este Hombre (El Tesoro)” hits, the party really livens up. The electronic beat will immediately get you moving.
The range of styles that Amaru excels at is extraordinary. From the reggae influences of “Champagne Attitude” to the spoken word poetry of “It’s Not Impossible” to the almost new wave feel of “Like Glue.” Genre boundaries are non-existent for Amaru.
The title track “The Crime of Silence” shows off the lyrical talents of the artist and his eloquent way of bringing real world problems to the forefront for us to all think about. There are problems in our world but with Amaru leading the charge to change for the better we can all succeed in changing our world for the better.
We had the chance to catch up with Amaru and get a little deeper into what he has been up. Enjoy the interview here:
Great to hear from you again. What have you been keeping yourself busy with?
Thanks for taking the time again! As usual I have been busy with a multitude of things. I’ve been doing a lot of traveling to the States. My culinary web show “Food And The Single Guy” has won an award at The Taste Awards in Beverly Hills, the first single “Traces Of My Melanin” off my new album “The Crime Of Silence” has won two awards at the Gospel Choice Music Awards in Atlanta last July and in August I was back in Atlanta at the ISSA Awards where I picked up the “Best International Male Single 2024” award for the single “Traces Of My Melanin”. In addition to that I was in the process of finalizing my aforementioned new album “The Crime Of Silence”, which is now available worldwide.
You seem to have a passion for sharing your full story like an open book. How did you build the confidence to be so open?
Well, my artistic life that is… I try not to disclose too much personal information. Not that I have any major secrets or anything, I choose not to divulge too much of that part of my life. But to answer your question, it took me decades to get to this level of confidence. At some point you have to stop to exist and you have to start to live. You can’t exist to please the world, you have to live to fulfill your purpose.
We know that you released your The Crime Of Silence album back in early summer. It has some different sounds. Tell us about the fresh vision.
“The Crime Of Silence” is the story of me. I tried to tell my story through my music. The hardships I had to overcome when I moved from South America to Europe, showcasing my growth as a man, sharing my perspective on life and all of the curve balls it can throw at us. And for that I wanted to incorporate various rhythms and instruments, honoring my multi-racial background sonically, lyrically and linguistically. There are tracks on this album sung in English, Spanish and Portuguese!
The album was released on Juneteenth. What is the significance in that?
“The Crime Of Silence” is a tribute to love, equality and justice, among which and also my tribute to the activism of the late Dr. Martin Luther King. In the Black community the 19th. of June is a very important day for us, as we celebrate the ending of slavery in the U.S.A. This holiday is also known as “Juneteenth” and much like the single “Traces Of My Melanin” a year prior, I decided to release the album “The Crime Of Silence” on Juneteenth 2024 in honor of all of those that have gone before me, all of those who have paved the way and in honor of the work of Dr. King.
There is also a video documentary you put out around the album. What is the goal of that Musical Narrative?
In addition to the official music video, which will be released on 27 September 2024, I decided to document the process of making this album. I wanted to share that with my following, but I also wanted to share part of the technical aspect of putting together an album. A little bit of music production, recording vocals, that sort of thing. I thought it would make for great entertainment and the documentary has won the “Best Documentary Short” at the very prestigious IndieFest Film Awards in California!
What have you been doing outside of music?
As mentioned earlier, I have been doing a lot of traveling. I am about to travel to Miami in November for the Latin Grammys. Sadly I wasn’t nominated this year, but I will be in attendance. In addition to that I auditioned for some acting roles, as I am also a trained actor.
We know that Amaru never slows down. So what is the next project on your plate?
You know that’s right. I never sit still for too long. I am working on a new Spanish dance album, hopefully it will see the light of day next year. But I wrote 9 songs in 4 days and production will commence in October next. The album will comprise anywhere between 11 – 13 tracks. I can’t wait!
Stay on top of the latest Amaru news on his WEBSITE.
