Mamii

Mamii is a 19-year-old singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Hammond, Indiana. Hailing from a musical family, Mamii grew up singing and playing instruments in church and at home, and these experiences continue to shape her writing process. Both natural and otherworldly, her music is a juxtaposition of acoustic and electronic soundscapes that detail her coming-of-age in the Midwest and her experience waking up spiritually into an uncertain future.

The Chicago-bred songstress just released her debut EP Black Phoeniix, releasing. Her music is soulful, playful, honest and ethereal and brings to mind the early days of Frank Ocean but with a style that is all her own. The EP features artwork and creative direction from Mihailo Andic (Summer Walker, Drake, Lil Yachty) and executive production from 1Mind (Juice Wrld, Swae Lee, French Montana, NBA Youngboy).

In anticipation of the album, she released the accompanying music video for the single “Jamie”, which follows Mamii as she wrestles with unrequited love, demanding clarity while providing some of her own. As we catch glimpses of motel rooms and cityscapes recorded on film, the visual feels as warm and as worn-in as the old lover she calls for. She brilliantly balances the energy between frustration and desire.

With “Jamie”, I wanted to tell the story of an unfaithful lover who has trouble admitting their true feelings, which causes their partner to question her own sanity. It’s an important story to me because I’ve seen it play out time and time again in my own life and in the lives of my family and friends.

– Mamii

Mamii’s recent EP Blonde Boy was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Apple’s New in R&B playlists, and she has quickly earned the attention of artists such as Jacob Collier, Omar Apollo, Smino, Baby Rose, and Syd. We had the pleasure of chatting with the rising star about Black Phoeniix and more.

LX: How did you first get into music?

Mamii: Well, I started off singing at church at the age of maybe 3. I really didn’t want to do anything music related until I turned 13. I really started to take it seriously after I bought my first guitar for $20 from the flea market.

Who were some of your early inspirations?

Clark sisters, Take 6, Tori Kelly, Jonathan McReynolds, Prince, and Stevie Wonder.

Congrats on your new project! What is the meaning behind Black Phoeniix?

Thank you!! The idea of the Phoenix having new life resonated with me because it literally felt as if I had went through that. Honestly, I was down bad! I struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. I didn’t want to be around anybody. I was so tired of the lifestyle I was living so I finally went to God and decided to switch things up. Now, I feel like a completely different person. I don’t do the same things I used to. I don’t talk the same way I did. I just feel free! Black Phoeniix is just telling the story of my old self transforming into a better version of me.

How would you describe your sound to someone who hadn’t heard of you before?

I’d say it’s a mixture of R&B, soul, funk, rock, pop, and STANK!

You worked with a lot of stars on this project. What was that like? Are you excited for the release?

It was really fun!! I’m so happy to be connected to such awesome people!! I’m very very thankful. And also YEEESS I am very excited!!!

What was it like being on tour with The Internet?

Well I actually won a contest on IG lol. I posted a video of me singing their song not even thinking that I would be the one to get picked. I never shake when I’m nervous but I was shaking like crazy before I got up there to sing. Everyone in the band was super nice though so I felt comfortable. That was one of the best nights of my life.

As an artist debuting during the pandemic, is there anything you had to approach
differently?

Not really!! I’m used to being alone while making my music lol. Producing this album was just like a regular ole day for me.

How do you find inspiration in the Midwest? And what cities are you looking forward to performing in when outside opens?

It’s very hard for me to find inspiration in the Midwest because I’ve been here my whole life. I’ll usually go on YouTube and watch my favorite musicians or listen to some music I’ve never heard before to get inspiration.
I would loooove to perform in Atlanta, New York, and LA whenever it’s possible again.

What do you hope people experience from listening to Black Phoeniix?

I hope Black Phoeniix will take people on a wild sonic ride. I hope the lyrics resonate with someone and my words are able to make someone feel something. Most importantly, I hope it makes you make the STANK face. Then I’d know I did something
well.

Stream Black Phoenix on all streaming platforms and follow Mamii on social media at @Mamii. She’s also our featured artist on Lambo Musik: ffm.to/lambomusik, which is now streaming exclusively with Pandora!

Lambo Musik Featured Playlist: https://pandora.app.link/4uuGTsUGseb