Amalia Gaiță Talks New Album ‘M I M O S A’, Writing Process & More

Amalia Gaiță is a singer and songwriter based in Timisoara who makes an eclectic appearance on the soul-rock scene. At times delving into the old-fashioned rock and rolls with occasional burst of electronic music and tinged with soul attitude, Amalia’s work is melodic and thoughtful that looks to the past and the future. She recently released ‘M I M O S A,’ an embrace of organic and electric, between old and new.

From the opening bars of the first track, ‘M I M O S A‘, we are witnessing a class act. While the tracks are diverse in sound, the constant here is the vocal power that Amalia brings to every song. After all, why wouldn’t you play to your strengths when you have a sweet voice that sounds like it could hold its own without a microphone in a crowded bar?

The Romanian artist demonstrates her ability to capture and overcome difficult situations with an immense depth of sensitivity. According to her, “the record stands out for its surprising electronic dimensions, which merge with the band’s eclectic attitude. Mimosa’s music, just like the tree that inspired the album, carries a tactile sensitivity – it opens and closes, hides and discharges electrically.” On her album, motivations, and upcoming shows, we’ve chatted with Amalia.

Tell me, please, a bit about your sense of identity and how it influences both your preferences as a listener and your creativity as an artist.

My sense of identity is deeply intertwined with my music. I believe that it’s impossible to separate who I am from the music I create. I have always been a solitary soul, a quiet presence, an observer. In my moments of reflection, I discovered the nuances of my inner world, the subtle shades of feeling that would later find expression in my art. It’s in the stillness that I uncovered the stories waiting to be told. Being a silent observer has allowed me to soak in the world around me like a sponge. I’ve listened more than I’ve spoken, and in doing so, I’ve learned to understand the unspoken languages of human emotions and experiences. The subtle gestures, the fleeting expressions, the unsaid words – all of these have become the palette from which I draw my artistic inspiration.

Because of that, I cherish songs that can offer an invitation to intimacy. It’s not just about listening to music, it’s about being transported to a place where the music becomes an extension of my very being. To me, a good song is an emotional landscape where vulnerability, passion, and authenticity are laid bare. And when the song ends, it’s as if the plane has touched down, and I’ve returned from an extraordinary voyage, forever changed by the experience.

You are responsible for more than a dozen breathtakingly beautiful songs over the past years, and now you’ve added more to that catalog. When you shape songs like this, what comes first? A particular line or an overall theme/emotion that you then build a story around?

When I start shaping a song, it can vary. Sometimes, a particular line or melody will come to me, and I’ll build the rest of the song around that spark. Other times, it’s an overall theme or emotion that serves as the foundation, and I work to craft lyrics and melodies that capture and convey that feeling. I am an artist who thrives on spontaneity when creating music. For me, the essence of creativity lies in the unexpected, in the moments when inspiration strikes like a lightning bolt. There’s a certain thrill in not knowing where a song will take me.

Music seems to have always been there for you no matter how dark a day may be. For those who listen to your music as their own release/medicine, what do you hope they get out of your discography?

Music has been a source of solace and healing for me, and I hope that my music can provide the same for others. A curious thing is that I used to sing in my dreams when I got scared. The act of singing in my dreams is not just an escape from fear, it’s an act of self-expression, a reminder that even in the face of my deepest fears, I possess the power to transform them into something meaningful. I hope people can relate to that, too. But in the end, my songs are like open-ended stories, waiting for each person to fill in the details with their own interpretations. Ultimately, my music becomes a part of the listener’s story, and that, to me, is the most rewarding gift I can offer through my craft.

How difficult is it to not only write but to release material that feels this personal? Do you ever worry about how much of yourself you reveal to your listeners?

Creating and releasing personal material can be challenging. There’s always a level of vulnerability in sharing my innermost thoughts and emotions with the world. I do have moments of worry about how much of myself I reveal, but I’ve come to realize that it’s in that vulnerability that the most authentic connections are made. It’s a beautiful and sometimes daunting aspect of being an artist. Honestly, more often I fear that I don’t reveal enough about myself in my songs, but in the end, I create an abstract world out of my emotions. Everyone is invited.

Was there any song on ‘M I M O S A’ that was really challenging to write or create?

The creation of the song “Something New” was a deeply personal journey that began with a moment of vulnerability and self-discovery after a panic attack. Little did I know that this song would play a pivotal role in the release of something truly special: M I M O S A. The song became a canvas for my feelings of fear, confusion, and the longing for something brighter.

“Something New” was born from a place of authenticity. Its simplicity reflected the rawness of my emotions, making it a sincere expression of my inner world. The album M I M O S A, like the song, embodies the spirit of growth and transformation. It’s a project that blossomed from adversity.

Another challenging creation was “Your Eyes“. As I sat down to write the song, I knew from the outset that I wanted to push the boundaries of conventional songwriting. The song’s structure dared to be different, weaving intricate patterns of melody and rhythm that defied traditional norms. This unconventional approach challenged me to explore new territories of composition. The technical challenges were numerous – crafting transitions between contrasting styles, maintaining coherence amidst the diversity, and ensuring that the song remained a harmonious whole. But with each challenge, there was a sense of exhilaration, a feeling of breaking free from creative constraints and embracing the boundless possibilities of musical expression.

What were some of the motivations for writing the album, how did you develop the record and what were some of the responses?

I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful reaction to M I M O S A than what I experienced right from the release concert. It was a surreal experience to witness how the songs had already touched people’s hearts, even before the album was officially released.

The initial spark for M I M O S A came from a period of introspection and self-discovery. I wanted to delve into the complexities of human emotions and experiences, to explore the highs and lows that make life so beautifully intricate. Each song on the album is a chapter of my own story, a reflection of my own joys, sorrows, and moments of revelation.

I collaborated with incredibly talented musicians who helped bring my vision to life, adding layers of depth and texture to the songs. With the album M I M O S A, I aimed for a fusion between organic and electric elements, the ”old” and the ”new”. I consider it a fresh perspective in our evolution, where we wanted to capture the audience’s attention, challenge people to discover us more and more and grow along with them.

”The Grey EP”, the material released at the beginning of the year, represented a natural transition to M I M O S A. The recording of the album, mixing, mastering, and production were handled by Andrei Jumugă and Cristian “Sol Faur” Popescu from Consonance Studio in Timișoara. Florina Mălăel is responsible for the visual aspect of the album. She meticulously thought out every detail, from the vibrant colors to the representation of myself and Mili, my bunny friend, under the Mimosa tree in my courtyard. The vision was inspired by disco aesthetics, and Florina managed to bring an enigmatic, nocturnal atmosphere to the album.

I thank the guys from the band – Vlad Cotruș, Mihai Moldoveanu, and Adi Șchiopu, for their hard work and dedication. M I M O S A is available on all streaming platforms. I also invite people to take a look at the music video for “Elixir“, the first single from our new album, which was filmed and produced by myself and Cristina Precupaș. We had fun creating it.

Do you have certain rituals to get you into the right mindset for creating? What role do certain foods or stimulants like coffee, lighting, scents, exercise, or reading poetry play?

I do have rituals to get into the right mindset for creating. I find that sharing my space with animals helps me focus. Lighting is also important, it can create a soothing atmosphere, and because I am also a visual artist, I tend to get inspired by photography. Certain images contain elements that work as powerful metaphors or symbols. It’s as though each photograph is a whispered melody, waiting to be translated into words and music. However, the most important thing for me is being in a quiet space where I can truly connect with my thoughts and emotions.

Are there any artists you tend to listen to when you’re feeling low?

When I’m feeling low, I often turn to artists like Sade, she reminds me of my teenage years, I feel like I discovered parts of myself through her music. Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Brittany Howard, Mammal Hands, Skunk Anansie. I tend to cover my feelings with songs. Don’t do this at home!! (laughing)

Thinking about your evolution, what are some developments in you – whether it’s in your music, your performance, your energy, or the way you work – that you’ve seen really change since your first show and first release?

Honestly, the fact that I ended up not caring so much about what people think of me and my music helped me the most to grow in what I do. When you stop obsessing over external opinions and expectations, you’re free to explore your inner creative landscape without compromise. Your songs become a reflection of your genuine thoughts, emotions, and experiences, unfiltered by the desire for mass appeal. This authenticity is what often resonates most with listeners, as they can connect with the raw, unapologetic truth in your music. So, as a result of this decision, both sides win. I’m no longer afraid to reveal my true self through music, and this transparency can be a powerful force in forging connections with my audience.

Music can express the unspeakable. What can it express about life and death which words alone may not?

Hope.

Any upcoming shows?

October begins with a burst of energy for me and my band. First, there’s a surprise concert that will be part of The Night Art Festival, by Lights On Romania. I won’t reveal the date just yet, as it’s meant to be a secret, but I can assure you it will be a night filled with wonder. Next up, I’m honored to announce a special concert on October 11th, together with Mihai Moldoveanu, as part of the Lights on Bega event.

We’ll be gracing the iconic Iron Bridge (Podul de Fier) in Timisoara with our music, and it promises to be a lovely evening under the lights of the city. Lastly, mark your calendars for October 13th, as I’ll be taking the stage at the La Pas Festival in Timisoara. See you at the concerts!

P.S.: I just want to drop a quick note to say thank you for these special questions. Most of the time, questions are far more important than the answers. I truly enjoyed it. Stay close! Thank you!