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Amel Larrieux performed at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14. Rolling out had the opportunity to interview her a few weeks before her New York appearance.
Not many artists can lay claim to having survived a 20-year stint in the music industry. But then, Larrieux isn’t just any artist.
The then 22-year-old Brooklyn beauty emerged on the music scene in 1995 as one half of the mega-talented duo Groove Theory. At the time, music lovers were craving more offerings from this new genre dubbed “neo-soul,” which Larrieux and her partner Bryce Wilson were quick to deliver with their hit “Tell Me.”
Two decades later, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter is still making music and taking her own sweet time about doing it.
“As an independent artist I rely heavily on my audience to continue to support me and spread the word,” said Larrieux. “So for me, it’s even more important that what I give them is supreme.”
After leaving Groove Theory in 1999, Larrieux proceeded to make her own mark on the music industry, releasing her debut solo album, Infinite Possibilities, in 2000. That was followed by the release of four albums: Bravebird, Morning, Lovely Standards, a jazz offering, and Ice Cream Everyday, all through her independent label, Blisslife Records.
When asked when fans can expect to hear more from her, Larrieux explained that even when she’s been out of the spotlight, she’s still on her grind. Nowadays, however, that grind also includes being a wife, a mother and an entrepreneur.
With the help of her husband, Laru, Larrieux created her own hair and skin-care line called, Beautiful Us, further supporting Larrieux’s quest for increased sisterhood, empowerment, self-care and happiness.
“Find your happiness, cultivate your happiness,” said Larrieux. “If you walk around and you’re not happy everybody you touch will feel some of that and it will create the wrong type of ripple effect.”’–lajenine wilson
