In an interview with HYFIN Verified artist Amanda Reifer, Element delves into her evolution as a solo artist, her creative processes, and the experiences that have shaped her unique sound and visual storytelling. Amanda Reifer, formerly the lead singer of the band Cover Drive, has transitioned into a successful solo career, bringing a mature and deeply personal touch to her music.
Amanda Reifer’s journey from band frontwoman to solo artist has been marked by significant personal and artistic growth. Reflecting on this transition, she emphasized the importance of her early experiences and how they have shaped her current artistry. “Being the lead singer of a band as a young girl, going through that process and the experiences that taught me, then stepping out on my own and finding my voice, has helped develop me as an artist and given me something to say and put into my work,” Reifer remarked.
Reifer’s creative process is deeply influenced by her experiences and the holistic way she views and manages her artistic expression. Her stunning and mature visuals are a testament to her growth and dedication to her craft. “The maturity that you see and that expression all come from the experiences I have had to go through to deliver something like that,” she explained.
One of the standout elements of Reifer’s visuals is the authentic representation of her roots. “I made sure that I went home to shoot all my visuals with a local crew, my friends from Barbados. I want people to get a sense of where I’m from and who I am,” Reifer shared. This authenticity and connection to her home are palpable in her music videos, which capture the beauty of everyday life and the environment that has influenced her.
Water is a recurring theme in Reifer’s work, serving as both an inspiration and a metaphor for her personal journey and artistic expression. She described water as a complex element embodying various qualities— vast, deep, playful, inviting, mysterious, and dangerous. “I think that’s a great metaphor for us as women and people who are complex beings,” Reifer noted. This complexity and fluidity are mirrored in her music, which spans different genres and showcases her versatility as an artist.
Reifer’s diverse artistic influences reflect her eclectic taste and respect for powerful, pioneering women in music. When asked about her personal Mount Rushmore of artists, she mentioned Lauryn Hill, Roberta Flack, Sister Nancy, Amy Winehouse, and Rihanna. These artists have left an indelible mark on Reifer’s music and artistic vision.
A significant milestone in Reifer’s career was her collaboration on Kendrick Lamar’s album “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.” This experience, she said, was a profound learning opportunity that has influenced her writing and approach to music. “To be in that space definitely just put me in a posture of being a student. I watched everything, received everything, and then gave my best,” Reifer recounted.
Looking ahead, Reifer’s upcoming project promises to deliver more of the heartfelt and genre-bending music that her fans have come to love. She hints at new sides of herself that listeners have yet to discover, urging them to keep an open mind for what is to come.