From Detroit To Brooklyn And Back Again: A Conversation With Amir Obè

Today, the well-traveled, multi-talented polymath Amir Obe drops his anticipated new EP, Happening In The Grey Area. Propelled by massively popular singles such as the PARTYNEXTDOOR collaboration “Truth For You,” Amir Obe’s new project is on course to serve as his biggest release yet. With the internet and beyond’s gaze inching closer and closer to Obe, we spoke to the “26-year-old creative” about his music, his origins, his plans for future, his new EP and more. With only the past couple of years standing as Amir Obe’s breakout period, the best is still to come. As his new EP makes an impact, the next step in his evolution as an artist is about to be charted.

For the people out there that still don’t know yet, let them know who you are.

I am Amir Obè, a 26-year-old creative. I record and produce my own work, including my EP released today, Happening In The Grey Area. I previously released Detrooklyn in 2014. I also recently finished a US and European tour with PartyNextDoor.

Tell us about your collaborative joints with PartyNextDoor, “I’m Good” and “Truth For You.” How was the working process and are you guys working on more material together?

PND and I share a very similar vibe when we create. Specifically on those two records, we just sent ideas back and forth until we got them right. Recently we’ve recorded a few more in the studio together. I found it way more effortless being in the same room and going back and forth, since we naturally vibe together.

You’re from both Detroit, MI and Brooklyn, NY. Tell us the story about that and how did each place influence you?

Detroit and New York are both opposite extremes. I credit Detroit for allowing me to discover myself and grow at my own pace. I had a normal childhood, playing outside and using my imagination. When I first started visiting New York in high school, it was more of a culture shock but I loved the hustle there. Aesthetically, both cultures molded the way I approach music.

What can you tell us about your new EP? What was the conceptual approach?

Conceptually, every song on Happening In The Grey Area was made for and in the moment. I wanted fans to get a sense of where I am at now and all of the current experiences. The grey area symbolizes where I am at in terms of love, career and life in general.

How long did it take to record?

I began working on this project as soon as I got off my first world tour seven months ago and have spent the last three months really holed up in the studio day and night to get it just right. I’m a bit of a perfectionist.

What are your thoughts on your own, personal 2015 and what are your plans and hopes for 2016?

2015 was all a refinement process. I realized what I needed to do and what walls I needed to break down to advance to new heights both personally and professionally. My plan is to consistently provide the listeners with quality music and continue discovering new things to project creatively. I think my music alone has taken me on an adventure so I’ll continue to let the music steer the wheel.