Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amelia Oke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amelia, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem definitely took some time. I think the first step to really developing my self-esteem was graduating high school. Through the growing pains of puberty and the cruel words of other classmates coming down upon you, it really takes a toll on a person. The world after high school was at my feet and I no longer had a whole school full of bullies and nay-sayers anymore, I could finally be who I wanted without constant judgement. I found it hard to be able to find who I was and find my image while under constant scrutiny. I however persevered and did whatever I saw fit for myself and who I wanted to be. Also, mastering the art of not caring what anyone else thinks of you is a real confidence booster. No matter the whispers or weird stares, just be true to who you want to be! Just act like no one is even staring or whispering at all; who are they to judge! Whoever you want to be and however you want to dress should only matter to you and how you feel! Just think about how we only have one life to live, why would you want to waste it being miserable with who you are in your own skin? I also think another step into developing my confidence has just come with age. The older I get, every year I gain more experience and interact with all kinds of people and that really adds to it. Being more well-versed and better developing my communication skills has also boosted my confidence. As stated previously, it definitely took some time but it can be accomplished; being comfortable in the skin you’re in!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Born and raised in Michigan, I’ve lived in a couple cities along the inland lakes but I’ve always lived a life like a kid in the country. Growing up I lived on a double lot surrounded by gardens and trees, getting dirty and scraping up my knees. Raised on country music I listened to the songs about the simple ways of life and living out in the country and I yearned so bad for that lifestyle. Since I was young I’ve been manifesting that way of life and spending any time I can away from the life of the city. As a kid my parents and I would take trips all over rural Michigan dreaming of one day finding some property up north. My love of the countryside and the music was rooted deep in my soul from a young age. Since I could talk I’ve been singing! I grew up singing in choir and the school talent shows. When I was 11 my parents bought me my first guitar so I’d have something to play and sing along to. I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in music! I absolutely loved to sing and perform for others, it brought me so much joy! During my high school years I was working on finding my image, who I was and also discovering my sound. A year after graduation I started branching out to do open mic nights and finally got my first live gig by the time I was 20! So many opportunities started coming my way, I was hooked! I loved being able to get out in public and share my gift with others and bring back songs people haven’t heard in a while! Seeing smiles, hearing stories, seeing children dance, that’s what means the most to me when I sing. The more experience I’ve gotten the more places I’m able to sing and play at. This year 2025 I’ll be going on 8 years of singing out in public and I’m attempting to pursue this as my full-time profession. Last year a lot happened with me and my music! In 2024 I had about 25 shows, I got to sing down in Tennessee twice, I had two magazine articles published about me and I released two of my very own handwritten songs! It was truly a blessed year and I’m so looking forward to what this year has in store for me!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a musician, there have been many qualities, skills and knowledge I’ve learned along the way. One of the first things would be the development of my confidence and communication skills. That came with working various jobs, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and just interacting with more people. Being social really helps to develop who you are as a human. It definitely helps when it comes to self-promotion and self-management. When I scout for new places to sing at I go out in person and go to various places hoping to get booked. Sometimes It does take a while to find the right venue or networking with other musicians. Being able to sing is a talent but learning to play the guitar is a skill. Some people are also very talented at playing guitar but you can’t just teach someone how to sing. Learning to play the guitar as a solo musician has very much so helped me in the long run. Otherwise I don’t think I’d be out in public singing like I do if I didn’t play guitar. I think also learning that skill at an early age has really helped me progress with it over time. Although anyone at any age can still learn how to play! Same goes for my knowledge of music. Growing up as a kid I first relied on my parents to expose me to the music they loved and listened to but as I grew up I started to research and discover other genres and types of music. I always loved and have always known I wanted to sing and play country music. That is one of the genres I know a lot about and I know a lot about country musicians. Whatever genre you decide to choose to sing as an artist, I think it’s good to have a decent knowledge of it. Besides having a knowledge of the music itself, it’s best to just get yourself out there and try. If you end up playing a gig with barely anybody there, just continue on and sing like there’s a whole crowd! Just take it as still more experience under your belt. It isn’t easy to start but once you get going into it you’ll get that feeling if it’s right for you or not.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I grew up an only child so I’ve always been close with my parents. My father is now deceased but I still have my mom around. I think the most impactful thing my parents did for me was just always being there when I needed them. Anything that I wanted to do or set my mind to they were always supportive of. Overall the impact of them showing up and being supportive is what has always meant the most to me. Especially when it comes to stuff with my singing/music. Every talent show, every choir concert my parents and sometimes grandparents would be there. Seeing their faces in the crowd would make my smile beam a bit brighter. As I’ve gotten older, my mom and other family members make the attempt to catch me singing at my live restaurant/bar gigs. Being there and supporting someone’s dreams means the world!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callmeoketree/?igsh=Mm85dGwybzlmbnlo&utm_source=qr#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/callmeoketree?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=rYex58H7YbxEfhBt&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F19PWn9MFWm%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ameliaoke
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