We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ami Baker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ami, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve been singing and writing songs for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was very young, I would write down and sing about whatever was going on in my life. Through the struggles of growing up, amidst many hardships, depression, self-image troubles, broken relationships, betrayals, loss of loved ones, mental sicknesses, physical health failures, etc…, I was always able to articulate my emotions and create something beautiful from it. No matter how painful the situation was to me, I could write a song about it, feel better, and have something to share with others in the hopes of being a comfort and reminder to people that they are not alone in their struggles. I can recall many moments of praying to God and asking Him what I should do with the time He has given me in this life. And after going through the things that I have, and being in the situations I have where I have been able to share my music and seen how it’s touched people’s hearts, I know that this is my purpose. This is why I am still here, and none of the near death experiences were successful, because I am here for a reason. And I’ll continue to do this until God decides to bring me home.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a singer-songwriter, musician, and performer. I play the guitar as well as the piano, and I like to write in a plethora of different genres. I’ve had the pleasure of being able to record my songs in a well established studio, and have had the honor to perform for many different audiences and venues. It’s amazing to me that many of my original songs are able to be listened to and streamed all over the world, it’s truly a humbling experience that I am so grateful for. I think that the most exciting thing about being a music artist is that I have a creative outlet to make music about the things that I’m going through. Music is such a beautiful way to connect people and pinpoint their emotions. Music is comforting and healing to so many people. Writing music, performing, singing, leading worship, and creating songs has been truly therapeutic for me. Also, being a music artist is something deeply special, because I’m able to reach people who feel alone, and remind them of their worth and pricelessness, and show them that other people feel those same feelings. We are never truly alone, and really are all in this life together. There is always hope. Currently I’m in the process of recording a new single that will hopefully be released this September or October (2023) called “Give Up”. This song talks to the people who have suffered from depression, self loathing, overwhelming guilt and anxiety, and those who have suicidal/self harming desires. I’ve prayed over this song in the hopes that it reaches all the right people, to comfort them, and maybe even bring them the light and hope that they so desperately need. The song talks about how I’ve been through those same things, and have healed from them, and that I’m praying for all of the people who are still stuck in the thick of that mental agony. The main message is to simply “give up on giving up” on your life. I hope it can bring comfort and peace to many, and God willing– a miracle.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
What was most impactful to me on my journey in the music industry was the few people in my life who weren’t afraid to be realistic to me. They sharply reminded me that if I truly wanted to succeed, and if I ever wanted to “make it big”, I would not stop at anything. That meant that every rejection, every door slammed in my face, and every discouraging performance to an audience of 0-3 people should not do anything to deter me from chasing my dreams. These people in my life encouraged me to perfect my craft with guitar, piano, and vocal lessons. These people pushed me to keep reaching out to venues and to perform wherever and whenever I possibly could. These people put me out of my comfort zone, and stretched my abilities, growing me as an artist, musician, singer, and performer. All of my good qualities and talents/skills would amount to nothing if I didn’t put the necessary work in. For those who are early in their music journeys, I encourage you to fine-tune and pinpoint these things:
1. The ability to play an instrument. It can be any instrument. As long as you have something that you can use to perform with, you won’t need to depend on anyone else to help you chase your dream and get your foot in the door. You are far more “equipped” in the eyes of a venue. Whatever your craft/skill is — perfect it.
2. The ability to continue to pursue your dream amidst rejection. This is a self-discipline. Confidence is not something that comes easy for me. However, persistence is a necessity in the music industry. If you want to do this, then you have to fight for it.
3. The driving force behind WHY you want to follow your dream. Figure out what it is that makes you want to succeed in the music industry. This will help to push you. This will keep you going when you face hiccups, discouragements, and experience failures. If you know WHY this is so important to you, and WHY you need to make it in this industry, it will be easier to force yourself to continue.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Becoming overwhelmed is something that happens to me quite often. Being a mom to a 6 year old, pursuing music in a difficult industry, while also fighting a battle with my failing health is a perfect recipe for chaotic and negative emotions. For me, when I’m feeling overwhelmed, discouraged/anxious, or simply broken– I try to turn my heart to gratitude. As a Christian, I often find myself crying out to God in prayer, turning on some worship music, or reading a few chapters of my Bible. Whenever I remember the Creator of the universe and all the blessings He has given me, it’s hard not to be positively overwhelmed with thankfulness. Being overwhelmed and sad is unfortunately a part of life, and some people struggle with these things more than others. However, these struggles do not have to define us. I have a lot of experience in this area, especially because I was depressed/suicidal for over a decade. By the grace of God, I was healed from my depression in 2019, but thankfully during that time I learned a lot about how to cope with those negative emotions. I found that it’s impossible to be anxious and depressed when we are focusing on the things that we are thankful for. In-fact, I recently saw a video describing a scientific study on our brains, speaking about how the brain literally cannot focus on fear when it’s focused on thankfulness. I think it’s an interesting concept, and something that I have tried to incorporate into my daily struggles. I don’t always succeed in this, but it has helped me on many occasions. All that being said, simply being a believer in Christ gives me joy and a hope that I can’t find anywhere else. It truly is a peace that surpasses understanding. He sustains me through life’s pains and heartaches, and reminds me to keep an eternal perspective. This life isn’t all there is, there will be one to follow. While we’re still on this side of eternity, here is something that I tell my 6 year old when she’s experiencing big emotions and is feeling overwhelmed: take big, slow, deep breaths. This gives us a moment to force our bodies to pause, and gives us the chance to shift our focus onto something more positive and remember how to ask for help. And of course, if you’re struggling with overwhelming negative emotions or any mental health problems, there is absolutely no shame in reaching out to a professional therapist/counselor. Sometimes we need others to help us through these things, and that is okay! We aren’t meant to do everything alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/AmiBaker
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ami_baker_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmiBakerMusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiBaker1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3LM2B5zekR1OzyPV-MIsA
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/19KOkmFuFUWsNi7M0uBQmf?si=wrLJOnsWSAOnFf5PYEBMzA
Image Credits
Photography By Ami
