‘I SAID I WAS GOING TO BE A SINGER. THERE’S NOTHING ELSE I’VE EVER WANTED TO DO’: RISING TIKTOK POPSTAR FIAA HAMILTON ON HER MUSICAL JOURNEY
INTERVIEW | FIAA HAMILTON by Martha Munro
With the universal rise in internet fame comes the universal rise in competition. This is no surprise to aspiring young musicians like pop singer-songwriter Fiaa Hamilton, whose rapid and radiant growth on TikTok – as well as at the app’s prestigious live music events – is a testament to how talent can be transported by the screen. However, with her new single ‘Nothing Is Perfect,’ Fiaa rejects the competitive nature of this virtual music world and brings it back to what’s important: the present, the now, and the freedom of being your true self. Find out more about her views on musicians’ values, her inspirations, and her upcoming projects below!
So, ‘Nothing Is Perfect’ – what were your big ideas for this single when you wrote it? What do you want listeners to think and feel when they hear it?
When I wrote this song I was in a place of peace and awakening. I wanted the song to tap into my spiritual field and make me feel alive and free, and I wanted the listeners to feel the same. It was a song of acceptance that nothing is perfect, and I am now truly happy with the place I am in. The future is not my goal – it’s calmness, happiness and being present. It’s something I wanted to speak out about to my supporters as a lot of people struggle with emotions and trauma and can relate to my story. I really wanted to teach them that they are special by just being them.
In the song, you talk about the pressure to be perfect and the importance of embracing your true self. Why did you think this was an important topic to focus on?
Because I truly believe we put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect and we forget to live in the moment and be happy. The focus is always on a future goal, and we forget that getting there and the journey is part of this. We often don’t get to enjoy that part of it when we’re just focusing on the end goal. This goes for everyone in all kinds of situations, and it’s a reminder to enjoy every day, otherwise you end up looking back and reflecting on the fact that you didn’t love or live in the moment. I just want to share positivity and peace around the world a little!
Who or what are your biggest inspirations?
Music-wise – Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, Motown artists, but then I’ve had so many people in my life that have kept me going like my guardian, my leaving care worker, my mum, and most importantly my FIAALESS family, my community of supporters that have changed my life.
How did you know music was the path for you?
I just always knew! I sang from the moment I could talk. I said I was going to be a singer. There’s nothing else I’ve ever wanted to do. Going on to study music made me realise how much I wanted to be a singer who wrote her own songs (I’m a Gemini and we love to communicate and write stories so I do that… but I just sing them!)
With only four singles out, you’ve already found huge success, particularly on TikTok and at their live events. What’s one thing you love about TikTok and one thing you can’t stand?
The people and their support is one thing I love. There’s nothing I hate about Tik Tok – it’s my little home. I do sometimes think that other music creators could be kinder to each other. Sometimes jealousy kicks in – I truly think competition shouldn’t be a thing! We are all individuals and everyone has the chance to succeed and we should champion everyone’s magic moments.
If you could collaborate with any music artist, alive or dead, who would you pick?
Ohhh it would have to be Mark Ronson. I think he really gets the best out of emotional singer songwriters and I truly feel we could write something magical. He’s also a genius!
A little birdie told me that a bigger project is on the way. Can you describe it so far in 3 words?
I have an EP on the way! 3 words: ethereal, enchanting and vulnerable.
