Canberra is better known for its buttoned-up politicians than its awesome R&B acts, but Kirrah Amosa is working hard to change that perception. Her latest single “Possessive” seems effortlessly cool. Her vocals are confident, whether she’s playing in her lower register or delivering angelic high notes. The presser compares her to fresh new artists like SZA and Kehlani, but as I listen I’m also reminded of old-school jams from Aliyah and Monica. The song is deeply personal, recounting times of struggle while celebrating growth and her potential for the future.
“2020/2021 bestowed on me the best of the worst; crushed my dreams, dissolved years of hard work, ended my relationship, introduced me to my new bestie, Anxiety, and helped me understand that the niggling feeling in the back of my head wasn’t motivation to be healthier – it was body dysmorphia,” Kirrah admitted. “2022 is officially the new year of birth as I have completely shed all remnants of the shame and doubt that fuelled my being and have fully embraced my good and semi-toxic traits e.g., ‘Possessive’. Accepting this darker side of me was nothing short of absolute liberation, so if you’re anything like me, I offer you this. Instead of entering the always-vicious screening cycle with a new potential partner, feel free to play them ‘Possessive’. Let ‘em know what to expect, and if they get surprised by your ‘passion’ (or emotion-filled mood swings), that’s on them.”
The music video is just as personal as the song, as it was shot on location at her grandparents’ home.
“I grew up in my grandparents’ house, so I’ve only ever seen it as another home until very recently realising it was the ultimate, ‘70s-vintage, jackpot and location for all my content, including ‘Possessive’,” Kirrah added. “I needed this video to be very different to everything I’d done in the past, so I just let my inner-crazy alter-ego take over. She knew exactly how she wanted each shot, exactly where she needed each scene, exactly how to deliver each line. Combine this with [filmographer] Isack Hoppit’s unmatched ease behind a lens, and the underutilised acting expertise of my good friend and talented artist, Kirklandd, this song and video is my proudest piece of work so far. I am nothing without my loyal team.”
If this song is any indication, I can’t wait to hear what else 2022 brings for Kirrah Amosa.
Image used with permission from Beehive PR; photo credit: Siapo Screen