Prepare to fall back in love with Drake’s “4422”, because songstress Amy Steele has just given it a divine makeover. Stripping the rapper’s tune back to its bones, the soul singer lends her commanding vocal tone and a synth-laden-yet-melancholic production to her rendition, allowing it to stand as a haunting tribute to the track’s metaphorical messaging.

Speaking on the latest cover drop, Amy claimed, “‘4422’ is a metaphor for when people only live up to half of what they promised to be, with 22 only going halfway to 44. It’s about a person or thing that always lets you down because they themselves are only half of what they’re supposed to be. I think it’s really poignant, because so often when people let us down in life, the initial reaction is to be hurt or disappointed – rather than to look at the person and know that it’s just sad that they could only make it halfway through the promise. They couldn’t go any further than half, because they only have half of what it takes – and that’s sadder for them than for you. I think it’s an important message to look at things from the other side. ”

Upon the release of her latest cover, the artist chats London’s influence on her music and how she wants people to feel when listening. Head below to enjoy our interview with Amy Steele…

How are you? How has 2021 been for you?
Hi, thank you for having me! 2021 has been a whirlwind, and it’s gone by so quickly! I cannot believe we’re in December already. It’s been a year of preparation, I would say, so I’m looking forward to what next year holds.

With everything that happened during the pandemic, was your creativity affected?
I think the pandemic gave me a lot of time to reflect on what I want to say artistically and to reflect on my purpose. I think time to be introspective can be really valuable. When you’re always on the go and onto the next thing, you don’t have that time to evaluate the ‘whys’ so much. When you have that time to evaluate, it makes you a lot more intentional in your choices on every level, and I think that really evolved me creatively. So, I’m excited to share this new chapter of music next year.

How did you first get into music, what sparked the interest?
I have always naturally loved to sing. I wrote my first song when I was 9, and my sister was 7, and she loved it. From then on, I’ve always been in a choir or a singing role in the school play. But, it only got professional as I got older and then one day I had the opportunity to be in a recording studio. I uploaded the track onto the internet and from then on, I gradually got more and more into music, recording more and putting out more. My sister started to manage me, and from then on, we’ve just been putting out music together and navigating the industry independently. It’s been a natural and gradual journey that’s based on a love for music and artistry and just enjoying that more than anything else.

You’re from London, which is a melting pot of sounds and culture. Do you think this city has inspired you at all?
I think so! I think London is infused with so many influences; growing up surrounded by diversity will make all of us more dynamic in what we can draw reference from.

You pursued a degree in medicine for years, what ultimately made you want to focus on music full time?
I have a side to me that loves academia and the logic of science; I enjoyed studying medicine and found it really rewarding. But music is a passion for me, it connects people and is grounded in emotion and empathy. I think I would always have found my way to music full time after finishing the degree – it’s a part of me.

And now you’re back with a cover of Drake’s “44 22” why did you choose this song?
“4422” is a metaphor for when people only live up to half of what they promised to be, with 22 only going halfway to 44. It’s about a person or thing that always lets you down because they themselves are only half of what they’re supposed to be. I think it’s really poignant, because so often when people let us down in life, the initial reaction is to be hurt or disappointed – rather than to look at the person and know that it’s just sad that they could only make it halfway through the promise. They couldn’t go any further than half, because they only have half of what it takes – and that’s sadder for them than for you. I think it’s an important message to look at things from the other side.

What do you want people to take away from your music?
I think I want my music to resonate with people in whatever way it touches them. I don’t want to impose or define what it would mean to the listener – I think music should be interpreted by each person individually.

Who would you say inspires you?
My mum, my sister and Obama haha!

What are you most excited for in 2022?
New music, new chapters and new journeys!