Amelia Rolland
Pronouns Used: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Toulouse, France
Principal Instrument: Voice
Majors: Performance and Songwriting
Minor: Recording and Production for Musicians
Languages Spoken (other than English): French and Spanish
Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.
I think my favorite experiences at Berklee were my two recitals in Berk Hall (1A). I had the chance to perform my originals and some covers, create arrangements, work on the promotion of the events, and it enabled me to gain confidence in what I truly want to do in the music industry.
I also had the chance to work with different departments at Berklee (mainly the Songwriting Department), organize events, learn a lot from my peers and my Berklee mentors, and meet new faculty. But what I also loved was getting an insight into the music industry through my professors' eyes, getting feedback and advice from them, and having the opportunity to intern for different companies in Boston and Los Angeles.
But, meeting my best friends was also one of the best things that happened to me so far.
When you think about your favorite class so far, what is one example of why you enjoyed it?
It's quite hard to decide on only one class. I loved Peter Eldridge's Vocal Perspectives on Songwriting class because we had to write a song a week and follow a specific prompt, and it made me fall in love with songwriting. Being a songwriter isn't easy, and this class made me realize how important songwriters are in the industry, and how they can change the world by highlighting social issues.
I also loved Rodney Alejandro's Advanced Songwriter-Producer class. As an emerging singer-songwriter-producer, I believe that now is more than ever the time for non-binary and female-identifying artists to show their production and writing skills. The class made me realize that I had what it takes to become a songwriter-producer, and I loved collaborating with other students in this class.
Finally, my private instruction with Aubrey Johnson made me grow as an artist and also as an individual. I've learned so much about my voice and its possibilities, but also about who I am and what I truly want from life.
What is your favorite part about studying and living in Boston?
Boston is a beautiful city, especially the South End and Beacon Hill. By living and studying at Berklee, I can practice every day in optimal conditions, record my projects in the studios, and collaborate with other students, and I am truly grateful for all these opportunities.
I would say that my favorite part about living in Boston is being able to go on long walks within the city, attending shows all around Boston, and the minute after going back to campus to go to the studios, the library, or simply hang with other students.
I am also able to visit my sisters more often than before as they are living in the US, and this is truly a gift.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone applying to Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee?
I think that being fully prepared for the audition is the most important advice I would give an applicant. But, I also believe that they need to stay positive and remember to have fun during their performance. Choose a piece that represents who you are as an artist, and that highlights your different skills. Don't try to be like everyone else; you are unique and that's what matters.
Be yourself, and be proud of the work you are presenting. And always fight for your dreams. Always.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
The studios with no hesitation. I didn't get the chance to record a lot in the studios, but every time I got the chance to go to the studio, I truly felt at home. I also love going to the Albert Alphin Library to study. This is a beautiful library, and I always feel like I am at Hogwarts studying.
Why did you choose Berklee?
I think I need to tell you the story of how I got into Berklee so you might understand why I chose Berklee. I started studying music when I was 2, and I realized that I wanted to become a professional musician and work in the music industry. I come from France, and there isn't any school where you can study songwriting, contemporary music, and the music business. I started researching schools where I would be able to learn about songwriting and the music industry, and Berklee popped up. I realized that it was the best music school for contemporary music in the world, that some of my inspirations studied at Berklee, and that I would be able to study what I love most. So, since I was 12 I knew I was going to audition to go to Berklee, and here I am!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am going to take a year to complete my OPT. I will focus on building my career as a singer-songwriter-producer and perform as much as I can. I would also like to move either to NYC or L.A. and get a job in the music business. Alongside these projects, I would like to release my second EP and work for and with other songwriter-producers in recording sessions.
Eventually, I will also work on creating an organization that promotes the work of female-identifying artists in the music industry and deal with contracts between companies and the artists the organization is representing. The idea is to put forward the work of these artists, songwriters, composers, producers, and engineers, and reduce the representation inequality between individuals in the music industry.
Finally, I will also apply for master's degree programs at Berklee NYC and NYU to complete my academic education.
What have you enjoyed most about the live shows you’ve been involved in at Berklee?
I have had the chance to perform in my two recitals and one caf show so far, and I love the energy of being on stage. It's quite hard to describe it, but it always fills my entire body and makes me feel alive. The stage is the place where I feel the happiest, and I think this is why I love performing on stage with my bandmates. We are all creating magic together, and this is a unique feeling we all work hard for. Playing music with your friends is the thing I enjoyed most, without a doubt.
Where do you hope to perform this coming year?
I never got the opportunity to perform in the BPC, so it would be a great chance and honor for me to perform on this stage. I would also love to perform at the Red Room and the David Friend Recital Hall. I would also love to be able to play a Sofar Boston show, and play in NYC or L.A. if I have the opportunity!
Your social media channel/web URL?
Instagram: @mel.worldmusic
YouTube: Consequences of Love by Mel