Authenticity is rare in today’s music industry, and Amanda Reifer wants to be considered a needle in the haystack.
Hailing from Barbados, Reifer’s music is just as vibrant as her homeland. Her eclectic fusion of pop, hip-hop, soul and reggae is a testament to her artistic diversity and commitment to uniqueness.
Reifer’s musical journey began in London as the frontwoman for the band Cover Drive. The band snagged a No. 1 hit in the U.K. with their single “Twilight” and were regulars on the Top 10 and Top 40 charts.
Although Reifer saw success with the band, she knew she wanted more. In 2020, she chose to put herself first and took a leap of faith by moving to Los Angeles to pursue a solo music career.
“Stepping out on my own, from something that I had been a part of as a young girl and starting over, was the first step in defining myself as a young woman and knowing my voice,” the singer said.
She continued, “It meant leaving behind everything I had known and built. I had no finances, no support or an individual public platform. I found confidence and support in my family and friends.”
Reifer supported herself as a songwriter and creative collaborator until her leap of faith paid off. In 2022, she was in a recording session with Kendrick Lamar, co-writing and singing on “Die Hard” feat. BLXST from his No. 1 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
“I was in the studio working on my project, and I was introduced to Kendrick,” Reifer said, recalling the life-changing moment. “So when I played him my records, he complimented my pen, which was such an honor; I’m humbled that he took the time to sit and listen to my work at that point.”
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“Die Hard” was nominated for best melodic rap performance at the 65th Grammy Awards, a moment Reifer says left her in “disbelief.”
“I’m just a little girl from Barbados. I watched [the Grammys] on TV; I see these incredible artists and people I admire,” she stated excitedly.
She continued reflecting on the big moment, “To actually be there, I was in a little bit of disbelief. I was just so humbled and grateful to be a part of something so much bigger than myself, part of a project so much bigger than myself. Even with that little small, small part I played. I was given the opportunity to create on something that has impacted my life in incredible ways.”
With the momentum of a Grammy nomination behind her, Reifer has begun the final tweaks on her debut project.
“I’ve been working on this album for three years. I’m so excited for people to hear this music,” she said.
The project’s lead single, “Colonize,” is the visual and audio personification of Reifer’s journey from the girl in a band to the artist standing alone. In “Colonize,” she advises a lover to resist the urge to impose, discredit and colonize her in his quest to obtain her heart. Having no restrictions and embracing the moments in relationships can be applied to love, business, creativity or friendships.
Like several other videos, Reifer co-created, co-directed and co-edited the striking visuals for “Colonize.” The singer went home to Barbados and filmed the video at her aunt’s home, which was one of the first plantation homes on the island. Reifer intentionally cast her family and childhood friends in the visuals to represent the beauty of independence and strength in Black women.
“My friends and my family have self-ownership and independence. We’re out here doing our things. We’re artists, we’re writers, we’re mothers and sisters. And to stand there in that competence and strength in support of one another and on the land we were oppressed upon was the statement I wanted to make,” she said regarding the stunning imagery.
Small details in the video exemplify Riefer’s dedication to her artistry, such as using her friend’s books, including a chair in her family for over two generations and wearing clothes made by local Black vendors.
Reifer’s voyage to find her voice and independence can be quantified by her genuine approach to her artistry, and she’s not looking to compromise anytime soon.
“All those different qualities, those complexities, those dualities, those things that exist all at once are now in this project, and being able to put that to pen and writing those experiences has given me a lot of liberation and freedom,” she said unapologetically. “And I’m just eager to share that.”
