Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I had a unique childhood—I was basically born into music. My grandfather was a musician and led an army band in the Pacific during the war, and my grandmother was a singer. My mom and uncles were part of a traveling rock and roll show band for over 25 years, managed by my stepfather. The stage was my playground. I loved traveling and working with the road crew: setting up drums, cleaning piano keys, duct-taping cords—everything that came with putting on a show night after night across the U.S. and Canada. That’s where I started playing drums regularly. I was given a full load of schoolwork at the start of each year, but I didn’t attend classes—I was on the road, and I loved every minute of it. At 18, I moved to Los Angeles, where I earned some wings. To sum it up: I see music from the inside out.
Q: How are you planning to grow your fan base and share your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone discovering “Policy/Amelia Martin”?
A: I’m a producer first, but when it comes to growing a fan base, I put on my marketing hat. I push to radio, submit to blogs, do interviews, promote and advertise on social media, release new music, perform live, and meet people. I travel often and always find ways to connect. This project was incredibly special—a year in the making. I built an amazing team: Amelia, my co-songwriter and vocalist; Ms. Aubrey Whitfield, who mixed and mastered the track and has worked with Kelly Clarkson, BMG, and Universal Music; and Mr. Matt Hallet, who created the cover art. I’m from Cleveland, OH USA and they are based in Wales and the UK. My message is to recognize what can be created by a team of talented musicians, producers, engineers, and digital artists. It’s okay to know your strengths—and to let others shine where they excel. This song united people who had never met, and the music itself became the true harmony, connection, collaboration, and community.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I’ve been really inspired by deadmau5—one of my favorite producer/DJs. I saw him live again this past summer in Las Vegas at XS. I also love Sia, who was a big influence in bringing Amelia onboard, since Sia is one of her favorite artists. Lately, I’ve been listening to Essex, Remy Bond, Lana Del Rey, and BØRNS. I like to think I don’t find inspiration—rather, inspiration finds me. It can come from big moments like seeing deadmau5 live, or small ones like waking up at 4:40 a.m. to send out radio add emails, record radio drops or be interviewed by Bored City!
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song “Finish Line”?
A: “Finish Line” is a story about hope and love. If you’re going to love, then love me last—let me be the final person you give your heart to, even if it seems like the other person always gets what they want. Amelia wrote the lyrics, and she did a beautiful job. It’s not too heavy, a bit playful, and gets right to the point—especially when she sings, “I can be all you need.”
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: ACTIVATING.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Finish Line”?
A: Definitely. I’ve done two major full-length albums and several singles and remixes, usually writing, co-writing, mixing, and even mastering myself—especially on my second album, The Abby Rose. But for this track, I wanted to reset and take a step back. I spent time self-educating on my DAW and learning more about mixing and mastering. With around 70 tracks, I literally mixed myself into a “Mind Knot.” Around that time, I came across content from producer/engineer Aubrey Whitfield and started applying her tips. I wasn’t even following her on Instagram yet. I emailed her asking for her rates, then followed her—and her very next post said she had time available to help independent artists. I was stunned. She listed a different email, so I forwarded my original message. That was on a Friday. By Saturday, she replied saying she loved the song and wanted to mix/master it. Aubrey bailed me out and “un-knotted” my mind!
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: My music is about collaboration, loving the journey, growth, expression, education, and—especially in the age of AI—creating music the right way. My goals are to keep producing, writing, building teams, and educating. I want to elevate my live DJ performances and connect with new fans.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with (dead or alive)?
A: Right now, it’s Sia. I love her voice and creativity. Her collaboration with Diplo on “Elastic Heart” is one of my favorites.
Q: What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in music or trying to enter the industry?
A: Get educated about the entertainment business, be patient—and don’t waste time. Looking back, I wasted a lot and should’ve known better. Trust your gut when it comes to career moves. Experiences are great, but if something feels off, make the change. I’ve made many last-minute decisions I don’t regret. Also, never burn bridges—you never know when something cool will come back around. For newcomers, seek out artists with real experience. Don’t rely solely on Google or AI prompts. Learn the right way and avoid scams—I saw a lot of that while living in L.A. I recently launched “Stage Strategix” Consulting to help people pursue careers in music, TV, theatre, and gaming. I also graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of Entertainment Business to complement my hands-on experience in developing new talent.
Q: If you could go back in time and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
A: Don’t let others shape who you are or who you want to be. Always be yourself. Get out there and keep learning—become an Autodidact!
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