It was only after completing a communications degree that Amelia Power realised a career in music was what she really should be pursuing. In the few years since the Nelson-born artist has independently released a handful of singles, revealing her evident talents as both songwriter and singer.

Working with several different producers since 2024 Amelia has explored a repertoire that’s progressed from dreamy bedroom pop towards more upbeat indie pop and neo soul singer-songwriter sound. Although able on piano and guitar, she admits performing on either instrument is something that’s a work in progress for her.  

“In the studio I prefer to focus on the singing and songwriting, and pass on the instrumental and production side of things to the producer I’m working with!”

Moving to Auckland in 2025 she connected online with guitarist and producer Ethan Jupe and the pair soon set to work together. Released in late March Kingfisher is the first result of that collaboration, a song she describes as having a sound she’s been seeking for some time.

“I was at a point where I had a rough idea of the sound I was chasing, but needed someone who could help me bring that world to life in a really intentional way. We decided to meet up to see what we could potentially co-create, and Kingfisher was funnily enough the first song we worked on together.”

Staring from a shared musical inspiration playlist the song evolved entirely in his Ponsonby studio.

“We discussed different ideas of genres, but once Ethan started working on the beat we both felt it was the right direction to head in. I then began to write the lyrics whilst listening to the track, with advice and input from Ethan when it came to the songwriting.

“Things felt like they flowed very naturally from the first session and once we had the bones of the song down we were both excited to keep progressing with it. It felt as if it came from a genuine creative alignment and a shared vision for where the music could go.” 

That first recording session coincided with the unsettling end of a personal relationship. Amelia says she had repeatedly noticed kingfishers during that emotional period, and the bird came to represent that chapter of life.

“I wanted to tie it into the song metaphorically. It became a symbol of everything I was processing at the time.”

Emotionally reflective, but upbeat and warm indie pop, Kingfisher bears comparison with one of her earliest singles, Atmosphere, produced with Kahu Sanson-Burnett and released in early 2025. She summarises the difference as this new track being more refined and intentional. While indie pop remains her major genre influence, she’s keen for the new influence of neo soul. 

“I think for a while I’ve been circling around different sounds, without fully landing on something that felt right to me as an artist. Kingfisher feels like the first time it’s really been realised in a way that feels true to me. 

“Sonically it leans into a more dreamy, textural space, letting things breathe a bit more and not overfilling the production, which I like. There’s a softness and atmosphere to it that feels really aligned with how I naturally write. 

“In terms of songwriting it’s more instinctive and less overthought, which Ethan helped me immensely with. Focusing on refinement aided in creating a song that feels like clearer reflection of who I am, both visually and musically, and is definitely the realm I want to keep exploring moving forward.”

Her rather non-traditional path to becoming a pop recording artist has brought challenges, but Amelia says it’s also provided a freedom to figure things out in her own way, on her own personal path. 

“I’ve been really lucky to have guidance from people I’ve met along the way such as collaborators, producers, and others in the industry. There’s been a collection of people who have supported different parts of the journey, and I feel as if I am always learning and growing. I think staying open to that is an integral part of embracing and enjoying the journey of creating and releasing music.”