Amadee - How to Change

Amadee

How to Change​
self-released; 2017

​3.9 out of 5

By Ryan Ansel

How To Change is Tucson-based pop trio Amadee’s four-song debut project. The EP was released independently on April 7th.

​Amadee came to form when the now-married couple of Steven Tracy and Celeste Goguen met after Tracy decided to move back to his hometown of Tucson. He agreed to produce Goguen’s next folk album at his studio. During the early stages of recording, however, the project took a sharp shift in sound, and Goguen’s folk album evolved into a bouncy and energetic indie pop EP. The two, in addition to drummer Robbie Williamson, consequently formed Amadee.

The EP is rather short, being only four songs in length. But the project’s briefness doesn’t necessarily take away from its effectiveness. 

The songs are personal, originally written as acoustic folk songs by Goguen during her move back to Tucson from Oregon. As the title implies, the subject of change is apparent on the EP. The first three tracks are upbeat and hopeful and could double as both workout songs and poolside jams. The fourth “Underwater” is a more grand and cinematic take on conventional indie pop music, as it serves as an excellent finale for How To Change.

“Huntress” is a song about love, and more so the occasional element of surprise that accompanies it. Goguen’s singing is crisp and emotional, as her harmonizing vocals blend beautifully when she sings, “Who’d have known that I wanted you? Who’d have known I would care so much?” which definitely hit home in many respects, as I feel like listeners will find these and much more of her lyricism applicable and relatable. 

The production on this EP is pretty stellar overall. Amadee samples an array of different sounds, from ‘80s-styled toms, to Goguen’s own vocals on “How To Change” and “Huntress.” The EP is clean, yet not overproduced. I would have liked to have heard some acoustic here and there, especially considering that the EP was originally written as a folk piece. 

Fans of contemporary indie, synthpop, and any electronic music in general will enjoy this one. This trio shows a ton of potential with this EP and there are so many different avenues in which they could take their sound from here. It should be exciting following Amadee’s strong and vibrant debut.

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