American, NYC-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Blonde Maze, AKA Amanda Steckler, has quickly become a leading name in the world of indie electronic music through an exceptional catalog of singles and EPs since first starting the project in 2015. Her unique take on the genre, explored through a dazzlingly intimate vocal style, introspective and poignant lyrics, and an exquisite blend of organic and electronic production, has garnered her a global fan base and respect amongst her peers. She’s seen support in the forms of millions of streams across streaming platforms, spins on leading U.S. radio station Sirius XM Chill, features on platforms such as Billboard Pride, Paper, Pigeons + Planes, Clash, and Nylon, has supported acts such as Elderbrook, The Shadowboxers, and Vallis Alps and played iconic festivals and venues like SXSW, NYC’s official Pride Fest and the Music Hall of Williamsburg.

After moving to Florida at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 she began putting together the first pieces of ‘Something Familiar’, an album inspired by love and loss explored amidst the dissolution of a relationship. ‘Not All Flowers Bloom’ and ‘To The Moon’, released in the middle of 2020, were the first tracks to appear from the album; two stunning, evocative productions that captured her whirlwind of emotions against a backdrop of global turbulence. She relocated back to New York City in 2021, re-establishing herself in her home city, focusing her energy on this ambitious album project. In April 2021 she kicked off the album campaign in earnest, starting a run of four album singles with ‘Diamond Eyes’, one of the album’s highlight tracks and a perfect synthesis of its themes. ‘I Think About’ followed, her second collaboration with Minneapolis producer Attom, with ‘Being Pulled’ and ‘One House’ coming in quick succession over the course of the Summer. 

Preorder ‘Something Familiar’ here. 

What’s your story as an artist? 

Creating music is my most heartfelt passion. I always put my real emotion and experiences into my music, which helps me process them. I’ve been influenced and inspired by so many artists in the past, and I hope I can pass that on. I’ve always said I hope my music is something that someone can hold on to, that holds onto them back.

What inspired this album?

The past couple of years have had a lot of life changes for me (as it did a lot of people, considering the pandemic). Throughout it all, I always sought out something familiar as a form of comfort. Every track on the album was a medium for me to seek that out through all the different emotions and experiences the last couple of years have brought.

What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?

I often write based on emotions that I’ve actually experienced recently. Anything like heartbreak, romance, or yearning, I find it so cathartic to put it into sound. Sometimes I’ll also be inspired by other music that I listen to. If I find a song particularly beautiful, it might influence some new ideas for me to explore.

Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or working on this release?

Probably when I was quarantining… I was at my parents’ house, and I hadn’t really set up any equipment there. I had to finish recording vocals for a couple of the tracks and decided the only way I could do it was to go into my brother’s closet with a bunch of pillows and my microphone and finish it up in there – a clothing filled makeshift studio.

What’s a record that shaped your creativity?

ODESZA’s A Moment Apart had a huge influence on my development as an electronic music producer. I’m pretty sure it came out when I was away from home, and it was such an anchor for me. I really liked the balance of instrumentals vs. vocal tracks. And the amount of atmosphere and progression in every track just blew me away.

Who is an artist or band you look up to today?

I look up to so many, too many to even list. Lately I’ve been pretty inspired by Jon Hopkins. I think the way he can tell a story with an instrumental is phenomenal. The subtle details and atmospheres in his music is something I’ve been really influenced by lately.

Any future projects?

Definitely. I began working on new projects as soon as the album was finished. But my head has been so in the prep for this album release lately, so I don’t have set dates or anything for post-album.

Top 3 dream collaborations?

If I had to pick just three…

Flume

Gabrielle Aplin

Tourist

What does music mean to you?

To me, music is something that’s there for you when you’re in a good place, in a bad place, or anywhere in between. It’s something that makes loneliness feel a little less lonely, and love feel a little more romantic.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

I would say it’s a mix of chill and electronic dance music that’s inspired by a lot of yearning and passion.