Q & A
felsongwriter
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am based in Munich, Germany, but I was born in Santos, Brazil.
Q: What's your real name?
A: My real name is Fernanda Amarilis.
Q: What inspired you to start making music?
A: Growing up in a musical family, songwriting came naturally to me since I can remember. I wrote my first song at 9 years old, and it was about the steps it takes for us to fall in love with someone new.
Q: When did you start your music career?
A: I officially started my music career in 2020. I showed my songs to a friend, who insisted that I perform them at an open mic. It took her 6 months to convince me, but that's when I had my first solo performance. I was extremely shy!
Q: What genre do you make?
A: Right now I am creating pop-rock/alt-rock songs, but I started my career with singer-songwriter style songs, an acoustic guitar and my voice.
Q: Who are your musical influences?
A: I still remember singing in front of the mirror to Sandy & Junior in my childhood. I was always a hopeless romantic, and when I was 13, a neighbor showed me Avril Lavigne's debut album. That was my first encounter with pop-rock. Later on, I started listening to Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, KT Tunstall, Paramore, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan… So what you hear today really is a mix of all of that.
Q: Do you write your own songs?
A: YES! I'm a songwriter first, and have written all of my songs (so far) 100% by myself, alone in my room, usually when a strong emotion came along. My songwriting is catchy and emotional. Because I'm an empath, I can also really feel your pain and transform it into music. Send me a message if you wanna work together!
Q: Do you play any instruments?
A: I play the guitar, but I'm not great at it. As I suffer from fibromyalgia, I can only play it in a certain way and for a certain time before getting pain. I tried learning the piano but had the same issue, so I just use those instruments for songwriting and rarely perform with my guitar. Often, I have my amazing band members accompanying me.
Q: What is your most popular song?
A: Surprisingly enough, it's ‘How Can I Trust?’. I am so happy that so many people like and relate to it, because right before releasing it, I had a freak out. I thought nobody would relate. It was very healing to realize I'm not alone, and by liking this song, you're telling me that you also like the most vulnerable parts of me. Thank you!
Q: Are you signed to a label or independent?
A: I'm an independent artist, and I love every second of it, but my biggest dream is to be a songwriter for a big label like Sony or Universal Music, and write songs for top 40 artists around the world.
Q: Do you collaborate with other artists?
A: Yes, sometimes I support smaller artists by producing one of their songs, or co-writing with them. Some examples are “The Doll” by Jacky Ashfield, “For the Best” by Cecilia Amanda and “Souls from the Ocean” by Clara Moth.
Q: Where can I listen to your music? (Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, etc.)
A: You can listen to my music and find all my links here.
Q: Do you produce your own music?
A: Yes, often together with other producers.
Q: When is your next release coming out?
A: Sign up to my Diary to be updated on my upcoming releases!
Q: How do you promote your music?
A: You will find me oversharing about my struggles with C-PTSD on Tiktok, and focusing mainly on music promo on Instagram and Youtube. I also perform at various open mics and events around town (Munich, Germany).
Q: Have you performed live or gone on tour?
A: You can find all my previous and scheduled live performance dates here and you can watch most of my live performances here.
Q: Can I book you for a show or feature?
A: Absolutely YES! I would love to come and perform my originals at your event, just contact me here!
Q: Do you reply to DMs or fan messages?
A: Yes, but please keep the chat trigger-free and positive vibes only, as I'm still healing from Complex PTSD.
Q: How can I support you as an artist?
A: Signing up to my fan club is the single best way to support me as an artist. It's similar to Patreon, with a monthly subscription, and a great way to support me financially and get perks that only the biggest fans get! You can also buy my albums (did you know that CODEPENDENT has a treasure hunt with a surprise gift at the end?).
Q: Do you have a mailing list or fan club?
A: Yes! Go to here to sign up to my mailing list, and get notified of my biggest milestones, upcoming concerts and more. Then, go to ilovefel.club to join my Fan Club! There, you'll be able to watch nearly every performance I've ever had (and will have) in full, listen to demos of my songs (including phone recordings)!
Q: Where can I buy your merch?
A: WYou can buy original handmade artwork at my live shows and online, just Send me a message!
Q: What's your album CODEPENDENT about?
A: I write and sing songs about healing from C-PTSD while falling in love, grieving, and all the ups and downs that come from trauma. CODEPENDENT tells the story of when I fell in love with my boyfriend, but I was so traumatized, that I didn't believe it was love. I thought I was just being codependent and falling for anyone. So every song shows the process of understanding more and more that not only am I in love but that I'm actually safe. It shows the emotional imaturity that comes from childhood trauma, the emotional dysregulation, and encourages people with C-PTSD to keep working on their healing, find self-awereness and never give up hope, because you CAN heal from C-PTSD. The album CODEPENDENT is the first half of the story. My upcoming album tells the other half. That's why the album ends with a song called “Hold On”. You can buy it here.
Q: What advice do you have for people who struggle with C-PTSD?
A: Cultivate self-compassion. Accept where you are, give yourself a break, surround yourself in a protective bubble with only those whom you trust and who understand you. Take your time and don't pressure yourself into healing - it doesn't work. Understand that you're not alone, I know it feels like you are, but I guarantee, you're not the only one who feels the way you do. Talk to your inner child. Embrace and listen to your anger. When you have C-PTSD you feel guilty about everything, and a big part of healing comes from understanding that nothing that happened to you was your fault. This takes years of therapy and hard work to learn. Place the blame where it should be. You can get out of this, and I hope that my music helps you find the community and support that you need. 💜
Q: What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
A: I can read people, situations and energies really well. Since I've learned that I can do it, instead of judging myself for feeling bad vibes, I trust myself and feel much safer knowing I can trust my intuition. You could try it, too!
Q: What motivates you to keep going during tough times?
A: My fans motivate me. Your DMs, comments and encouragement have led me here. I couldn't have done this without you!
Q: What’s your zodiac sign?
A: I'm a virgo.
Q: Do you go live or do livestreams?
A: Yes! I go live on tiktok sometimes and sing my originals, sometimes covers, and talk about healing from C-PTSD.
Q: Do you offer meet-and-greets or VIP experiences?
A: I'm a small artist so every time you show up to my performances, you'll get to meet and greet me if you want 💜