Who is Stephen Amos?
A fairly small, slightly socially awkward, but always highly caffeinated, half Greek dude. Also; a singer, actor, university student and (hopefully) entertaining person. More recently, a Musical Director, Vocal Coach, Singing Teacher and Director – but above all, a respectful and friendly human.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Probably a tertiary degree with a much higher rate of dependable, post-study employment. Not really, I couldn’t be luckier to be able to get up each day to study and work on things that I love. Though some more free time would always be nice.
Who inspires you and why?
People who aren’t afraid to go out into the world and get what they want. People who can say ‘no’ when they need – or even just want to. People who despite all odds, succeed. People who are confident to go up to someone they fancy and say ‘Hello’. People who make plans and follow them to completion. Really patient primary and high school teachers. Underdogs. Dreamers. Composers. Lyricists. Authors. Women who can belt really high. My family. My cat Harvey. Too many friends to name. All of these people have something I don’t, or wish I were able to do. They are the living proof that those things are humanly possible and achievable, and that I, therefore, can one day do them too.
What would you do to make a di?erence in the world?
Write a song that influences billions of people, kick starts a huge, global political movement, ultimately ending all poverty, wars and famine in the world. Also, donate all the profit from that to every charity ever, just so all the problems ever can be fixed. Forever.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere overseas! After getting a taste of performing overseas in Europe and Asia in my high school years, I’ve always dreamed of going back.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
This little lookout at the top of Mt Dandenong. Its small, perhaps slightly illegal, and appears out of nowhere off a little random walking track, but the view is pretty magical.
What are you currently reading?
Musicians in Transit – a delightful little research article about Argentinian artists and the Globalization of Popular Music.
What are you currently listening to?
A lot of Sara Bareilles. Like, a lot. Also Dear Evan Hansen, Sideshow, Audra McDonald and Beyoncé. Always Beyoncé.
Happiness is?
Ticking things off a ‘To Do’ list. Answering questions in list and/or dot point form. Having enough free time to sing, write music, spend many hours at the beach, and also with a loved one. Listening closely to a cat purring. Very streamlined and thematically strong Instagram feeds.
What does the future hold for you?
OH, if I had a dollar for every time… But, I wish I knew! I hope it includes a lot of music, wonderful people, creating great theatre and performances that make people feel things, (maybe a post-graduate degree too) and lots of love.
Stephen will be performing in Monash University Performing Arts’ production of Death Match at The Coopers Malthouse: 28 Sep – 7 Oct 2017. For more information, visit: mapa.monash.edu for details.
Image: Stephen Amos