Felix Ames

Felix Ames holds up a mirror in his music. The Milwaukee-born singer, songwriter, performer, and designer relays raw and relatable experiences back to listeners over a simmering soul soundtrack accented by R&B drip, alternative eloquence, and a hint of jazz fluidity. He candidly sings about life in a comfortable cadence with the familiarity of a close friend. Beyond generating millions of streams and views independently and earning acclaim from Earmilk, OnesToWatch, Lyrical Lemonade, and more, he might just help you see something about yourself on a series of 2023 singles and his debut project for Def Jam Recordings.

“For me, the main goal of my music is to look in the mirror, and I’m inviting listeners to do the same,” he affirms. “By reflecting on my life, I’m getting the truest art out of myself. I’m on a quest to understand and make sense of the world. Maybe my music will help you make better sense of it too.”

Growing up in Milwaukee, he developed an acute perspective by “living in between the hood and the suburbs and seeing so many different walks of life.” Following his parents’ divorce, he bounced back and forth between mom and dad with his brother and sister. He also leaned on the love of his neighbors and friends. “That’s when I realized how much I needed a village around me,” he says. “It’s where I learned loyalty and to keep your family and friends close.”

Music would be a self-soothing mechanism. He went from spinning his old man’s Stevie Wonder records to obsessing over the likes of D’Angelo, Anthony Hamilton, and Bobby Caldwell, to name a few. In college, he learned Garage Band and cultivated his voice by singing over YouTube beats. In addition to vocal lessons, he taught himself music theory and recording in the midst of the Global Pandemic.

Simultaneously, he architected an immersive sonic vision.

“I’m always creating and trying to express myself to the highest degree,” he goes on. “I’m interested in curating people’s lives. Personally, I’m doing work to be the best person I can be. Then, I’m translating this work into my artistry and hopefully giving you a bigger world to live in.”

Opening a doorway into his world during 2022, he initially gained traction with “Shoestring,” gathering millions of streams and lighting up TikTok. He maintained his momentum with “SPF” and “7711.” Attracting widespread applause, OnesToWatch christened him “one of one” and assured, “His fragrance, his style, his essence cannot be packaged nor duplicated.” 2023 saw him sign to Def Jam Recordings and level up once again.

Now, his next chapter begins with the single “Bend, Don’t Break.” The track laces a head-nodding beat with a slick bass line. He pours his heart out into the hook as he ponders, “Maybe this life we built just ain’t built for me." The vocals quiver with soul, matching the overflowing energy of the final fret-burning guitar solo.

“We usually start with guitar,” he says. “‘Bend, Don’t Break’ was born out of jamming. Lyrically, it’s about the self-awareness of taking a mile when someone gives you an inch during any kind of relationship. You know the right thing to do, but it’s hard. You’re coming to terms with a complex feeling.”


A renaissance man himself, Felix will also be launching his own home goods line Reunion in addition to building an experiential brand. “I especially want to give black people access to elegant and intentional living that’s affordable and community-based,” he notes. “I want to be with you from 8am until midnight. I believe my art is also lifestyle-based. There’s a lot of self-exploration, and the ensuing catharsis brought me some peace.”

In the end, Felix might give you a similar feeling.

“I’m trying to create a community or a family,” he leaves off. “Hopefully, you can listen to these songs at a cookout, or at the crib. I’m simply laying the groundwork to bring everyone together around the music.”