Conversations with Amy Stargher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Stargher.

Hi Amy , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in Santa Teresa, right by the Christ, one of the most iconic places in my city and the world. I grew up studying in very strict, religious schools, but music found its way into my life in a funny way. I met a girl at school who was a huge Nirvana fan and played guitar, and we started skipping classes to jam together. That’s how it all began for me.

My grandfather was also a musician. He used to take his accordion to the streets on Christmas Eve to walk around the neighborhood playing and singing, and I’d go with him. Those moments really shaped my love for performing.

At sixteen, I started taking guitar lessons, singing, and playing small shows. Later, I joined film school and worked as a producer assistant on a movie that ended up being shown in one of Brazil’s biggest theater chains. Soon after that, I moved to NYC and that’s where my adventure here started.

I began busking on the streets to survive, which turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Eventually, I joined a band called Trapped in Static as rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist. We played some amazing shows like the TCS Marathon, Montauk Festival, Prohibition, and many others.

After five years in NYC, I decided to move to Los Angeles because it reminded me of Rio, the beach vibe, the sunsets, the creative chaos. I joined the jam scene here, started collaborating with great musicians, and became part of Gritty in Pink, an all-female collective that empowers women in music. I recently had the chance to perform with them at the Warped Tour Warm-Up and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art).

Now, I’m getting ready for a mini-tour in Brazil, my homeland and I couldn’t be more excited to bring my journey full circle.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not really. It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. But honestly, that’s what gives us foundation, toughness, and experience, right?

The culture here is extremely different from Brazil, especially in New York City. In Rio, it’s warm all year and people are incredibly affectionate. Friends see each other almost every day after work, while NYC moves at a much faster pace and people are very straightforward. When I first arrived, the English I’d learned in school only covered basic communication, so many people didn’t have the patience to understand my accent. That was hard feeling unseen, unheard, and misunderstood.

Music in Brazil is beautiful and rich, but the opportunities there aren’t the same as in the U.S. Being an immigrant comes with a lot of pros and cons. Over time, I had to find different ways to connect with people, and music became that bridge. When I was busking, people would stop, listen, tell me they loved my voice, and even tip or bring me things. It reminded me that connection goes beyond language.

Still, it was tough. I didn’t know anyone here, I missed my family deeply, and I went through all the typical immigrant challenges: culture shock, housing struggles, tough jobs, complicated relationships. But I’m so grateful for it all, because I found a strength I didn’t know I had. Every challenge taught me something, and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a musician, photographer, bartender and I also co-create a magic duo with a very unique concept. I love doing different things. I don’t like limiting myself, and I’m a bit obsessed with learning new skills and challenging myself creatively.

As a musician, I love recording my own versions of popular songs, especially acoustic interpretations that capture the same raw, emotional energy I had when I was busking in the streets of New York. I’ve always been drawn to honest performances, music that feels intimate, imperfect, and real.

As a photographer, I specialize in concert and live music photography. I think being a musician myself gives me a special sensitivity. I know what moments matter on stage, what emotions are running through a performer’s face, and what kind of photo I’d love to see if I were the one performing. That perspective really shapes my work behind the camera.

As a bartender, I work mostly at play parties and private events within LA’s open-minded (poly/kink) community. It’s a space that values connection, freedom, and self-expression, and I love being the one behind the bar making people feel comfortable and safe as they explore who they are.

And as a performer, I also bring that sense of empowerment to my magic duo, Velvet Illusions. In our show, we flip the classic “magician and assistant” dynamic on its head. Instead of the man cutting the woman in half, we tell stories where the woman’s role is powerful, mysterious, and equal. It’s magic with meaning, theatrical, sensual, and symbolic.

What sets me apart is that I live through art in every form… music, visuals, performance, and human connection. Each part of my work feeds the other, and I think that’s what makes my creative world so authentic.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I think everyone I’ve met in life has taught me something. Every situation I’ve gone through has been a lesson that couldn’t have been taught any other way.

I’ve been lucky to have so many people supporting me along the way. People who gave me opportunities, shared their knowledge, or helped me see things from a different perspective. I’m especially grateful to those who weren’t afraid to tell me when I was wrong or could do better. That kind of honesty is rare, and it’s something I really value.

My parents taught me independence early on. I started working when I was sixteen and that mindset shaped a lot of who I am today. My professors, friends, bosses, and even my love partners all inspired me in different ways. It’s impossible to name them all, but each person played a part in my growth, and I carry a bit of all those experiences with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amystargher.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AmyStargher
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amystargher

Image Credits
Manny Oquendo, Mark Matcho, OthersPhotography, Helena Accioly, BTSNLA