Review: Imani Marie – „I Didn’t Know That“

Imani Marie im Interview zur Single „I Didn`t Know That“

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Mit ihrer neuen Single „I Didn’t Know That“ beweist die Sängerin und Songwriterin Imani Marie, dass tiefgehende Emotionen und ehrliches Storytelling keine Altersgrenzen kennen. Die aufstrebende Künstlerin aus Los Angeles verbindet in ihrem Song melancholische Melodien mit eindringlichen Lyrics und schafft damit ein bewegendes Stück über verpasste Zeichen, stille Kämpfe und die Reue, nicht genauer hingesehen zu haben. Bereits die erste Zeile „I didn’t know that your silence was a cry…“ zieht die Hörer in die emotionale Welt des Songs hinein, in der Traurigkeit hinter einem Lächeln verborgen bleibt und unausgesprochene Gefühle nachhallen. Imani Maries zarte, aber eindrucksvolle Stimme verleiht dem Song eine besondere Intimität, die an Einflüsse von Künstlern wie Billie Eilish oder Gracie Abrams erinnert. Das sind ja auch ihre Haupt-Inspirationsquellen, die sie selbst angibt.

Musikalisch setzt „I Didn’t Know That“ auf eine reduzierte, aber wirkungsvolle Produktion. Sanfte Klavierklänge und atmosphärische Synthesizer umrahmen die verletzliche Stimme der Sängerin, während subtile Beats den Song mit einem sanften Puls am Leben halten. Die Produktion lenkt nie von der eigentlichen Stärke des Songs ab: den intensiven Emotionen und ehrlichen Lyrics. Mit diesem Song zeigt Imani Marie nicht nur ihr großes Talent für tiefgehende Texte, sondern auch ihre Fähigkeit, Gefühle in melancholische Klanglandschaften zu übersetzen, die unter die Haut gehen. „I Didn’t Know That“ ist ein Lied für all jene, die sich wünschen, sie hätten früher hingesehen – und ein weiterer Beweis, dass diese junge Künstlerin das Potenzial hat, eine große Stimme ihrer Generation zu werden.

Herausgekommen ist ein bewegender, emotionaler Song, der Gänsehaut hinterlässt. Imani Marie bringt mit „I Didn’t Know That“ eine Tiefe in die Musik, die man ihr junges Alter kaum glauben mag. Grund genug für uns nun auch mit ihr in einigen Interviewfragen auf den Song und auf sie als Künstlerin einzugehen:

Your new single, „I Didn’t Know That,“ is deeply emotional and touches on themes of regret and unseen struggles. Can you share what inspired this song and how the idea came to
you?

Imani Marie: „“I Didn’t Know That“ is a very personal song for me. It was inspired by moments of regret and realization—those times when you look back and wish you had understood things differently. I wrote it from the perspective of someone who feels like they missed the signs of someone else’s pain, whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or even themselves. In 2023, I was going through depression, but I didn’t really talk about it. The only thing that helped me through was Billie Eilish’s music because I could relate to it so much. When I finally did open up, people would say, “I wish you had told me,” and that really stuck with me. It made me think about how often people hide their struggles behind a smile, and I wanted to capture that feeling of wishing you had noticed sooner—of wanting to go back and do things differently. Writing this song was really cathartic, and I hope it resonates with others who have felt the weight of unspoken words and unseen battles.“

The lyrics are incredibly raw and introspective. Was writing this song a personal healing process for you, or was it more about raising awareness for others who might be going
through something similar?

Imani Marie: „“I Didn’t Know That“ wasn’t just about writing a song—it was about letting out emotions I didn’t even realize I was holding onto. I wanted to capture that feeling of looking back and wishing things had been different, wishing I had noticed more, or that others had
noticed more about me. It wasn’t necessarily about healing, but more about honesty. I think a lot of people go through moments where they feel unseen or like they should have spoken up sooner. This song was my way of putting those emotions into words. I hope it makes people reflect, whether it’s on their own experiences or on the people around them who might be feeling the same way.“

You’ve been singing since the age of four, and at just 13, you’re already crafting songs with such depth. How has music helped you navigate your own emotions and experiences?

Imani Marie: „Music has always been my way of making sense of my emotions. Ever since I was little, singing was how I expressed myself when words didn’t feel like enough. As I got older and started writing my own songs, it became even more personal—it wasn’t just about singing
anymore, it was about turning feelings into something real, something I could understand. Since 2017, I’ve been a huge Billie Eilish fan, and I grew up on emotional songs. Even now, I still listen to music that carries deep emotions. I know this might sound weird, but I love sad
music more than happy music. There’s something about the rawness and honesty in it that makes me feel understood. I really look up to artists like Billie Eilish, Finneas, Gracie Abrams, and so many others because their music is emotional and so true—it’s something people can really relate to, and I can relate to it too. That’s exactly what I want my music to be for others. When I go through something difficult, I put it into a song. It helps me process what I’m feeling in a way that talking about it sometimes can’t. If someone listens to one of my songs and feels understood, then that means everything to me.“

Your inspirations include Billie Eilish, Finneas, Gracie Abrams, and Tate McRae. How have these artists influenced your sound and songwriting style?

Imani Marie: „Each of these artists has influenced me in a different way, but what they all have in common is the raw honesty in their music. Billie Eilish and Finneas were the first artists who really showed me that music doesn’t have to fit a certain mold—it can be quiet,
haunting, deeply personal, and still incredibly powerful. Billie’s ability to capture emotions in such a subtle but intense way, and Finneas’ genius as a songwriter and producer, have definitely shaped how I approach my own music. Gracie Abrams has this beautiful, diary-like way of writing, where every lyric feels like a real conversation or a personal thought, and that’s something I really admire. I love how vulnerable she is in her music, and that’s what I want to bring into my own songwriting. Tate McRae brings so much raw energy and emotion into her songs, and she’s not afraid to say exactly what she feels. I think all of these artists have taught me that music should be real—that people connect
most with songs that feel true. That’s what I aim for when I write. I want my songs to feel like a safe space for people, the way their music has been for me.“

You’re currently looking for label representation to take your career to the next level. What do you hope to find in a label, and what kind of artistic vision do you want to bring to the music industry?

Imani Marie: „Finding the right label is really important to me because I want to work with people who truly believe in my vision as an artist. My dream labels are Interscope, Island Records, or any label under Universal Music Group because they support artists who are authentic and push creative boundaries. I’m looking for a label that values artistry over trends—one that gives me the freedom to tell my story in the most real and honest way possible. My artistic vision is all about creating music that people can feel—songs that make you think, that you relate to, that stay with you long after they’re over. I want to bring raw, emotional, and vulnerable storytelling to the music industry, the way artists like Billie Eilish, Finneas, and Gracie Abrams do. I love music that makes you stop and feel something real, and that’s exactly the kind of impact I want my songs to have. At the end of the day, I want to build something lasting, not just a moment. I hope to find a label that sees that vision and helps me bring it to life.“

For those who are just discovering your music, how would you describe your sound and the message you want to share with the world?

Imani Marie: „My sound is emotional, raw, and honest. I gravitate toward music that feels real—whether it’s soft and haunting or deeply introspective. I love blending delicate melodies with lyrics that tell a personal story, something that makes you feel every word. My music isn’t about creating the perfect pop song; it’s about capturing emotions in the most authentic way possible. The message I want to share with the world is that it’s okay to feel deeply. A lot of people hide their emotions or feel like they have to pretend everything is fine, but I want my songs to
be a safe space where people can just be—where they feel seen and understood. I’ve always connected with artists who put their emotions into their music, and that’s exactly what I want to do for others. Whether it’s sadness, regret, love, or self-discovery, I want my music to remind people that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.“