“It's important because blues was the start of it all; it's how we got to be here music-wise. I don't think race plays a part in blues. My understanding of blues is that it's about a struggle you might go thru as a person, and there are all sorts of people in this world; therefore; anyone can sing and play the blues.”

Amani Burnham: Roots & Wings

Seventy years after its initial recording, blues-rock artist Amani Burnham posted a video of himself playing Muddy Waters’ “Hoochie Coochie Man.” It was surreal to see a 19-year-old on Instagram wielding a white Fender Stratocaster with such dexterous ferocity and sensual charisma. But there Amani was, seated on the floor in Gen Z’s standard uniform of sweatpants and a hoodie, holding the guitar like a sword between his legs and playing the hell out of it. In his hands, the Willie Dixon blues standard sounded sexy and dangerous again. At the time, Amani hadn’t been playing guitar for very long, and the post was simply a natural extension of his love for blues-rock. Yet his fluid soloing and electrifying showmanship captured the imagination of blues fans and seasoned professional musicians alike, inadvertently heralding the arrival of a new blues dynamo. Today, Amani is stepping out from behind the screen with his debut album, Roots & Wings (2026), released on acclaimed blues indie Blind Pig Records. The 12-song collection crackles with groovy blues-rock riffs, cosmic solos, lyrical phrasing, stinging vibrato, and soulful vocals. Roots & Wings was produced by and co-written with label head Jeff Schroedl.

(Amani Burnham / Photo by J.B. Lawrence)

Amani is a song-oriented artist who writes tough, tuneful blues-rock with introspective, free-spirited lyrics. Roots & Wings is a classic blues-rock power-trio record, largely built around a single guitar track running from beginning to end. Think Clapton, Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, and Robin Trower, but for a new generation. Throughout the album, Amani effortlessly shifts between rhythm and lead guitar. Much of his greasy fluidity comes from a unique technique: he plays using his right-hand thumb instead of a pick. Amani is able to blaze through lead runs and dig into aggressive, syncopated chordal riffing just using his thumb. The approach recalls fingerprint stylists like Jeff Beck, Wes Montgomery, and Curtis Mayfield.

Interview by Michael Limnios         Special Thanks: Jeff Schroedl (Blind Pig Records)

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music has shown me how much things have really changed in the world, whether that would be from the past or the future. Everyone has their own personal views of the world, but music can give you another outlook on things you might not have ever noticed or seen. A moment that changed my music life forever was definitely listening to The Beatles the first time. They are what got me into music in the first place.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What keeps a musician passionate over the years in Blues / Rock music?

My current sound is heavy. I really like having a three-piece band because it can be so simple to the ear and not sound too much all at once. My songbook is filled with driving riffs to easy three chord folk songs. I try to write songs from all genres because it helps me learn about chords and other styles of music.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss how simple it used to be. Music now has a lot of crutches like auto-tune and MIDI loops for people to use, but back then sometimes bands would live-track everything and have to nail a vocal take. I hope people will start to realize that just because we have the technology to make a song perfect doesn't mean we should. What makes things perfect is its imperfection.

Why do you think that Blind Pig Records music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

I thinks its because the blues is still in people's hearts, and even if you don't listen to any blues, you can still appreciate good music when you hear it.

“I try to keep music relevant today through my Instagram and TikTok because that's where my generation lives mostly. Like i said before, people will always appreciate good music so I try to post as much as I can. I feel like one of my jobs as an artist is to show this generation that this form of art is still important.” (Amani Burnham / Photo by J.B. Lawrence)

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

If you work hard on harnessing your craft on any instrument, people will notice it. Practicing does go a long way.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

It makes music more about what's going on in someone's life or point of view rather than just a good song, which isn't a bad thing. The more you put your heart into a song about a certain cause the better it will come out. I wouldn't say I'd want it to effect people one way but depending on the song it should give an answer or an understanding of what's going on, or just a good feeling.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I try to keep music relevant today through my Instagram and TikTok because that's where my generation lives mostly. Like i said before, people will always appreciate good music so I try to post as much as I can. I feel like one of my jobs as an artist is to show this generation that this form of art is still important.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? When it comes to authenticity in blues, do you believe race makes a difference?

It's important because blues was the start of it all; it's how we got to be here music-wise. I don't think race plays a part in blues. My understanding of blues is that it's about a struggle you might go thru as a person, and there are all sorts of people in this world; therefore; anyone can sing and play the blues.

Amani Burnham - Home

(Amani Burnham / Photo by J.B. Lawrence)