“One Track Mind” features a Washtenaw County artist or band discussing one song from their latest release.

Standout Track: No. 6, “Amaretto,” from Fearless Amaretto (they/them). The Ypsilanti artist’s latest EP, Diary of Amaretto, is an exploration of passion, intimacy, and authenticity in relationships. Each song is like a personal journey entry, examining Fearless Amaretto’s thoughts and feelings about different romantic encounters.

On “Amaretto,” they’re educating potential suitors about how to approach them. “Navigating sex and relationships as a witch, or even as an intuitive or empathetic person, is always interesting," Amaretto said. "I’m often presented with suitors who talk a big game with no follow-through, or have feelings they want to explore with me, but are afraid to speak up. ‘Amaretto’ is that song to let them know to shit or get off the pot. Either make a move or move aside, because someone is waiting for their chance. You are that witch! I hope people hear this song and are reminded that they are not only desired, but they’re also deserving of people who won’t play about their desire for you. Tell them not to call your name unless they’re about that life.”

Musical Motivation: “Amaretto” is a club anthem featuring pulsating beats that blend dance, R&B, and hip-hop elements. “Honestly, ‘Amaretto’ came to be because after looking through my catalog, I realized I never made a club song. And as a person who loves to dance at the club, it felt like an injustice," Amaretto said. "I wrote the chorus first and knew I wanted a ‘90s/2000s club vibe with it. … I try not to be restricted by the boundaries of genre when making music. Probably to my detriment sometimes, but I prefer to just make whatever I’m feeling. Sometimes, I’ll have the song written, but by the time I start creating a track to go with it, the vibe of the song will change completely. I grew up listening to the Missy Elliotts and Jill Scotts of hip-hop and neo-soul mixed with my grandparents’ influence of live jazz and blues music, so I’ve always had eclectic taste. I loved anything that moved me, physically or spiritually.”

Fearless Amaretto’s music is also inspired by their love of dance: “I was the kid in school who would somehow always get pushed into dance battles, or who would just be dancing alone, and somehow a circle would form around me. I just love a beat you can dance to, vocals that make you make a stank face, and a bassline that you can work a runway to. There’s something spiritual about that trinity.”

Poetry and Puns: Fearless Amaretto includes puns and wordplay in their lyrics: “I felt like some fun and sexy music was needed, especially now in this time that feels anything but fun and sexy. I’m always gonna be a poet at heart, and laughter is so important for a fulfilling life, so mixing in witty wordplay and things into my music always brings me joy. Someone told me, at my private listening party for this EP, that being sexy and funny is a powerful combo, and they felt that I nailed it for this project.”

Lori Stratton is a library technician, writer for Pulp, and writer and editor of strattonsetlist.com.