Today we’d like to introduce you to Amiko.
Hi Amiko, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Thank you! I’m so excited to share my journey with you. Looking back, it’s been a winding path shaped by two passions: soccer and music. I was born on a U.S. Army base in Japan, where I was given the nickname “Amiko” by my Japanese caregiver. It means “precious little girl,” and it’s a name that still carries deep meaning for me. My family moved frequently during my early years—first to Washington, D.C., and then back to Minnesota, where I grew up.
As a child, I was drawn to both sports and the arts. During Minnesota’s long winters, I spent hours writing poetry, drawing, and playing the flute in a small creative space my mom set up for me. But as soon as it was warm enough, I was outside playing every sport I could, especially soccer. That love for soccer led me to the University of Minnesota, where I played on the Division 1 women’s development team and helped win two Big Ten Championship titles.
After college, life took me in new directions. I pursued a career in business, became a mom to an incredible daughter, and eventually moved to Dallas in 2012. It was here that I found a new purpose in coaching youth soccer, sparking a passion for mentoring young players and building programs like Futsoul.
Then came the pandemic, a time when everything paused, and I found myself rediscovering my love for writing. What started as poetry quickly turned into songwriting, and before long, I realized that music was becoming a second calling. Now, I’m blending both passions—soccer and music—into a career that feels like the truest expression of who I am.
Blending Soccer and Music: A Unique Journey
Soccer has always been my foundation. After years of coaching and mentoring young players, I co-founded Futsoul, a program designed to bring soccer directly to schools and underserved communities in Dallas. Coaching has been incredibly fulfilling, but during the pandemic, I started exploring a creative side I hadn’t tapped into in years.
It began with journaling and poetry, which soon evolved into songwriting. I poured my experiences as a player, coach, and mom into lyrics that told stories of resilience, perseverance, and self-discovery. Encouraged by friends, I connected with Jason Dauman, a music promoter who believed in my vision.
The Amiko Project and “Reckless”
Through Jason, I began collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Carlos “Jackies Boy” Battey, whose talent and mentorship have been pivotal. Together, we created The Amiko Project, a musical venture inspired by my life in soccer. My debut single, Reckless, has already seen success internationally, climbing charts in the UK and France and gaining attention during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Looking Forward to the FIFA World Cup
I’m now setting my sights on the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, where I hope to bring my music to the stage at matches held at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium. It would be a dream come true to perform live at one of the biggest events in sports, combining my two worlds—soccer and music—into something truly special.
Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. My journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see where it leads next. Whether it’s through music, soccer, or both, I’m determined to keep inspiring others to follow their passions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all! It’s been a road filled with twists, turns, and plenty of obstacles. But those challenges have shaped who I am today. For instance, launching my music career while staying committed to coaching soccer hasn’t been easy. Balancing two demanding worlds, while also raising my daughter and managing day-to-day life, has often felt like an uphill climb.
Recording music was another steep learning curve. The logistics of traveling to Miami to work with my producer, Carlos Battey, instead of having a studio nearby in Dallas, added complexity. There were times when I questioned whether it was all worth it. But every time I doubted myself, I reminded myself why I started.
Then there was the technical side of entering the digital world. From learning how to distribute music online to promoting it through platforms and social media, it felt overwhelming at first. I faced my fair share of epic technology fails! But each misstep taught me something valuable, and I’ve grown through those experiences.
And of course, the pandemic threw a curveball at everything—halting our Futsoul soccer programs for a while and forcing us to completely rethink how to engage with the community. Those were tough times, but they also gave me the space to reconnect with music and start The Amiko Project.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth, but I wouldn’t trade the challenges for anything. They’ve taught me resilience, flexibility, and the importance of leaning into my passions no matter how bumpy the journey might get.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Absolutely! What I do is really a reflection of the two biggest passions in my life: soccer and music. On one hand, I’m a grassroots soccer coach who’s spent over a decade mentoring young players and helping them develop not just their skills but their confidence and resilience. On the other hand, I’m an EDM artist crafting songs inspired by my journey in soccer and life. Together, these two roles allow me to express who I am while connecting with people in meaningful ways.
What sets me apart is the way I’ve been able to combine these two worlds. I’m not just a coach or a singer—I’m the first soccer coach to launch a career in EDM. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of because it reflects my belief that we don’t have to limit ourselves to one passion or one identity.
Through my soccer program, Futsoul, I’ve worked to make the game accessible to as many kids as possible, especially those in underserved communities. We take soccer directly into schools, ensuring that players can participate where they already spend their time. This approach has allowed us to connect with a diverse group of families and help kids fall in love with the game in a supportive and fun environment.
In my music, I bring the lessons I’ve learned from soccer—teamwork, perseverance, and the highs and lows of competition—and translate them into songs that inspire and energize. My debut single, Reckless, reflects that balance of passion and determination, and seeing it resonate with listeners around the world has been an incredible validation of my vision.
I think what truly makes me unique is that I’m not afraid to dream big or take risks. Whether I’m on the soccer field or in the recording studio, I bring my authentic self and a sense of purpose to everything I do. At the end of the day, I want my work to inspire others to embrace their passions fully and unapologetically.
Pricing:
- $30 T-shirts
- $30 Hats
- $1.29 downloadable singles
- Soccer after school and camps around $250 per player for season classes and individual soccer camps, prices will vary with each school
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.officialamiko.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official_amiko_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1MbKBW7sagOBWWsSWXe0tA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/amiko
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/141wt76UMdfVOzQGPvhkR9?si=vwmYZIcfRaGgdMZAIA8aaw
Image Credits
Gianno Currie
Emily Wolf
Joaquin Su
Kii Arens
