An Interview with Watson Amelia of hololive English -Myth-

For the fifth installment in our interview series with members of hololive English, we spoke with Watson Amelia. Known for her creative sense and great technique, she continues to entertain her viewers and surprise them. We asked her about everything from her wide range of collaborations to her love of Japanese anime.

――How did you find out about VTubers and hololive production? What were your first impressions?
Amelia: The first time I heard of hololive was from popular clips at the time. They were always hilarious, and the talents’ personalities shine so brightly!

――When you found out that hololive production was hosting English-speaking VTuber auditions, what made you decide to try out?
Amelia: Around the time, VTubing was not as big as it is now, and was just barely starting to take off in the West. When hololive production announced auditions, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of something big, and I’m glad both the company and I decided to take that chance

――How did you feel when you were informed that you had passed the audition and were accepted into hololive English?
Amelia: For the weeks leading up to the final decision for auditions I had been preparing; editing videos, cleaning my room, and checking my email every day. I felt really good about the audition process, and it felt like my heart was going to fly out of my chest when I saw the good news finally arrive!

――In your debut stream, we were very surprised by the elaborate sequences and performance. What were you the most committed to before and during your debut stream and have you experienced any difficulties?
Amelia: Thank you! To me, being a Virtual YouTuber means being able to experiment with all forms of technology and content, plus hanging out with people online while enjoying a game! Since my debut, I’d like to think that I have always stuck with that and would like to continue to do so in the future as well!

――Tell us about what you decided you wanted to improve on or work towards right after your debut and how you did so.
Amelia: After debuting, I felt like there were a lot of social aspects that I should improve on; communications on social media, connecting with other talents, and speaking with viewers well. Sometimes, it still feels like this is something I struggle with, but I have improved a bit and plan to keep on trying to improve!

――Is there anything that you try to keep in mind during your streams?
Amelia: Always try to have fun with the viewers, and to be respectful (sometimes)

――Regarding your streams, your viewers talk a lot about VRChat, such as during your first anniversary stream. What made you want to use VRChat in your streams?
Amelia: In hololive English, we aren’t all unified in one location, so collaborations interacting together can be limited, especially due to the world today. That is one of the main reasons I wanted to give us and the viewers something special to remember this unique time together!

――The short film 【Original Animation】Smol Adventures EP 1: Link Your Wish!, is so fun and cute. What made you create it? What kind of role did you fulfil as Script & Sound Design?
Amelia: Thank you, it was a lot of fun to work on! Due to circumstances, we were not able to have a standard 3D debut yet, and to commemorate the special occasion of the reveal, I felt it would be nice to have an awesome transition from “Smol”* to official 3D. With an idea in mind and some downtime while traveling, I wrote out the script. I had a very specific vision in mind for the sound of the short film, so I decided to do it on my own! I believe sound design can really elevate quality, and it’s much cheaper to do the work by myself!

――Your 3D model was unveiled at hololive 3rd fes. Link Your Wish in March 2022 and you performed with it. How was your first 3D model performance?
Amelia: The first 3D model performance for holofes was really exciting! Although I felt a little out of place performing a cover song, my dancing came across nicely!

――You performed “Fushigi Purupuru Pururin Rin!” on your debut stream as well as at hololive 3rd fes. What does this song mean to you?
Amelia: The song is just catchy and cute!

――During your debut stream, you had talked about wanting to jump on a trampoline while 3D streaming you did it in【BOING】Jumping with AME!. How was it? How did the staff react when you told them you wanted to do it?
Amelia: Yes, I would like to do more crazy 3D things like jumping on a trampoline!!!! It was a lot of fun, although the staff didn’t have much to say, since it was more of a surprise. Technically, it was a bit of a pain to set up, but the result was really worth it I think.

――You are familiar with Japanese manga and anime. What were the first works you liked? Which point was the most memorable for you?
Amelia: Growing up, I always really enjoyed being absorbed into the world of anime. Some of the first anime I sat down and watched were Inuyasha, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, and Cowboy Bebop. Because the style is so different compared to other animations in the West, I really wanted to learn more about it! During middle school I stayed home and really got into games, books, anime, and manga!

――Which work is your recent favorite? And could you tell us why it appeals to you?
Amelia: One of my recent favourite anime is Golden Kamuy. It was very interesting to learn about historical and factual things in Japan! Plus, the characters are funny, charming, and SEXY!!!

――In the second teaser video for hololive alternative, you are searching for something with a magnifying glass and enjoying a vacation on the beach. How did you feel when you watched it for the first time?
Amelia: Seeing all of holoMyth in the teaser video was really exciting! I felt it was accurate too! My magnifying glass suits me really well as I am always trying to pay attention to smaller details in life…It’s an important skill as a detective! The scene relaxing on the beach feels right too, I love lounging in the sun.

――How do you feel about the other holoMyth members who debuted with you? What do they mean to you?
Amelia: All of my genmates feel so special to me. We all come from different backgrounds with different skills and personalities. Making this unbreakable bond that we share together has been one of the best experiences, and one that I know we will all always cherish.

――In February 2022, you did an off-collab with Ina’nis, Fauna, Kronii, and Mumei. How did it come about and how did you feel about your first off-collab? Also, was it you who decided to keep it a secret from your fans until the stream started?
Amelia: The off collab was so fun. It was great to finally connect in person. Although at the time I was busy so I couldn’t enjoy as much time together as I would have liked. The plan was for other streams as well but connecting offline was much needed for everyone! Due to circumstances, “keeping things secret” or a surprise is more for us, the talents, to feel comfortable and let the audience know details when the time is right!

――You will mark your second anniversary in September 2022. How would you describe your journey as a hololive production talent so far? What has changed the most?
Amelia: Even though it’s been almost 2 years already, I feel eager to do more within hololive production, like there is still a lot left to be done! As for what has changed the most, it’s been somewhat challenging to juggle streaming, idol activities, and my health. I believe there is always room for improvement!

――Are there any specific archives on your YouTube channel that you would recommend to new fans and why would you recommend them?
Amelia: I’m not sure if my debut stream is the best first impression, but that is probably a good place to start! Otherwise, Minecraft is productive and a good time to chat as well…maybe also view my skill in FPS games (it comes and goes)!

――What do you want to achieve as a hololive English talent in the future?
Amelia: Creating new and different things within hololive production, and in the future, doing more experimental and 3D content!

――Last question, do you have a message for your Japanese fans?
Amelia: Even though it can be difficult to communicate with a language barrier, I still feel welcomed and supported. I really can’t thank you all enough for turning this hobby into something incredible and for cheering all the talents on. I am looking forward to trying to connect more with you and learn more interesting things about Japan! P.S. may I take some moss* home overseas? Thank you!!!!!!!!!