Over a year into the pandemic, it’s hard to shake our screen dependency. Most of us can agree that staying at home has led to an increase in screen time—our weekly Apple stats can be terrifying. Virtually is the only way we had/have to connect with others and Zoom hangs have become the new normal. 

For Amrit, a multifaceted creative entrepreneur, her life of DJ gigs and in-person events came to a full stop. She’s put on worldwide performances, opening for the likes of Lauryn Hill and Dua Lipa. Not discouraged by the lack of live music, Amrit pivoted from DJing to social media. She started doing question boxes on Instagram about dating, a difficult topic to navigate during these unprecedented times. A fun chat with followers and friends quickly turned into a weekly IG live series called Ask Amrit and a show called Unhinged on NTWRK. Her candid and no-filter approach to dating has created a space for open dialogue on love, sex, and communication—it’s hilarious and informative. We caught up with the new dating host to chat about music, dating, and the best lyrical pick-up lines—because we bet she has some good ones. 

How did you get into DJing?

I kind of fell into it when I was studying music at school. I always had an eclectic collection and really enjoyed putting it together and sharing it with people. Once I started, the connection I felt to people through music felt like home, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Which artists do you turn to for inspiration?

I turn to nature for inspiration. Creativity comes from boredom, and if our minds can’t find it, we will create it. When I’m disconnected from distractions out by the water or in the sun, that’s when I feel most inspired.

What was your most memorable gig and why?

There have been so many. I did get to open for Lauryn Hill, which was pretty wild because I am a VERY big fan. That felt pretty surreal. Also, Ladyland Festival because it was during Pride and Eve was the headliner and I got to watch her entire soundcheck where she essentially performed the entire set to all six of us.

How would you describe your relationship with music?

Music has complete agency over everything that I do. It can start my day right, get me through a tough time, be my companion when I’m experiencing a certain feeling or emotion. It’s everything really.

What is your feel-good song?

“Right Back Where We Started From” by Maxine Nightingale.

What inspired you to start a conversation about dating on social media?

My work has always been rooted in connection! Music being one of those avenues, my social media was always another way I would connect with my audience. I love meme humor so I would always be making these funny dating memes, and people really started opening up to me. There were so many dialogues around love, sex, and dating in my DMs with people responding with their personal experiences. It felt like there was a need for a space where people could collectively share their experiences and be vulnerable.

How did that conversation evolve into your weekly IG live series Ask Amrit and your show Unhinged?

This was all unfolding during peak quarantine, when everyone was having these overwhelming feelings of isolation and loneliness. It started when I posted a question box and answering with dating advice. I was inundated with submissions so I started bringing friends on to help me answer them and we enjoyed it so much it ended up evolving into two longer formats—the IG Live and the show. I’m also incredibly grateful to the team at NTWRK who believed in the idea and helped with the development of the show.

Is there a meaning behind the title Unhinged?

It kind of evolved as a recurring joke with the memes I would make on my Instagram stories. I would post screenshots of funny videos or text exchanges that felt unhinged—but the level of crazy would be the most consistent thing across all the content. I like the idea of normalizing the notion of “craziness” and being “unhinged” in love—we all have it in us! Also, it’s a fun play off of the dating app Hinge.

What is the best dating advice you’ve ever received?

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Not everything is supposed to be a forever thing, try to appreciate everything as a lesson from the universe.

Worst dm slide you’ve ever received?

“We could be the new Bend It Like Beckham.” (LOL) Anything that has [a] weird race or fetish energy is a no-go for me.

Who would be in your dream group chat? Dead or Alive.

Leslie Jordan, Joan Rivers, Cher, Dolly Parton, Kylie Minogue. 

Lyric Pick Up Lines

My love language is physical touch, so this idea of showing your feelings speaks to me. Plus it’s Mos Def. I mean come on!

I’m a Pisces and an extremist, so this is the type of drastic proclamation of love I need. Go hard or go home baby!!!

This is such a nice feeling to have and it’s articulated so perfectly here.

So this is actually a cover by the Artic Monkeys of punk poet, John Cooper Clarke. I love both versions but the way Alex Turner sings “I Wanna Be Yours” is everything.

Someone recently included this on a playlist for me, and I think I listened to this song on repeat for an entire day with a big cheesy smile like a total simp. Let’s just say it worked.

I absolutely stand for this era of silky ’90s R&B, the lyrics are so cheesy but pure that you can’t fight it. This is one of those perfect examples.