Simply Six: Amanda Marie

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I’ve been very fortunate in my music career over the past 22 years! I started professionally singing when I was 8 years old, as I was trained classically & performed in my first musical; “The Wizard of Oz”!  Then, at the young age of 10, I toured the Caribbean waters with Norwegian Cruise Line, where I performed the lead role of Tootie in “Meet Me in St. Louis” & was featured in the Broadway review show, “Sea Legs Goes Hollywood”.  I currently study voice with Ron Anderson, of Anderson Vocal Productions.  Ron’s the entertainment industry’s “go-to-guy” for Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Joss Stone, just to name a few.  Ron has stimulated & refined my passion for performing music enveloping my classical vocal training!  From all of these great events in my life, my musical spark exploded last year when I had a private vocal session with American Idols’ Randy Jackson & Kara DioGuardi. They both encouraged me to pursue my unique music style as a balladeer: light & airy adult contemporary with a classical flavor.  From this experience, I knew without a doubt that my life & future was to be centered around music, as it feeds my soul in a way that nothing else can!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

My musical tastings are very eclectic! Some of my favorites are:  Susan Boyle, Eva Cassidy, Josh Groban, Indigo Girls, Harry Connick, Jr., Sara Bareilles, Coldplay, Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, Journey, U2, Norah Jones, Weezer, Mariah Carey, Ella Fitzgerald, Stephanie J. Block!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

A great moment in my musical career so far, was when I was chosen by Minder Music, Ltd., an independent music publishing company based in London, to be a demo singer for Susan Boyle!  When I found out that it was my voice that Susan would be hearing on a song that the company was pitching to her & her team, I was super excited; I couldn’t believe it was my voice she would hear!!!  Also, I love that Susan Boyle has gained notoriety as she is a true talent & deserves all of her success!

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Yes, I definitely believe that music can change the world!  Music is so universal, as it speaks to people in a way, that I believe nothing else really can!  Many times in my life, music has been a place of escape for me, as well as a foundation & I believe it can do the same for others! This is why I believe my voice can “calm & feed the soul”, as well as a place of serenity!

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology is a funny thing, as it is both a blessing & a curse!  It’s a blessing in the fact that technology has come so far & has made the music business what it is today & over the past 10+ years.  We need it to record music, promote music, sell music & to survive in this business.  I feel it’s a curse in some ways, because it’s changed the music scene of today & over the past few years, as the music industry has become so electronically driven.  We are starting to see a rise again in live musicians & I think that’s a great thing! I used all live musicians on my debut EP, “Amancipation”, as the players on my album are some of the best in the music scene today!

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Wow, this is such a great question, especially since I’m a shoe addict; no joke, I’d rather buy shoes than eat a meal!! You can even see me lying in some of my shoes, in the picture on the back of my album cover (see below).  Well I must admit that I LOVE my gray Rainbow sandals & chocolate brown UGG boots, but one of my favorite pairs of shoes are my champagne color Via Spiga heels, as they are comfy, classic & even have rhinestones on the straps!  These shoes are simple elegance with beautiful craftsmanship from Italy & a must-have for any shoe lover!! J