3.26 Artist Feature: Amanda McCarthy
Today we got to catch up with singer songwriter, Amanda McCarthy. Amanda talks about the wide variety of music that inspires her, along with her family. Check out Amanda on March 26th!
Where are you from?
I am originally from New England, growing up in NH but also spending a great deal of time in and around the Boston area.
How did you decide to get in to music?
I’ve always loved music and knew I loved to sing from a young age. I’d written a few songs already, but it was after some traumatic events as a teenager that made me really lean into songwriting and wanting those songs to be heard. This is how I ended up teaching myself how to play guitar.
What or who is your biggest personal inspiration? Professional?
My daughter is my biggest personal inspiration, as I always want her to have a strong example in her life that nothing should stop you from pursuing your dreams. I am inspired professionally by strong songwriters like Taylor Swift, Hardy, Shane McAnally, Nicolle Galyon, Kelsea Ballerini, Lauren Weintraub, Kalie Shorr and more.
How does your family support you in your career?
I have always been extremely lucky and blessed to have the support of my family while pursuing music. They keep me motivated because I know how strongly they believe in me even when I don’t always believe in myself.
What is your favorite song to cover?
I have a revolving door of favorite covers, but some of my favorites are: Free Fallin (Tom Petty), Amarillo by Morning (George Strait), 7 Years (Lukas Graham), Everywhere (Michelle Branch), anything emo/pop punk and anything by Taylor Swift.
How do you find inspiration?
When I feel completely tapped out of writing ideas, I try to listen to new music or, on the other end, spend a lot of time entirely by myself, disconnected from music and social media entirely. Eventually, something pops in my brain that either starts writing itself or I know it can be used later.
Have you always wanted to be a musician?
As long as I can remember, yes. I sang for people for the first time when I was 4, and writing songs at 6 that I wanted Britney Spears to sing.
How does your hometown inspire you?
Funny enough… while most people feel the support of their hometown, I cannot say I’ve always felt the same. There are certainly friends and individuals who have always supported me, and I see them and I’m thankful for them. But I was never the hometown hero, and was often overlooked for local events, despite finding success in nearby cities. So, even though this is silly, a lot of my hometown inspiration comes from wanting to prove people wrong. I sing about these feelings in my song “Don’t Stop Me.”
How did you decide to follow the creative path you’re currently on musically?
When I started writing songs, I got very lucky that my Auntie Debbie took notice. She didn’t know much about the industry but she wanted to learn, and we dove in together as she taught me how to book gigs, create an EPK, etc. This gave me a strong resume from a young age and I credit her entirely for setting me up to pursue this professionally. She always loved that I pursued different styles and genres, which some people have not always liked, but it’s always been who I am and how I create. She passed in 2017 but I continue to do this for her, in her honor.
What’s the vibe?
My performance style truly depends on the room I am in and the vibe of the audience. If I’m playing solo acoustic, I cannot plan set lists because if I arrive and notice the vibe of the room calls for something else, that’s what I’m going to bring out for the crowd. Obviously this differs if I have a band, as I can’t always throw new songs on them like that. My band shows are fun and high energy, but with one or two emotional songs to remind everyone that at the end of the day, I’m a very emotional songwriter and my original music comes entirely from the heart.