Name: Amanda St John
Formed: January 2012
Hometown: Glenariffe, Co Antrim
Genre: Soul/Blues
Similar to: Bill Withers | Imelda May
What They Say: Soul and Blues inspired songs, filled with
energy, funky grooves and soulful vocals
What We Say: Dynamic sing songwriter with an appetite for crafting stirring, soulful songs.
◀ Q & A ▶
▶ Tell us about your band name?
My name…..so original I know!
▶ When did you start playing music and how long did it take to find your own sound?
I did my 1st gig at aged 14. I’ve been singing ever since but always in cover bands. I only made the move to start singing my own original material at the start of 2012. I’ve only just found my sound the last 6 months to be honest so I am really looking forward to sharing my new recordings as the sound has changed so much since my 1st EP.
▶ What releases have you put out so far?
My 1st Ep (4 tracks) was released in June 2013. I am about to release a single in March 2014 and am back in the studio ion April to record my 2nd Ep for release in the Autumn.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
My EP Launch was the most memorable night for me. It took me so long to commit to my original music that this was the celebration of my 1st release. The Black Box was full to capacity and the response from the crowd was magical. I was so moved at the level of support from people and in a cheesy way I’d been waiting for this moment for most of my life…….
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a Lowlight of the journey so far?
A highlight has been playing support for Brain Kennedy in Jan. It was a really intimate venue (The Cabaret Supper Club) and was a full house on both nights. The response I got from the audience was fabulous and there was just such an electric atmosphere.
A lowlight is the late nights and amount of work it takes to get up and running.
I struggle with working so hard and having so much time away from my little girl. I know it’s all worth it though as I really love what I do and Sophia is very proud of me…..
▶You are in control of forming a 4 piece ‘super group’ – who is in it and what do they do?
(So, just to clarify, I want to sing backing vocal’s in this band………It’s the stuff of dreams…..)
Aretha Franklin on Vocals
Nathan Watts (from Stevie Wonders band) on Bass
John Mayer on Guitar
Carter Beauford (from The Dave Matthews Band) on Drums
▶ If you and 3 bands of your choosing were to do a world tour, who would the other 3 bands be?
Only 3……oh decisions, decisions…….
Stevie Wonder
Beyonce
Feist
▶ What will be the 3 strangest things on your rider when you’re able to make any demand?
That’s a tough one……I can’t imagine me ever having diva requests, i’m a country girl and my family wouldn’t let me get like this! I suppose I can ask for Prosecco though can’t I!
▶ Who has been your biggest inspiration as a musician?
Nina Simone. I just love the quality of her songs and her originality. She sings with so much passion and conviction and I love the humour in her live performances.
▶ Finally what does success mean to you?
Success to me is when I feel I am inspired and motivated by what I do myself…..I think this impacts on others so positively as well. I suppose the dream is to be writing, recording and touring full time and making a living from my music instead of doing 40 other things as well…….
◀ LISTEN ▶
Facebook ▶ /Amandastjohnmusic
Twitter ▶ @amandastjohn_
