What better way to tell our readers about the wonderful singer Amy Allen than herself.
In elementary school, I would have done absolutely anything to be a member of the supercool all-girl rock band called No-U-Turn, which was all the rage among my middle school. Considering my older sister Ashley was the drummer, I thought I might have a chance at sneaking my way in somehow; the only hitch was that I was still in elementary school…and oh yeah- the only instrument I knew how to play was the recorder, and recorders were not cool. But finally, the day came when No-U-Turn realized they were in dire need of a bass player, and that’s all I needed to hear. That week I got a cheapo bass guitar, some pink high tops, a trucker hat (?), and I was in.
It didn't take many practices for me to realize that even though the bass player is clearly the coolest member of every band, I only had eyes for the guitar. It was then that I started taking guitar lessons from a bluegrass banjo player named Carter, and starting writing my own songs. I had found my passion.
At 13, my sister Ashley and I started playing weekly gigs at a local Irish pub (Bull Feeney’s), opening for Carter’s bluegrass band. The two of us continued writing, playing and performing our songs at pubs and numerous charity concerts (such as Music for Mobility), until she left for college and I stayed behind in high school.From there I began writing up a storm and decided that for my “Senior Project” I wanted to record my first EP and give the proceeds to the Tanzanian Children’s Fund (which supports an Orphanage I volunteered at during my Junior year). The 5-track EP, entitled “Honey,” evolved into something much larger than I ever anticipated! I earned the title “Best New Act” and “Best Female Vocalist” in the 2011 Portland Phoenix, which was completely unexpected but an amazing surprise! In the fall of 2010 I spent my first few months at Boston College juggling classes and music. In early 2011 I wrote a song called “Neptune,” and because it won BC’s Singer/Songwriter competition, I got to open for Sugar Ray at BC’s Spring Concert! I mean, who doesn’t like opening for “IIIII just wanna fly!”- it was a good time. While still at school I also wrote “Lightning Storm” and “Oh, Peter” which were inspired by feelings of missing home and wanting to relive a more youthful, carefree past (not saying that being 19 is old or anything… J). That summer I began recording my second EP (entitled “Neptune”), which was released on May 25th 2012!
I also spent time in 2011 out in Los Angeles where I auditioned for NBC’s the Voice! It was a life changing experience that made me realize how important music is in my life. This realization led me to enroll in The Berklee School of Music, which I will begin to attend this coming fall (2012)! They have a singer/songwriter major! How cool is that?!Currently I am playing all over Maine this summer and writing as much as possible! In the last 9 months I have opened for Josh Kelley, The Wrecking, Sparks The Rescue and Jonathan Edwards which I was VERY excited about! Up next are opening slots for Freedy Johnston!
Hope you know a little more about me now and how I wound up where I am today; pursing what I love by writing down my life stories and singing them to the world!
Here is a Q&A we did with Amy Allen recently.
1. When did you start singing?
I started singing and playing guitar when I was nine years old (My first instrument was actually the bass!)
2. Was it your dream to be a singer?
I never really dreamed of being a "singer," but even from a young age I knew I wanted to play music. However it wasn't until high school that I realized the powerful influence songwriting can truly have on others, and how recreating my own life stories could help me draw connections with those around me. Ever since I released my first album (as a senior in high school) I have dreamed of pursuing a career in songwriting.
3. Do you write your own songs?
Yes! It's my favorite part about music! However, this summer was my first time "co-writing" a song with a friend and I LOVED it! Having the ability to play off of someone else's emotions and experiences while writing adds a whole new dimension to songwriting! Most recently I have written a handful of exciting new songs with a close friend of mine, Leland Grant, from Nashville, TN!
4. Who inspires you with your singing and songwriting?
I have always admired singer/songwriters such as Brandi Carlile, Patty Griffin, and Joni Mitchell! Their lyrics and vocal delivery are so honest and raw, which makes them incredibly easy to relate to. To me, that is the beauty and heart of great songwriting.
5. Where was your first performance? were you excited?
My first performance was at Bull Feeney's in Portland; I was only twelve and my sister was fourteen! We both played guitar and sang our original songs as the opening act for the Jerks of Grass! The first night I was incredibly nervous! I think I forgot more lyrics than I remembered! But we opened for them every thursday night, so every week it got easier and easier, until I felt just as "at home" on stage as I did off stage!
I have been fortunate enough to play at a lot of venues between Maine and Boston! But some of my favorite performances have been at Old Port Fest, Port City Music Hall, The Empire, One Longfellow Square, the Big Easy, Portland Brewer's Fest, Lobster Fest, the Frontier, and on a floating barge in Camden! :)
7. How was it performing at Lobster fest and meeting randy Houser?
I had a blast playing at lobster fest! Not only was the venue amazing, but the people were incredibly welcoming and supportive! It always feels great to share my music with new crowds in new places and I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity than the Maine Lobster Festival! And meeting Randy Houser was definitely a plus! He's an exceptionally talented musician and a really good guy!
8. What do you hope to accomplish with your singing/songwriting
I hope my singing and songwriting continues to evolve and change shape as I continue to grow up and have new life experiences. Everyday I hear new bands with unique sounds and lyrics that I never would've thought of before, which inspires me to keep working at finding my own sound that defines me as an artist!
If I could perform anywhere in the world it would be at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro! i know that might sound crazy, but I spent time volunteering in Tanzania (and climbing Kilimanjaro) during high school, and the people I met there were the driving force in creating and recording my first EP "Honey". While in Tanzania, I learned that music is truly a universal language that can overcome all barriers, whether they be racial, lingual, financial, etc. Just listening to the local music of Tanzania, and seeing the joy it brought not only to the locals, but to me and others as well, made me really understand that music can heal the soul and bring us all together, no matter our backgrounds.
10. Any advice for others?
My only advice for other aspiring singer/songwriters would be to just do YOU! Songwriting is all about honesty, and if you stay true to yourself, you will write great songs! It's something I work toward every day!
11. Spare time?
When I'm not writing songs or playing guitar, I love to run, surf, and spend time with my family!
12. The voice?
Trying out for the Voice was an amazing experience! I was out in LA for a total of seven weeks, and during those weeks I met some of the most inspiring, talented and genuine people I have ever met! It felt like a dreamworld being surrounded by people who share the same passion as I do!
13. Who would you love to perform with?
If I could perform with anyone, I would perform with my friends! I honestly can't think of a better group of people than the awesome guys who surround me at every gig! I am so lucky to play with Charlie Gaylord, Andrew Pelletier, Zach Jones, John Kumnick, and Sean Morin; they really are great musicians and amazing friends!
Please check out Amy Allen's site at http://www.amyallenmusic.com. Also, go to our facebook page by clicking here to see some more photographs from Amy's performance at the 65th Maine Lobster Festival on August 3rd, 2012.
Rocky Coast News is pleased to have Amy Allen as our latest "Musician Spotlight", where we highlight, promote up and coming musicians that have amazing vocals, sound, style and/or who are able to play an instrument well singing.
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