Amanda McCarthy has released a powerful and energized new anthem, bound to make you want to get up and put yourself first in life.
This Nashville-based singer-songwriter has already made a name for herself in the world of music and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Known for her incredible storytelling abilities and powerfully emotive vocals, this award-winning songwriter, entertainer, and recording artist is definitely one to watch.
Throughout her 10+ year career, she has received countless songwriting awards, released a ton of original music, and supported shows for musical legends such as Steven Tyler (of Aerosmith), Hunter Hayes, Train, Imagine Dragons, Hall & Oates, and many more.
Now, let’s take a look at her latest release, “Don’t Stop Me." This track is infused with Pop, Rock, Country, and Modern Folk elements, and we are eating it right up. Co-written with her friend, Ty Openshaw, McCarthy notes how this song took on new meanings for her after her recent move to Nashville in 2020, revolving around her complicated relationship with her hometown that she left behind.
Throughout the track, an emotive and dynamic soundscape circles McCarthy’s image-driven and empowering lyrics perfectly. Lush guitars and boisterous drums drive home an upbeat and twangy feeling to the track, while McCarthy’s powerful pop-country vocals ring out over top. Her delivery feels effortless, as she guides us through her emotional journey.
The future is definitely looking bright for Amanda McCarthy. This year alone, she is already looking forward to countless releases and performances ahead. We can’t wait to see what comes next from this talented star.
Dive into the captivating single “Don’t Stop Me,” available on all streaming platforms.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Amanda McCarthy. We are so happy to have you here celebrating the release of your standout single, “Don’t Stop Me”. We know that the meaning of this song has changed over time for you and has come to be extremely important in your growth and journey of moving to Nashville. Has it been tough to tap into such a vulnerable and personal experience releasing this track?
A funny thing happens for me when I release music about vulnerable topics. I get really uneasy and nervous leading up to the release, about the whole world hearing whatever I need to say and have been holding in, but once the song is released, it truly feels like an instant release and a weight off my shoulders. The same happened when I released a song called "Fusion" about being assaulted... years of pain disappeared almost instantaneously once I finally put that song into the world. I think the only thing I had to worry about with Don't Stop Me was not wanting people/communities back home who DID support me to think the song was directed at them. But logically, anyone who supported me knows they supported me, and as my friend said: "If the song makes them feel a certain way, they should think about why they are feeling that way."
Your love and passion for music and performing are extremely apparent in your releases. Do you remember where your love for music all began and who some of your major influences were growing up?
I have been enamored with music since I was a little kid, and whenever I was asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, I always said I wanted to be a singer. That has never wavered. It was a natural progression from Barney songs, to Disney songs, to the influences in my teenage years that really solidified my musical identity, including but not limited to: Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Paramore, Green Day, Mayday Parade, Aerosmith, and more.
Did you have a specific idea in mind for you who hoped this song would resonate the most? What do you hope listeners will take away from this song while hearing “Don’t Stop Me” for the first time?
I want "Don't Stop Me" to be an anthem for anyone who feels stuck in a situation that is no longer serving a positive purpose in their life. For me, it was trying so hard to prove my success to a hometown that often ignored me. But it could also be a bad relationship, a friendship that has grown stale, a bad job/boss, a negative family member, etc. If this song inspires even one person to make a change in their life (big or small) and make the decision to walk away, then the song has done its job.
What sort of atmosphere and vibe did you want the instrumentals and production to give off in “Don’t Stop Me?" Who helped bring the sonics to life?
This song was produced by Kristian Veech, who is also my real-life best friend, band member, and co-writer. I consider myself to be a multi-genre artist - I write songs in the country, pop, and rock genres and let each song choose its own identity - but I really wanted my first Nashville release to lean into Nashville's country spirit while also incorporating the pop and rock elements that make me who I am. I think Kristian really did a great job of finding the balance between all three genres.
What's next for you?
Funding permitting, I hope to release my next full-length album by Spring 2023. That's when I am getting married - and I have some songs written about past relationship qualms that I'm ready to let go of, ideally before the wedding. Fingers crossed that my team and I can make that happen, so keep an eye out!
