Residing in Kansas City, MO, Amy Elizabeth is a born and bred sing/songwriter and musician. Surrounded by a musically inclined family, her childhood was filled with music. After pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music, Amy Elizabeth began performing with bands throughout the country. It wasn’t until a traumatic, abusive relationship came to an end that Amy realized her true potential as a solo act. It wasn’t her newfound confidence or classical training that influence her start as a singer/songwriter, but the sounds of her roots that she channeled from her childhood. With her debut EP “Roots” out now, Amy Elizabeth plans to release a full-length album next year. Stay tuned!
The “Roots” EP is a 4-track project that tells a story of Amy’s journey. From trauma to perseverance, to introspection and more, Amy is truly vulnerable and real throughout the entirety of this project. The title track and concluding song on the EP is more of an inward exploration about finding peace with yourself, despite what tragedies the past may have brought you. Amy’s ability to set the scene and to move from the imagery of the verses to the intimacy and central sentiments of the hook makes for something that manages to captivate on its own strength alone. Nothing fancy or overly flashy is needed to brighten up the energy of “Roots”, the realness of Amy’s lyrics work with the genuine vibrancy of the performance. It feels like a live performance, a moment of truth captured, with nothing to hide behind. You can hear Amy’s connection to the subject matter, and that makes all the difference. We can’t wait to hear more from this up and coming artist!
Check out “Roots” here and read more with Amy Elizabeth in our exclusive interview below!
Hello Amy Elizabeth! We're beyond happy to be featuring you and your debut EP "Roots" on BuzzMusic! What’s it like for you to finally be releasing your music to the public?
I’m so excited and nervous all at the same time! If feel like I’m sending my child off to kindergarten for the first time, and just want to make sure they have their shirt on the right way and their shoes tied.
The single “Roots” is flooded with articulate emotions. What feelings did you want listeners to be washed over with when listening to the song?
Roots is about life: it's ups and downs, twists and turns, successes and failures. I think many of us were told growing up that there is a prescription for life and if we just follow certain paths, we’ll be happy. The chorus expresses the anxiety of indecision faced by many when making a tough life choice. The moral of the song is expressed in the question, “How far do your roots grow?” Or rather, “How well do you know yourself?” The widow at the end of the song essentially tells us that life is full of many paths and that there really is no prescription for happiness. You just have to be firmly rooted in who you are as a person.
Is live performance something that’s important to you? How do you feel when you're performing? Can you describe the essence of your shows?
I make my living playing live shows all over the country, but I rarely get to play my own songs. When I do get to play my own shows, I want them to be uplifting and emotionally healing. I love words and poetry, anything that makes the listener think and reflect on life. I love the communal aspect of live performances, getting to be truly in the moment with the audience.
How do you think being based in Kansas City, MO influences your sound and artistry?
Well technically I’m living in Carmel, IN right now after having relocated two years ago, but Kansas City is my home and is such a diverse and culturally rich town. They have national award-winning choral ensembles, blues, folk music, and Jazz seven nights a week. I used to go listen to my jazz friends play on my set breaks. I decided to go for a more traditional sound on this EP, but the full album will definitely have some jazz elements. Kansas City’s genuine love for all of the arts is what makes it special and so formative to my own development as an artist. These songs were actually recorded in many different cities—we flew tracks in from everywhere! It largely has a midwestern sound—a couple of the songs have a kind of a T-Bone Burnett baritone guitar. Beautiful thing about music is that when it travels around, it picks up different sounds and makes new ones!
It was amazing showcasing "Roots" to our listeners, and getting to know you as an artist in the process! Any words you'd like to leave the BuzzMusic community off with?!
I’m just excited to share my songs and stories with your listeners! Thanks for checking out my music!
Check out Amy's Instagram for updates on upcoming releases and shows!
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