Hi! I really loved your release ‘Normal’ and find it absolutely brilliant. If someone hasn’t had the chance to listen to it yet, how would you best describe the track?

A: “Normal” is the story of how I did life backwards. Not wrong, but backwards, a little out of order… but I am grateful that I did because I wouldn’t have the beautiful life that I do or the amazing people in it if I had done it any other way. I chose to make this an acoustic-focused track to really just capture the spirit of what the song is about at its core in the most authentic way possible.

Where was it recorded?

A: It was recorded by Kristian Veech at Interstellar Sound Studios in Nashville, TN.

Do you have plans to include it in a bigger release, like an EP or album?

A: I am currently working on a fully produced EP, as well as an acoustic full- length album, that Normal will be a part of. Both projects tell their own stories with their own unique theme.

I’m interested in how you began your musical journey. Did you always know that this was your true passion?

A: Always. I was singing since Barney introduced me to music, and when I was 6, I was writing songs that I wanted Britney Spears to sing. It was solidified for me when I started going through things as a teenager – some normal teenage things and some more traumatic things – and music was the only way I could communicate and make sense of what was going on in my head. It helped that I also took an interest in the process of making a career happen, became addicted to meeting certain goals and benchmarks, and at some point I blinked and I went from being 15 writings songs in my bedroom to being 21 and a full time musician. I am 30 now, this has been the entirety of my adult life and career.

Your music blends various styles and sounds in a captivating manner. If given the opportunity, who would be your ideal collaborator and what is the reason behind your choice?

A: I would love to work with Hardy. He is a prime example of pushing genre boundaries (country/rock) and creating amazing music no matter what he chooses. That being said, you can hear his country upbringing even in the lyrics to his rock songs, which I feel can be said for me as well. I’d love to hear what we could create together if I ever had the opportunity.

What has been your favorite musical experience so far?

A: In 2020, just before the world shut down, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith walked into a bar where I was playing, and I had the opportunity to sing an Aerosmith song for him. And we ended up chatting after and I’d earned his seal of approval. I have been a lifelong Aerosmith fan as my parents are both huge fans as well, so I was always around their music. I truly believe it was monumental for me in the sense of me realizing, “If I can do this, I can do anything.” I ended up moving to Nashville five months later, in spite of the pandemic. March 1st, 2020 still ranks as one of the best days of my life so far.

Where are you located? Can you describe how the local music scene has influenced your sound in any way?

A: I am currently in Nashville, TN but my home roots are in New England, both NH and the greater Boston area. My time in New England’s various music scenes allowed me the opportunities to jump into and develop the rock side of my music that I am so passionate about, and there’s no doubt that my time in Nashville has strengthened the lyrics and storytelling in my songs.

If you had the opportunity to perform at any venue worldwide, which one would you choose and why?

A: TD Garden in Boston, MA and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. There would be nothing like getting to sing in such prominent home venues for me where I have seen many of my favorite musicians perform.

What was the first album you remember owning?

A: Britney Spears’ debut album “Baby One More Time” (which was also 6 year old Amanda’s karaoke song lol)

Finally, do you have anything to share about upcoming gigs? Also, what are your plans for 2024?

A: I don’t have any major upcoming gigs on the books right now, but my schedule can always be found on my website at www.amandamccarthy.com. 2024 will bring lots of new music, so make sure to follow me on Spotify, or on social media @amandamcmusic. I will say… next single will be coming out January 12th so we will be starting off the year strong.