What would be your description of your sound and songwriting approach to making music?

It’s different every time I write a song. But somehow I always end up doing the rhythm first and then the melody. I’m always trying to figure out what I want to say.

Who has influenced you the most on your sound and philosophy?

It’s so many through the years, but to name a few –  Nao,  Anderson. Paak, Kimbra, Little dragon, Susan Tedeschi, Cookies N beans.

What is your philosophy on writing that you would share or teach another writer

When it comes to songwriting – just keep on going, never stop. Take notes in every conversation you have, every conversation is a song.

What main tip would you share to any new and upcoming artist?

I would say trust your gut and go with the feeling. Ask yourself the question, ”what moves me”? Do your research, do a list of ”what kind of artist do I want to be”, what’s important to me?

Are there any artists in particular you would like to work with?

I would love to work with Little Dragon, Swedish band. I love their craziness and they are very groovy.

While on tour what has been your best or worst experience?

One of my worst experience is when I was doing a tv performance and the sound of the track wasn’t there, so just my vocal. It was horrible, we worked so hard with this performance. Another one is when I almost passed out after a gig, it was a summer day and it was very hot and the energy was high!

Any special venues or towns that you just loved while touring?

Yes it was the last gig of the summer 2012, we were doing a gig in Helsingborg in Sweden. The sound was great, we got big tv screens and the audience were crazy!! It was so much fun.

What’s your favorite recording in your discography and why?

I would say ”Widescreen.”  My love and I took a trip to my parents house and created a studio outside, we recorded guitar and vocals out there. In the song you can hear the birds.

”Sympathy.” Isabella Sjöstrand, Anton Göransson and myself we were in our apartment and we wrote this song in a very chilled atmosphere on our couch. We were talking about life and how uninvited you can feel in different crowds.

What are 3 of your favorite personally written songs?

It’s hard, every song on ”Let me introduce you to my thoughts” gets me. But right now my mood is Part of it, Twist, Sympathy from my new release.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

I would say Emotions! I believe that emotions could teach you so much.

What was the first Pop/ R&B / Soul music that you purchased?

Cookies N Beans, they are a Swedish band, me and my friend were playing their songs

What music are you listening to now?

Victoria Monet  – ”Moment”
Ant Clemons  – ”4 Letter words”
Partynextdoor and Rihanna  – ”Believe it”
Justin Bieber feat Kehlani  – ”Get me”
Little Dragon  – ”Hold on”

Desert picks: What are a few of the songs you just love?

1. Robyn – ”Be mine” (Konichiwa Records)
2. The black keys  – ”Brothers, howlin for you,” (Wixen music publishing)
3. She keeps bees – ”Nests,” (Gimmie)

What is your favourite song to hum or sing in the shower?

”The Big Bang” – Rock Mafia

What’s is your greatest fear when you perform or record?

I’ve got these brain ghosts when I’m performing, I’m afraid to forget any lyrics, that’s my biggest issue right now during live performances.

What is the magic for you in writing songs?

The magic happens when I find the groove against the melody.

What song would you like to be remembered for recording or performing?

My new song ”Part of it.”

Why?

I think the song has a big and important message. The song is about anxiety and I’m pointing out that my love doesn’t have to be apart of it.

What do you do during your daytime hours?

Right now I’m promoting my EP, replaying emails. And writing new songs.

Any thoughts on the future of live performances due to the current state of Covid 19?

It’s a very difficult time, many musicians are struggling right now. You have to be creative in this moment, a great thing is to do live steams. I starting to loving it, I think it’s a awesome way to reach out and you get to see the artist in their home and it gets more personal.

What are some of the essential requirements that you believe will help keep Pop, Soul and the Singer Songwriter style of music alive?

I believe that live performances is the key. So people can feel and see the artist doing what they are meant to be doing.

How do you think music has changed over the years? Is it in a good place?

It’s all about the listener, the audience. I think there will always be different levels, right now I feel like people are starting to follow more and more artists, but there are still people that just listen to hits only. I believe that people want to get to know the artists more and more and get a genuine connection. I think we’re heading in a good direction. I think there will be some changes, but I still think performances are big deal for the audience and the artist. It will never die.

What’s a little unknown secret about you that you have never really shared?

That I’ve got a scar on my belly haha? It was a hot summer day when I was on the beach with my friend, I think we were about 12. I was jumping into the water and when I was climbing up on the ladder, I hit the head somehow. There was something sharp that were sticking out from the ladder and literaly cut up my stomach. Luckily it wasn’t deep 🙂

What is in the near future for you?

Just to keep pushing my EP, marketing, promoting and doing live streams. My thought is to release the whole album this fall. So I’m working on new songs and writing for other artists as well. I’ve also been invited to be a guest on a special podcast coming out of Hollywood soon.

Amanda, if you were not a musician and artiste, how would you finish this line… I would be…

Helping people somehow.