Here at Beyond The Stage, we love an up-and-comer! We had the chance to get to know Amy Jack, a country singer-songwriter that’s about to burst onto the scene. We chatted all things music — influences, her latest track, “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats” and more. Read on to learn all things, Amy Jack.
Beyond The Stage: How did you get your start in the music industry?
Amy Jack: I’m still working on that, ha! I self-started my career; I launched my own record label from my futon in Nashville, this off-the-wall novelty song that we wrote, called “Overdrawn Over Christmas” with Don Goodman, who wrote “Ol’ Red” by Blake Shelton and many other hits. From my own couch, I called the big radio stations and would ask them to play my music.
BTS: How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
AJ: I would say unique. I aim to make it refined, rich, and rewarding for whoever is hearing it. I’ve been told I sound like Bonnie Raitt, which is such an honor to me as she’s a huge influence for me. Crystal Gayle has also been a huge influence on me as well.
BTS: Who are some of your musical influences?
AJ: Crystal Gayle, Barbara Mandrell, Tammy Wynette, Cher, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, and Olivia Newton-John, to name a few.
BTS: You recently released a powerful song, “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats.” What was the writing and recording process like for it?
AJ: It was fun and fulfilling. I’m very proud of this, but I can’t take most of the credit because my co-writer, Grammy-winner Dennis Morgan, directed this. I drove 10 hours to Nashville during the pandemic last summer. When we wrote the song, the riots and unrest were happening around the country. Dennis wanted to write about the greater good, inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s message about elevating and loving your fellow man. The song is about three people who lost their lives doing this. Producer Billy Dawson, I just love the job he did. He has incredible musicians, including my dear friend and talented musician, Dale Sellers, who I am always honored to work with.
BTS: Do you have a favorite line from the song? If so, which and why?
AJ: The title, “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats,” is about strength and courage. It’s probably my favorite line in the song. I love the message of having compassion and hope.
Listen to “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats” by Amy Jack on YouTube below.
BTS: You had the opportunity to work with the legendary Merle Haggard. What was that experience like?
AJ: Getting the opportunity to know and be influenced by Merle was unlike anything else I have experienced — he was my north star in life because he had so much courage like this song talks about. His father told me he taught Merle to fear no man. And Merle would give people the shirt off his back. He gave off this energy, his entire being, for country music, and I am still inspired by him daily. He was the greatest of all time and I’m honored to have worked with him and learned from him.
BTS: What are you most excited about when it’s safe to tour again?
AJ: I am most excited about getting to meet and talk to people. This past year has been hard, not seeing the ones we love and especially hard for those who have lost their businesses that their families have built over decades. But I guess the first thing is for all of us to be deprived of being around people. So seeing people that I am crazy about and meeting new people that are awesome, that’s what I’m excited about.
BTS: What artists have you been listening to the most during this quarantine?AJ: Merle Haggard, Elvis, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, and Miranda Lambert are a few of my favorites to listen to.
BTS: What does the rest of 2021 have in store for you?
AJ: I’m looking forward to recording more neat songs, already written by my awesome co-writers and hopefully performing! I have so many new songs in store I can’t wait to release to the world.
Be sure to keep up with Amy Jack on Instagram and Twitter.
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