Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a southern rock n soul artist/entertainer & songwriter! I’ve been writing since I was nine years old and performing my whole life! Since moving to Nashville, my amazing Almost Angels Band and I have refined our musical style, which is a blend of southern rock, country, and blues… Southern rock n soul, as we call it. The Almost Angels Band consists of Randall Scott Peterson on lead guitar, Sherry Peterson-Tenille on bass, and Shawn Peterson on drums. We’ve been rocking together for over 12 years and have a blast on stage!
How did you come up with your artist name?
Well, my parents gave me the name at birth… And it works! Ha.
How long have you been in the music industry?
I’ve been working my way up in the industry since I was a kid, then moved to Nashville after college to work on it full time.
How did you get started in the music business in the first place?
I was making up songs before I could talk, started writing them down when I was 9, and performed my first original at 13. So, music has always been a part of my life. After performing my first original, it solidified music was the path I should take!
How would you describe your latest single?
“Someone To Miss Me” is a very raw, honest song that I co wrote with Mark Narmore and Carl Holder in Muscle Shoals, AL. We were writing in studio B of Fame Records and when I brought the idea to the table, we ran with it. We tried a full band version demo, but it lost some of it’s magic, so we chose to make it a Grand piano/vocal tune! We truly feel this captures the song’s authenticity and simplicity!
When can fans expect the visuals for the single?
The single is out, with it’s single cover. The music video is going to be released very soon! Keep an eye out!
Who are your inspirations in the music industry?
I’ve always loved the “rebels” of music… Tanya Tucker, Charlie Daniels, The Judd’s, Hank Jr, Travis Tritt, etc. Marshall Tucker band is from my home town of Spartanburg, SC, so southern rock was always influencing me as well!!! As my musical tastes expanded, I discovered Janis Joplin, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and many many more! I really love musicians who are unique and push the boundaries and put on great shows, like Pink, Garth Brooks, etc.
How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?
I tend to write personal songs during emotional highs and lows. “Anything Less” on my Front Porch Rebel album is a good example. Nashville is very much a co writing town, so I get together with others and we throw out ideas, sometimes lyrics, sometimes melodies. We kinda ruminate over the different ideas and see which ones hit us the most. Then, as I like to simplify it, we make stuff up then edit it to make it great!
What is the concept behind your forthcoming project if working on one?
I’m currently writing a lot for a future album. The band and I are also working on a harder style EP for fun!
Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?
Yes. We are working to get back on the road! Due to covid, little illnesses and schedules, we took a little time off from touring. But, were are excited to be back on the road!
What did you buy with your first check off music?
This is such a boring answer, but as an independent artist, I’m pretty sure I used it for bills! Ha.
What are must haves when your in the studio working?
When I’m in the studio, I must have really positive, supportive people around, which is easy with my band. Obviously, lots of water & hot tea with honey, lemon, and maybe a lil fire ball to keep my voice hydrated! I also like to have snacks…I don’t like being hungry! I try to eat healthy, too, so when we’re in the studio for any extended period of time, I like to bring meals everyone can eat on!
What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?
My first guitar teacher, Mr. Joe Bennett, gave me the best advice when I was probably 14 or 15. He and his band, Joe Bennett and The Sparkletones, had a top ten hit in the 50s with their rockabilly tune Black Slacks! However, they lost their record deal because they could only write songs when inspired. He encouraged me to make writing a skill, not just a talent. He even gave me exercises to do to help develop songwriting as a skill! Invaluable advice for sure!
Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?
We don’t have anything set right now, but it’s always fun to collaborate with like minded artists!
What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?
I’ve had to pleasure to work with a few amazing musicians/artists! Artimus Pyle, drummer from Lynyrd Skynyrd, played drums with my band for a gig back in SC…. Tim Lawyer, former bassist with Marshall Tucker Band, also played a gig with us. I’ve had the pleasure of singing with the Marshall Tucker band, as well. I have also been blessed to work with some amazing world renowned musicians/writers in Muscle Shoals, including Spooner Oldham and Mark Narmore! I’m very thankful for the love and kindness all of these folks have shown!
Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?
I would love to write and collaborate with Pink & Lzzy Hale (Halestorm). Their music is edgy, unique, and memorable!
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
Hopefully both! Randy (Randall Scott Peterson) also co produced the Front Porch Rebel album with me. He’s so great at making memorable music to song melodies. I’m much stronger as a lyricist, so our Ying Yang worked perfectly together! I really think which is more enjoyed depends on the listener!
What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc…)
My guitar playing always needs work.. and I’m always working on it. The band and I have great stage presence, but we could definitely tighten our delivery up, which happens the more we play! We have so much fun on stage, though, that hopefully we’re the only ones who notice!
What’s your all-time favourite song?
One of my all time favorite songs is “Smile” by Nat King Cole! I have many favorites… for different reasons, but the beauty and simplicity of “Smile” definitely puts it in my top 3!
What was the last album you listened to?
The last full album I listened to is my co writer Mark Narmore’s “Thank My Funky Stars” album! He’s such an incredible writer, musician, and singer! I had to get a second copy of the CD bc I wore the first one out… It’s not available online! Ha.
Your favourite artist of all time and why?
Charlie Daniels is one of my favorites! He was raw, rebellious, sincere in his music, and he also put on a great show!
Whose your favourite five artists right now?
Oh man. Well, the top 5 I probably listen to consistently are Janis Joplin, Etta James, Susan Tedeschi, Chris Stapleton and Eric Church. I realize not all are alive! Ha
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
I feel Chris Stapleton’s music and mine fall in the same blended genre, so he definitely is really helping break down the barrier of boxed in genres!
Who have been some of your favourite artists that you’ve been able to work with?
Nolan Neal is one of my favourite artists I have worked with. He was hands down the most talented singer, musician, and writer I’ve known!!! His death this summer is still devestating to all of us who love him! Mark Mulch, Dave Isaacs, and Audra McLaughlin are a few of my other fave artists I’ve worked with!
How do you feel about the current state of music?
I feel independent artists are putting out more unique, creative, and daring music than most mainstream artists. Thankfully, the Internet has allowed more indie artists to shine!
Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?
All of them! From songwriter awards to mainstream awards, all are amazing validation of the music career that truly has chosen me!
What is your main goal as far as music?
My long term goal is for my band and I to be playing full time, surviving on solely music, while putting out great music that makes people feel something!
Who would you say your music relates to the most?
I like to think different songs appeal to listeners of all ages, depending on where they are in life, love, etc!
What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)
It’s not about me. It’s about creating and executing authentic musical experiences people can deeply feel… If our music meets that, I’m happy!
When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
I love playing with my two dogs, hiking, being on the water, really anything active! I also enjoy creating things, whether it be carving wood, building furniture, making feather earrings. I really try not to limit myself!
If you could work with any producer who would it be?
That’s a hard question. There are so many great known and unknown producers! Frank Liddell would be cool to work with, but I really want to work with anyone who hears music the way I do!
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
After years of developing our sound, six months pre production, and an amazing experience at The NuttHouse recording studio, releasing my first full studio album, Front Porch Rebel, has probably been the biggest highlight! It’s been amazing to hear the positive reactions, as well!
What is your dream venue to perform at?
It’s kind of a venue…I dream of doing a USO and/or AFE tour, performing for the brave men and women serving to keep us safe!
What’s the name of the last book you read and by whom?
Love Can Build A Bridge by Naomi Judd
What’s your favourite sports team and why?
University of Florida Gators football! I’m UF alumni and will always pull for my gators in all college sports!
Whose your favourite actor or actress and their best movie?
I love Zooey Deschanel! I fell in love with her as an actress in Elf, and I’ve loved her quirkiness in everything she’s acted in!
Name someone famous who inspires you and why?
Artists like Dolly Parton & Reba McEntire really inspire me in the way they are always adapting to be relevant! I think that’s so important to have a long, successful music career!
What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect more music to rock you and make you feel something! You can also always expect a fun show!
Where can the fans check out for your music?
http://www.amandapagecornett.com takes you to all my links!
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