Amanda Case – Thanks for Asking!

Amanda Case – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.

RRX: Cover art is cool. It shows listeners what the artist thinks the album is all about. Because music can be felt visually. If you had to give the public a visual image that you think they would see and just “get” your groove right away, what would it be?

AC: Okay, let me try to paint this picture… The setting is the inside of a European cafe. There’s a small table in front of the giant storefront window. On it is a plate of assorted pastries, a coffee cup, and a book. If you look out the window, you’ll see a sage green bicycle parked outside with a basket full of treats like bread, chocolate, cheese, a bottle of red wine, and maybe a bouquet of fresh flowers. Across the street are colorfully painted buildings with small trees and greenery in front of them. If you look through a small opening between buildings, you’ll see a golden sun peeking through and reflecting off a body of water that exists just beyond them. I think that’s my groove.

RRX: Tell me about your most recent song, album, or video (you pick.) Tell me a story about what went into making it. Not a process, but a cool story that took place within the process.

AC: The video for my song Kissing Strangers was so much fun to make and included a lot of moments that were thought of right before we started filming. The pasta rejection, the burning note, the rose handoff, these were all things that we came up with on the spot. Everything happened so naturally, which made for an incredible experience.

RRX: I know when pitching it helps to tell someone it’s “this meets that.” So let’s try that with you. If you had to give me two bands that meet each other in your sound, what are those bands? More than two bands?

AC: Maggie Rogers meets Lizzy McAlpine meets Wild Rivers.

RRX: What was the very first reaction to your music, from the first person to ever hear so much as a practice jam or the demo of your first song?

AC: This was probably my best friend, Rachel. I had a very hard time playing in front of people when I first started, so we sat in my car, her in the front seat facing forward, and me in the back seat. I played my guitar and shared one of the first songs I ever wrote, but I couldn’t have her staring at me in the process. I think she liked it, but god forbid we made eye contact. I’d like to think I’m better at this now.

RRX: We all get a little support from those around us. And we also can be impressed by our fellow performers. Who do you admire in your community, and why?

AC: I am super impressed by Anthony Cubbage, aka AGE of the BEAR. I’ve been lucky enough to work with him on my last few tunes, and his ability to bring a song to life is astounding. His music feels like a warm hug on a sunny day. It’s just so easy to listen to. He also has one of my favorite voices!

RRX: A band is a business. A business of love, but you got to work for it. Let’s pretend, instead of a band, you all owned a business. What would it be, and why would it be good?

AC: I would own the little cafe described in the first question! I’d have pastries, muffins, cakes, and desserts on display. The menu would include coffee, espresso, tea, and delicious brunch items. The walls would be lined with art and bookshelves. I’d have a record player with a wide selection of vinyl for guests to choose from. There would also be a cozy bar and a few outdoor tables for people to enjoy an apertivo in the evenings.

 

Music Link: amandacasemusic.com

 

 

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