Tell us about your career, including your history, where you are from and how you started?
I have been professionally singing for just over three years; all because I posted a Kijiji ad expressing my desire to perform on stage. I was fortunate enough to connect with some genius musicians and act as the Lead Vocalist of a Jazz-Fusion Band, a Co-Lead Vocalist in an Alternative Rock, and a Backing Vocalist in a 9-piece Classic Rock Tribute Band. With the World taking the turn in did over the past two years, I decided it was time to take my solo career seriously. In 2021, I released my first single “ANGEL MAMA” and since then it seems, my childhood dream of singing and songwriting has slowly materialized. Young Amanda would be so proud, inspired, and excited for who I am and what I am creating.
I’ve always known this was my destined path, and I’ve finally accepted it as my truth. It’s surreal in every way.
Why did you decide to be a solo artist rather than form a band?
I think in the future I’d actually like to have a band that produces a sound that is as magnetic as I believe my own personal sound is. I love performing in the atmosphere that instrumentalists bring. There’s a feeling that holds me personally when everyone on stage is shining and playing as they intuitively and intimately know how to. For now, I am a solo artist so I can grow independently in order to learn how I want to walk in my own artistic shoes. The opportunities are infinite for the future.
Do you have any recorded music available for fans?
I have many pieces recorded, but most are still in ‘the vault’ because my knowledge of marketing and promotion is currently limited. “ANGEL MAMA” (my personal fav) and “It Goes” are available wherever people listen to their music!
How would you describe your music?
This is a toughie. I’m still stumped by what I create and how to define it. I guess since I have to, I’d say it’s alternative R&B, or hypnotic R&B. There’s influence of Jazz, Blues, Hip Hop and Soul sprinkled throughout. I like chords that are complex to the ear because they tend to heavily resonate with me, as opposed to the happy major chords that line pop music.
What makes your music stand out from the others?
I have a sound and way of writing that draws people in. My voice is my first instrument and my first love. Those who have listened to my music compare me to hugely iconic artists like Erykah Badu, Amy, Winehouse, and Billie Holiday. I’ve also heard in my Live Performances that people feel hypnotized by my vocal tone – I think that’s pretty stand out!
What do you like to do outside of music that contributes to their music?
This experience is inspiring to me to no end. I wake up and it is art. Walking downtown and I see graffiti with creative expressions or laying on a beach staring at the suns light through my hat. I write about the magic that is. This experience of sensory observation is the inspiration for me.
Name your two biggest musical influences and why?
I am omni influenced. Each era of music has shaped me and my own creations and tastes. I love the sounds of smooth jazz and gritty blues. But I also love the boom-bap 90s-style hip-hop, alternative rock, and psychedelic indie works. It would be impossible, and always is impossible to give you two definitives, because I am and have been influenced by so many.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
I write all of my music, and it is a pretty special process for me. I feel very connected to every verse that comes through me. Mainly, I write about esoteric philosophy, stepping deep within yourself, openness & oneness, and like I said above, the simple-but-oh-so-fantastical Experience.
What has been your biggest challenge? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Without a doubt, it was stepping into myself – as a musician, artist & creative. Growing up, I was programmed to believe that singing wasn’t a realistic life path, so I buried it. It was clear that I wanted to perform; singing in every talent show, play, and choir solo that I could get my hands on. I even went busking in downtown London when I was in high school. I just wanted to sing and write. It wasn’t until recently, in the grand scheme of things, when I truly understood that I have such a gift and unique style that does chyme with the greater majority. I’m a big believer in shaping your reality so I think all of my inner work snowballed into creating Me today, and will continue to do so.
What current projects are you working on at the moment?
Currently, I’ve got tunnel vision on my Vancouver Island Tour. I’ll be performing at a few venues and festivals this summer and, since I am not the strongest guitarist yet, I am practicing, practicing, practicing! I am always working on new pieces, tinkering around on the guitar and laying vocals down. My next steps are Vancouver Island and releasing more music for everyone to appreciate!
YouTube Music: Amanda Movio
YouTube: LiveLaughLoveSing11
Spotify: Amanda Movio
Instagram: @amandamovio
TikTok: @amandamovio
Twitter: @AmandaMovio
