Amanda Cooksey - Photo by Natasha Smith
We had the opportunity to speak with amazing songstress, Amanda Cooksey. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Amanda! Thank you for granting the interview. Your music is amazing and we’re excited to speak with you about it. What can you tell listeners about what’s coming up in 2019?
Thank you so much! 2019 is going to be a big year for me. I am working on writing and releasing new music. I’ve been exploring a new sound that I am excited for everyone to hear. This year I’m also planning on playing a lot more shows, and hopefully, I will be able to do a little bit of touring over the summer.
You’re currently writing and collaborating with Nashville songwriters. Tell us about the experience.
Writing music is actually one of my favorite parts about being an artist. I love coming up with ideas and twists that my co-writers and I can put in a song. Collaborating with people in Nashville is a unique experience. It’s such a creative city full of so many talented people, so I am blessed to work with songwriters pursuing the same dream that I am.
You write from the heart. Your music is about love and life based on your experiences. Tell us more.
I usually write about experiences that I have been through or my friends have been through. I also write about the emotions that I am feeling. One of my most vulnerable and truthful songs is my single, “Girl In The Mirror”. When I sat down to write that song, the words just came out. I have dealt with a lot of insecurity in my life, and that song helped me through it.
Tell us about your songwriting process. How do you choose a topic to sing about?
Like I said earlier, I usually draw of my own experiences or things my friends are going through. A lot of my ideas come from lines or titles I come up with.
What has been your biggest challenge as a singer?
My biggest challenge has been overcoming stage fright. When I was younger, it almost held me back from even pursuing music. Luckily, I was able to overcome that fear in eighth grade when I performed in my first talent show. From then on, being on stage got easier and easier.
What’s the ultimate direction of your music?
I want my music to be honest. I’m not afraid to express the feelings I am going through in life. My goal is to just sing songs that other people can say, “Yeah, I feel that too”, whether that is about insecurity, bullying, or love. I also want people to know they can overcome their fears. I almost let doubt and anxiety prevent me from pursuing music, but I was able to push it aside. I hope this inspires others to go for their dreams.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
My fans can find my music on Spotify, Apple Music, and more! They can also check out my website amandacooksey.com for a link directly to it.
What are your musical icons/influences?
I have too many to count! However, I am really inspired by Walker Hayes, Khalid, Ariana Grande, Colbie Caillat, Carrie Underwood, and Kacey Musgraves.
When looking back on the production of your music, what resonated with you the most and why?
The last line of “Girl In The Mirror” always sticks with me. The line is, “Girl in the mirror, I forgive the things you’ve said cause people put these things in your head.” When I wrote this lyric, I wanted to forgive myself for picking apart little things about myself. I think the media portrays this idea of an unobtainable perfection. We all crave it, but it doesn’t really exist. Society sparks the inner critique inside of us. I wanted to tell myself and others that it’s ok to feel down about yourself once in a while, but don’t let it keep you there.
In your opinion, how could a singer make an impact on the world?
I believe that music in general impacts the world every day. A singer can make people feel something in the way they sing a song or the lyrics that they wrote.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose this career? Would you do anything differently?
I would choose this career every time. I always say that I would have started music earlier on in life, but I believe there is a reason for everything. Without my fear of performing, I could have never shared the message I want to share with the world.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your music?
I just want to thank my fans for supporting me. Without you, I would not be able to do what I love every day. I am very active on social media so come say hi!
Connect with Amanda:
Instagram: @amandaacooksey
Facebook: Amanda Cooksey Music
Twitter: @ACookseyMusic
Featured Image Credit: Natasha Smith.
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