Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia White.
Amelia , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born with an antenna that picks up life pretty hard and heavy and light and joyful. All of it. Im particularly drawn to the shadows, and the subtleties that are everywhere. So I started early as a child making up songs, learning guitar ( My brother sold me his beautiful old Martin he acquired while in the navy – for 50 dollars- allowances) and writing plays. I loved visual art also, and I do remember my teachers saying I had a gift. I was amazed by the music of The Beatles, The Stones, Joni Mitchell. To me it was the world I felt I lived in just naturally. I love singing in church choir, and learned a lot about harmony and melody. For my life up until today it’s just been finding the ways to be this feely artist in a world that doesn’t make it easy. I’ve never felt I was the cover girl for the skill side of musical talent, but I trust that my authenticity and drive to make art puts me in a league of my own. In my twenties, I got in with a small theatre company where I enjoyed acting and writing music for productions. I cooked to make money for quite awhile until playing in the subways of Boston began to give me enough dough to squeeze by. And from there I ended up in Nashville…song city, and have made 9 albums w/ the help of labels, managers, angels, and kickstarters. I sell paintings, and play as much as possible in the US and abroad.. It’s often brutally hard and discouraging work on the business side, but I wouldn’t trade it. I”m working on making my tenth studio album now! Nashville has been a great home to share with so many other creative souls who have to do it, or suffer the consequences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The art itself has been a very easy road to stay on for me. Smooth isn’t the right word, I’d say hilly, exciting, lots of twists and turns, and sometimes bad weather. The business side has been a thorn in my side, but I’ve learned lessons sometimes the hard way. I do believe I understand more every day about how to make my life as an artist work for me. Sometimes success is not what I’ve thought it was. I definitely have to be true to myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love to write. Mostly that has come out in songs, but poetry is a form I love too. I’ve been fortunate to get to co-write with some really talented people here in Nashville, and I’ve sure learned from that. Writing alone is my natural place, and I have to pace myself and make sure I’m working on the tools of playing and singing and the business side. Left to my own devices I’d just write and mess around with melodies and words all day…haha. I love to perform also but I always question whether I can do it right before I get on stage.
Painting visual art is harder for me, A lot of songwriters in this town talk about writers block, and I’ve never had that but I can avoid painting a commission like an expert escape artist. I’m always amazed when I start and the magic takes over and I see what was created.
I guess I’m know for my unique style of finger picking and having a very distinctive voice. It’s a voice that’s not gonna resonate with everyone and I”m ok with that. I’ve learned to love it and use it the best I can.
I love touring with another songwriter who I mesh well with musically and personality wise ( the road is long ass hours of intimacy with yourself and the other folks you’re with) it’s fun to share the songs and back up a partner- I learn a lot that way. Im proud maybe more than anything of my perseverance and openness to finding ways to make life work as an artist. The art part itself is not me, it’s a higher force I”m grateful for.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Well, when it comes to co writing I like to choose who feels inspiring to me. I often ask people who say no in some kind of subtle way, so I never feel bad about letting someone know it’s not gonna be a good fit for me.
I have so many great players I love to collaborate with in town. I”m open to being asked stuff, but I may say no… that’s being true to myself is all!
If people want to support me right now, I have a kickstarter campaign going for about another month. I’m not sure if the link is allowed-but if so… https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ameliawhite/the-bells-amelia-whites-new-minimal-super-vibey-album
Other ways: Coming to shows, taking home merch, even streaming if you just don’t have the dough to spend. Sharing my stuff on social media, and just LISTENING!! listening a couple times so it really sinks in your soul, you have no idea what that means to me. If you like visual art, please hit me up for a pet commission or one of kind piece. Happy to hear what you want and see if I can render it! Paintings are a big part of the rewards in my Kickstarter. Every little bit of support however you do it feels like the universe telling me I’m doing something that matters. I make art for you as much as I have to for my health. Love and Peace to you in a mad world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ameliawhite.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ameliawhitemusic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ameliatunes
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/AmeliaWhiteMusic
