Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda McCoy.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve had a love affair with the guitar for as long as I can remember. My grandparents bought me a little acoustic guitar for Christmas when I was four – that was the spark; the beginning.
As a guitarist, I spent my early years diving deep into rock and roll. I was completely obsessed! I couldn’t wait for the school day to end so I could get back to the garage and play my guitar (with the amp turned up to “11,” of course). After an upperclassman took the only electric guitar slot in our seventh grade jazz band, I took the only option that was left for me — the bass guitar (which I didn’t even own at the time). That twist of fate and decision truly changed my life — the bass guitar found me!
These early years consisted of non-stop practicing, garage bands, school ensembles, jam sessions, and bar gigs. After graduating high school, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethany College (Bethany, WV). While at Bethany, I studied extensively with Professor Pandel Collaros. The years spent studying and performing with Professor Collaros have proven to be the most important years for my professional development.
After Bethany College, I had my heart and sights set on Nashville, TN.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Are you asking me if I’ve paid my dues? If so, the answer is yes. Have I carried my bass rig up three flights of stairs to play a four hour show for $25? Have I played a nudist biker campground? Have I played on a gravel hump for the opening of a fast cash loan office while the drummer kept sliding back down the hill? Yes, yes, and yes. But I’ve also stood on the corner in Winslow, Arizona.
Instead of obstacles and challenges, I like to think of these as experiences along with Moose clubs, casinos, coffee shops, and honky-tonks.
Everyone has to start somewhere. Having had a variety of experiences has prepared me for anything and has deepened my appreciation for where I am now. I’m truly grateful every single day!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Since 2009, I’ve been lucky to call Nashville, TN home. Here in Music City, I’m predominately known for being a first-call bass guitarist, upright bassist, guitarist, vocalist, music director, and songwriter. I specialize in performing at a high level on stage and in the studio — all while capturing and supporting the artist’s vision.
I have performed and recorded with an array of artists and bands, some of whom include Tanya Tucker, Patti LaBelle, Brandy Clark, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jake Clayton, Rachel Lipsky, Clint Black, Alicia Witt, Chris Janson, Lola Kirke, Candi Carpenter, T. Graham Brown, Jordan Rainer, Tiera Kennedy, Jenny Tolman, and Sunny Sweeney.
From 2013-2018 I toured with the 1970s progressive rock band, Pavlov’s Dog (playing lead guitar). I’m very proud of the live concert album and video we made in 2016 called House Broken — which was recorded in Nuremberg, Germany.
I made my first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry with Candi Carpenter on July 12th, 2019 — and was also honored to perform two shows at the Grand Ole Opry for Dolly Parton’s 50 Years at the Opry NBC special.
Although I have made a career out of supporting artists — I am also a songwriter and visual artist. My latest single, “Magic House” is now available and previous releases include Jade, “The Rain Barrel,” The Hurt, Annaline Suite, and “My Gold.”
Currently, I’m on tour with Grammy, CMA, and Americana Award-winner, Brandy Clark, Jake Clayton, and country legend, Tanya Tucker (playing bass guitar, upright bass, and singing background vocals).
At the end of the day, it all comes down to being a creative. I love to make things. There is no greater joy!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
If I knew that I’d be a millionaire. Our industry is constantly growing and changing by the second. But I’m going to take the high-road here — there will always be a place for music. Hey hey, my my, rock and roll will never die!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amandamccoy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandamccoyofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandamccoylive
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjPkhqHQKYhvyI0wnoLledQ
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3PwkVKkyQ9WJotKYhLlTMK
