Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Reid.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and earned my degree in Communication Design from the University of Cincinnati. During college, I supported myself by tending bar and performing in local bands as a vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Music has always been my passion!
In 2001, I moved to Nashville and began working as a graphic designer for Country Weekly and Country Music magazines on Music Row. This fueled my love for songwriting and performing, and I began playing at open mics and writers’ rounds around town. I left Country Weekly and went to work on a project at the Methodist Publishing House, where I designed and illustrated a DVD based children’s curriculum.
In 2007, I decided to focus on my love of dogs, and I opened a daycare and kennel west of Nashville, in Pegram, where I handled day-to-day operations and all the branding and marketing for the business. In addition, i keot several freelance design clients. When the business closed in 2010, I joined Parade Magazine as an editorial designer, where I worked for the next seven years. I love magazine & publication design, and have realized it’s definitely where my interest lies as a designer. Music continued to play a huge roll in my personal life, so it was a good balance for me.
Today, I work for KHS America, a global musical instrument company that includes brands like Hohner, Mapex & Sonor. In 2019, I began writing and performing with Jill Sissel & Liz Ficalora. We spent a lot of our time during the COVID-19 lockdowns writing music, and wecontinue to collaborate and play live shows today. Songwriting has always been at the center of my creative life—it’s how I process, connect, and share my story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
ah yes, there have been struggles! i went through a divorce in 2010, and my business closed, so I had to rebuild from that. but i did – better and stronger!
Obviously, print design has become more of a boutique field, and it’s gotten more difficult to find work. Meanwhile, I’ve been learning to work in the world of designing for digital media and marketing – but my passion for design is still in magazine layout.
Songwriting is always a challenge, even/especially in Nashville! There are so many of us here it’s hard to be heard, but i persist!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love writing songs and performing. I’d say i’m known for dark, moody heartbreak songs. I love singing, both lead and harmony. I love co-writing, and am sometimes called in when another writer wants to bring some shadow into a tune. I’m pretty proud of that. My work can be heard on the Sissel Reid Band album ‘RiverTown’ available on spotify, and my demo tracks are available on soundcloud, and on my website – luckymoonmusic.com
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m open to collaboration on projects! I would love to get involved in magazine/editorial design again. And on the music front, I’m hoping to get a publishing deal, or find a gig that would allow me to do lead or backing vocals on a regular full time basis.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luckymoonmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amydept/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/areid1117/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/therealamyreid
- Other: https://coroflot.com/areid
