Meet Amanda McCarthy from Londonderry, NH
This smart fearless, singer/songwriter has a way with words that draw you in, and make you wait to hear how the story unfolds. Amanda’s approach is refreshingly real. She says what she wants to say, poetically, and makes the music she feels in her heart. The result is well crafted, honest and captivating art.
Amanda, who now makes her home in Hampton Beach, has loved music since she was a little kid. She says, “I wanted to be on Barney and sing and dance with the other kids. I was writing my first songs when I was 6 thanks to Britney Spears, but I started really songwriting with intent at 13 and playing guitar at 15…. I’d like to thank that boy for breaking up with me.” By the age of 15 McCarthy was already performing her original music. She was well past Barney and on her way to becoming an award winning, in-demand artist.
Amanda Arrives
It’s been about 2 years since Amanda came into our studio to share her original music. Her progression is clear, especially in the ironically infectious, “Folk Song”
McCarthy’s road trip love song takes us “On The Border”
McComments From McCarthy
- Describe your sound: Pop country meets alternative pop rock… a really glittery and sparkly pair of well-worn Chuck Taylors
- Instruments played: Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Harmonica, Hand Percussion
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Who inspires you: It totally depends on the day. I’ve written some pretty outlier songs for my style, but for the most part, my style ranges anywhere from Taylor Swift’s country and pop songs (both styles!) to Fall Out Boy’s alternative. I’m also inspired by a lot of local artists as well… from the country stylings of Annie Brobst to the rock flare of Flight of Fire
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If you are a band, how did you get your name: We tried going by a band name at one point, but after earning up so much of a career being a solo artist, we decided to just go by my name instead
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Awards/accolades: Made the nomination ballot (qualifying round before the announced finalists) for the Grammy’s in 2016 with original songs “Elephant in the Room” and “Bad News” – Winner of Cornell University’s Emerging Artist Series Award in 2017 – finalist in NYC’s Coffee Music Project in 2018 – winner and nominee of New England based awards from the Worcester Music Awards, Limelight Magazine and the Southern New England Music Expo
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All- time favorite country song: “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks. It has been one of my favorite’s since I was a young kid and my mom would listen to it…. but it really took on a new meaning for me in the past year
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Favorite country concert: Taylor Swift!
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What songs do you like now on Country 102.5: “Tequila” (Dan + Shay), “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” (Ashley McBryde), ” Love Me Like You Mean It” (Kelsea Ballerini), “Make It Sweet” (Old Dominion)
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If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Web/graphic design, social media marketing and music consulting – all which I used to do before performing full time took off for me
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Most proud moment: I was at a music conference in NJ and found out the extent of my songs making the qualifying round of the Grammy’s. I thought I was in the top 250 or so…. according to the man I met at the conference (one of the panel hosts) my songs were in the Top 20. I called my mom and cried, lol. Or as a mom…. I am always proud when my daughter sings my songs!
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Crazy that happened in your music career: I recently did a radio performance and had two people cry to my newest single, “San Diego.” I knew it was a good cry, but knowing my music could touch people so deeply meant a whole lot to me
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Other things you like to do: Writing poetry, reading, going on road trips
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Fun Facts: I am essentially a human GPS – I’m an avid fan of Canadian coffee chain Tim Horton’s… even over Dunks – I am the worst cook you’ll ever meet
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Mantra: “You can’t fit me in a box. I’m not a one girl kinda show, and I refuse to be something I’m not.”
Banda On The Run
- May 30: Bedford Village Inn- Bedford NH
- June 6: Revolution Tap Room and Grill- Rochester, NH
- June 7: Portsmouth Gaslight Co (weather permitting)- Portsmouth, NH
- June 8: The Log Cabin- Fitchburg, MA
- June 9: Full band ALBUM RELEASE SHOW – The Hong Kong in Harvard Square – with Three at Home and Carlin Tripp – $10 entry – 7 pm – 21+
McSocial
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
The Local Catch is powered by Shiner Bock, independently brewed in Texas, for Boston’s independent spirit. Boston is Shiner country!
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
