Amanda Sadler

Kingston, Ontario country artist Amanda Sadler has had a pretty great year so far. She’s released 2 new singles “Drop The Needle Down” and “Cross My Heart“. She was also named CMT‘s Fresh Face for the month of March, as well as having recently been selected to showcase at the CCMA Country Music Week as part of the “Diamonds in the Rough” showcase.

Classically trained in both piano and vocals, Sadler has taken the stage at the YGK Craft Beer Fest, as well as a debut writer’s round alongside award-winning songwriter Steve Wilkinson (The Wilkinsons).

It’s clear Sadler’s star is on the rise, and we had the opportunity to catch up and talk songwriting, inspiration, and what her fans might be surprised to find out.


Kat: What was it like working with John D. Willis on The Light?

Amanda: John is an incredible musician and producer, and an absolute delight to work with. He was the very first person that I met and worked with in Nashville, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to work with on my first project. Every musician you collaborate with brings out something new in you, and I’ve been so very lucky to work with such wonderful and inspiring people who have become dear friends along the way.

Kat: Can you share the inspiration behind ‘Cross My Heart’?

Amanda: “Cross My Heart” was a collaboration with Dave Thomson, whom I co-wrote the single with, and who also produced it, which allowed for us to really create a sound and vision for the single right from the get go. The song centres on the very universal experience of heartbreak at a point where a relationship has ended badly, but we wanted to approach this from a place of strength. I’ve heard people say that to be happy without someone in your life anymore is the best revenge you could ever get, and what better way to portray that than with the promise that they will never cross your mind again.

Kat: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Amanda: I fell deeply in love with songwriting because so many songs have had such a profound impact on my life: they can change your mood, inspire you, comfort you, and be exactly what you need to hear at any given moment. The biggest highlight in my career this far is without a doubt hearing from a fan that one of my songs has had just such an impact on their life. That right there is what it’s all about.

Kat: Who are your musical inspirations or role models?

Amanda: I gain inspiration from so many different people and places, but to attempt to narrow it down to a few: Maren Morris – huge girl crush. That girl is marching to the beat of her own drum, has started some killer new trends in songwriting, and has helped to open the gates for so many other females in Country music.

I’m also incredibly lucky to live in a city that is home to so many amazing musicians who have been kind enough to share their insights with me over the years – a few that stand out are the absolutely wonderful humans who call themselves The Tragically Hip. I continue to be inspired by their strength, artistry, humility, and willingness to lend a hand whenever possible.

Kat: What’s something your fans would be surprised to learn about you?

Amanda: I like to throw a Nicki Minaj song into my setlist from time to time.

Kat: What’s your go to ‘pump up’ music?

Amanda: Right now I’m loving “On + Off” – Maggie Rogers & “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor

Make sure to check out www.amandasadler.com for news, new music and tour info. - The Harlton Empire

Happy Wednesday! This week, our woman crush is singer/songwriter Amanda Sadler.

Hailing from Kingston, Ontario, Amanda Sadler is a breath of fresh air for the Canadian country music scene. Classically trained in both piano and vocals, Amanda has been performing since the age of five. With an angelic voice that surprises with a hint of edge, Amanda has a talent for creating moments both on stage and in her songwriting. She’s already captured the attention of Canadian Country radio and the industry alike, and it’s no wonder why.

Sadler released her self-penned debut EP The Light in August of 2015. Recorded in Nashville, TN, the EP features two radio singles, including the infectiously catchy “Nice Just Ain’t Your Colour,” which awarded Amanda a semi-finalist position in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition. In 2016 Amanda was selected to showcase at the CCMA Country Music Week as part of the “Diamonds in the Rough” program, putting industry eyes and ears on her once again.

Amanda has recently taken the stage at notable gigs such as the YGK Craft Beer Fest, as well as a debut writer’s round alongside award-winning songwriter Steve Wilkinson (The Wilkinsons). Sadler has also appeared as a feature artist in the Country 93.5 sponsored Country Music in the Park showcase. This year continues to be an exciting one for Sadler, having recently returned from a writing stint in Nashville, TN. Currently working with producer Dave “Dwave” Thomson (Lady Antebellum, Autumn Hill), she is excited to release some of her highly anticipated new music. Her newest radio single “Drop the needle down” just hit the airwaves last week, and we love it. Take a listen below:

Learn more about what make Amanda’s heart tick here, and keep up with her on social media below!

What is the first thing that you notice about a potential love interest?

Confidence – it’s magnetic.

What is your ideal first date/ what’s the best date you’ve ever been on?

I’m such a foodie, so a first date at a new restaurant or an old favorite is always a hit. You could say I’m a bit chatty (…what an understatement), so a dinner date is a sure fire way to find out if there’s chemistry right from the get go.

I think the best dates come down to the person you’re with, rather than what you’re doing. Who knew that dinner, wine, and Yahtzee could be one for the books? (And yes, I kicked his ass.)

What’s your instant deal breaker?

A lack of ambition. I’ve always been of the mentality that if you want something badly enough, and you’re willing to work as hard as is necessary in order to make it happen, you can be and do anything you want. Someone with a similar mindset and a belief in big dreams is a must for me.

What is the best piece of romance advice you have ever received?

Unless it’s mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it’s a waste of time. There are too many mediocre things in life, love shouldn’t be one of them.

Describe your love life in one word:

For me: passionate. For my family and friends: entertaining. - Addicted

Kingston-based singer/songwriter Amanda Sadler released a new single on 20 January, “Drop the Needle Down.” Following on the success of her debut EP “The Light,” Sadler is exploring new vocal and lyrical territory with her new song, produced by Dave “Dwave” Thomson (Lady Antebellum, Autumn Hill). We had the chance to ask her some questions about her new single and her recent musical journey.

How would you define this single in contrast to your first project, “The Light?”

My debut EP The Light really reflected a period of growth for me as a songwriter and as an artist, where I was developing my sound and my vision for my music. Looking back on that project, from nearly two years ago, it’s so inspiring to see how much I’ve grown and developed, and where that’s brought me to today. My new single “Drop The Needle Down” is very much a game changer for me, because it really reflects a time in my career where I’ve found my groove as both a songwriter and an artist, and my sound is exactly in line with the vision I have for my music that I’ve worked so hard to develop.

In this new song, at least, you seem to be exploring the lower registers of your singing range a bit more than on “The Light.” (Note: I’m envious of such a singing range!) Is that a conscious choice on your part, or more of an accident of circumstance based on the song?

This was definitely a conscious choice, and reflects some huge developments that I’ve made this past year vocally. I was classically trained as a soprano and as a younger performer was often directed towards singing in an upper register. However, this past year I’ve spent a lot of time working with an amazing vocalist and musician in her own right, Miss Emily, who’s coached me to develop a much more expansive range and tap into areas that I didn’t know I really had before.

Your bio points out that you were classically trained – what drew you to country music? What do you love most about it?

I get asked quite frequently why I chose country music, but I’ve always thought that it kind of chose me. My family listened to everything from Shania Twain to Johnny Cash when I was growing up, so country was very much in my roots from a young age. When I started writing songs around the age of 13, I realized very quickly that country was where my heart and soul were as a songwriter and as an artist. The first time I heard “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss, I knew that I wanted to write in a genre where a single song could make you feel so much.

You’ve spent quite a bit of time in Nashville now – how have those experiences affected you as a musician and songwriter?

Last year I had the incredible opportunity of spending a month and a half down in Nashville, collaborating with some amazing writers and mentors, and recording some of my new music. I can honestly say that no other experience has ever caused me to develop so much and so quickly. Working with writers such as Patricia Conroy and Dave Thomson was an invaluable experience not only in terms of developing my craft and learning the musical nuances that are essential in creating a hit, but also about the incredible importance of being fearless in your writing. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that rewards gained come from risks taken.

As your career has taken off, is there one thing that has surprised you about the journey more than anything else?

One thing that continues to amaze and inspire me is how incredibly supportive everyone has been in this wonderful country music family that we have in North America. I’m so grateful to the wonderful people who have offered their guidance and support over the years as I’ve developed my craft. It’s such a privilege to be part of such an amazing community.

What plans do you have for touring in 2017 with your new material?

2017 is off to an incredible start with a cross-country radio and media tour to promote my new single “Drop The Needle Down.” I started in Vancouver and worked my way back east through BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and eventually back to my home base in Ontario. It was such a fantastic trip and I’m so excited that I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with all of the amazing people who work at our country radio stations across Canada. I’m thrilled to keep the ball rolling with some exciting dates in 2017 that will be announced very soon – stay tuned! - Great Dark Wonder

Kingston, Ontario country artist Amanda Sadler is gearing up for a cross-Canada trek which includes a radio tour stop in Red Deer on Jan. 12th. Her new single – Drop The Needle Down – is set for release on Jan. 20th. The cut was produced in Nashville, and is a co-written collaboration between Sadler, Dave ‘Dwave’ Thomson (Lady Antebellum, Autumn Hill) and Patricia Conroy.

“I started dancing when I was four years old. And then I was also figure skating at a very young age as well,” she explains during a recent chat. “And then I started singing in my church choir. Then my mom started telling me, ‘You really need to pick one thing!’

“I started to figure out that the common denominator in all of it was music. So that’s when we realized that as much as I loved dance, and I loved figure skating, it was definitely the musical element that I was drawn to.”

Her folks then put her in vocal and piano lessons early on. “I started playing piano when I was six. And I absolutely adored it.”

Creative expression, however, continued to take on several forms during those growing years.

“I was singing, acting and dancing. But around the age of 12 or 13 is when I got my first guitar,” she recalls. And that’s when a gift for songwriting began to surface as well.

“So at a very young age I knew what my passion was, and I knew what it was that I wanted to do.”

She later moved to Kingston, Ontario for post-secondary studies and the artistic growth continued.

“I was lucky enough to meet a few musicians and helped my music to blossom, and they would take me to gigs regularly,” she said. “So when I graduated, it was kind of a no-brainer for me that this is what I wanted to pursue – it’s always been my number one passion. I’m that type of person that when something is a passion, I just go for it.”

Meanwhile, the single Drop The Needle Down is a perfect example of Sadler’s contemporary sound while staying true to the tones of country music, as she sings about catching a moment in time and reveling in that memory.

Although Sadler has been trained as a singer and could likely sing pretty much any style, it was country music that really captured her attention from early on as well.

“My family has always listened to country music, so I was very much raised on it,” she explained. “I remember being up at our cottage, and my dad loved Shania Twain. When she put out her Come On Over album, and it had a bunch of those really popular songs on it, I remember falling in love with this idea of a female singer who is just very strong and the character she portrayed and her in her songwriting. So I always kind of loved the genre for that reason, too.”

And even though her family’s musical tastes extended beyond country, when Sadler started writing her own music she found that the genre was really the best fit for what she wanted to say. “Country – that’s just what naturally came out, so things just evolved that way.

“It wasn’t really even intentional. But I had always loved country music and that’s just what I gravitated towards.

“Country is always where my heart found its roots. The story telling aspect of it is what I’m most drawn to, especially because I’m so passionate about my songwriting. So I think it was just a natural fit for me.”

Sadler released her self-penned debut EP The Light in August of 2015. The project was was recorded at Willisoundz in Nashville. The EP features two radio singles, including the catchy Nice Just Ain’t Your Colour which awarded Sadler a semi-finalist position in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition.

“It’s all self-written,” she noted of The Light.

This year has also proven Sadler’s star is on the rise, with her having recently been selected to showcase at the CCMA Country Music Week as part of the Diamonds in the Rough and continuing to garner the praise of industry professionals.

She has also recently taken the stage at notable gigs such as the YGK Craft Beer Fest, as well as a debut writer’s round alongside award – winning songwriter Steve Wilkinson (The Wilkinsons).

This year continues to be an exciting one for Sadler, having recently returned from a writing stint in Nashville.

“I have found that everyone in country music is just so willing to help you out and to lend their expertise,” she said, adding that being in Nashville was itself a truly inspiring venture.

Her time spent there was fabulous – not just in laying down tracks but in learning so much from others. “I wanted it to be a project where I could express myself and start to learn who I really was as a writer, as a singer and as a performer,” she said. “I just wanted to create something that I was really proud of and that I felt expressed who I was.”

Just being in ‘Music City’ was a joy.

“Honestly, when they talk about cities like Nashville having an energy to them, it’s completely accurate. It’s absolutely true. Nashville is a city that just claimed my heart as soon as I stepped off the plane there,” she said.

“There are not only so many amazing people to write with and to record with, it’s just so inspiring to be there in that city where there is so much history in country music,” she said.

”It’s an experience in and of itself.”

mark.weber@reddeerexpress.com - Red Deer Express

Hi Amanda, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Thanks so much! Busy pretty much sums it up, but for me busy equals happy, so I couldn’t be in a better place to kick off 2017!

Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Drop The Needle Down”?
“Drop the Needle Down” was the result of a collaboration with the incredible Patricia Conroy and Dave “Dwave” Thomson. I couldn’t have asked for two more amazing co-writers, and I knew within the first ten minutes of the writing process that I would be recording the song as a single. I was fortunate enough to have Dwave involved from start to finish, as he produced the single as well. His vision to bring the song to life was everything I imagined and more, and I couldn’t stop smiling from the moment I heard the first mix.

Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
I’ve always loved the idea that a song can become a memory in itself, and that it can become so encompassing of a person, a place, or a moment. “Drop the Needle Down” was written to reflect exactly that: a snapshot in time where a person and a song can become your whole world, and in that moment, everything else just fades away. There is certainly a romantic nostalgia to it that Dwave, Patricia and I all connected with in the writing process.

Any plans to release a video for the single?
My debut music video premieres January 20th for “Drop the Needle Down.” I worked with Tim Deegan on this project, who had such an incredible vision for the video, and who’s work I’ve admired for quite some time. Tim’s work captures the essence of the song perfectly, and I’m over the moon to share it.

How was the recording and writing process?
Working with Dwave and Patricia on this single was an absolute dream come true. From co-writing the single with both of them, to having Dwave produce it, I couldn’t have asked for a better team. This collaboration was a bit of a game changer for me, as it allowed me to really find my groove both as an artist and songwriter. I couldn’t be more thrilled that my new material, especially “Drop The Needle Down” is the epitome of my vision for my sound and my music.

What was it like to work with John D. Willis and how did that relationship develop? How much did he get to influence your EP The Light?
I’ve learned so much from every person I’ve worked with, and John was no exception. John is the first person I ever met and worked with in Nashville, and I am beyond grateful to have learned so much from his incredible talent and expertise when I was recording my EP The Light back in 2014.
I never stop being amazed at what an incredible process it is to be a part of, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped me to craft my sound and my music along the way, notably Patricia Conroy and Dave “Dwave” Thomson, who worked with me on my new single “Drop The Needle Down.” Each person involved in the creation of my music has brought something so special to the process, and to say that I’m grateful for their talents and collaboration would be such an understatement.

Does the new single mean we can expect new material – how’s that coming along? Any tentative release date or title in mind?
The release of “Drop the Needle Down” very much reflects a turning point for me as both an artist and songwriter, and my new material is exactly on point with the vision I had for my sound and my music. I can promise that there will be lots more music on the way to your ears in the very near future that I’m equally as passionate about. I can’t give away too many more details yet, but I can promise that there is much more on the way!

Any plans to hit the road?
Why yes, in fact I’m currently writing to you from an airplane on my way to Vancouver, the first stop on my cross-country Canadian radio tour to promote “Drop the Needle Down.” I’ll be making my way from BC all the way back to Ontario, with various radio, television, and performance stops along the way, and I couldn’t be more excited to get out and see everyone.

What else is happening next in Amanda Sadler’s world?
I plan to keep the ball rolling! I’ll be doing a ton of writing in 2017, I have recording plans in the works, and you can count on me releasing some more new music that I’m incredibly excited about – stay tuned

Read more at http://ventsmagazine.com/2017/01/20/interview-amanda-sadler/#rwM8kj0BVhQcQx3Z.99 - Vents Magazine

Tell us about your upcoming single “Drop the Needle Down”? You co-wrote it with Canadian Country music royalty Patricia Conroy and Dave Thomson (Lady Antebellum), could you tell us about that process?

Working with Dwave and Patricia on this single was an absolute dream come true. They have been two of my biggest inspirations as writers for years now, and two people that I look up to most in the industry. A co-write with them is full of laughs, inspiration, and some seriously thought-provoking ideas flying around. I consider myself a sponge when I write with them – I try to soak up as much as possible from their incredible technique and talent.

I was incredibly lucky to have Dwave involved in both the writing and recording process for “Drop the Needle Down,” as he produced the single as well. In my eyes, this made a world of a difference, and his vision to bring the song to life was everything I could have hoped it to be. There was a smile plastered on my face from the moment I heard the first mix.

You have a video coming out to accompany the new single, can you give Countrified Canada readers any hints on what we can expect to see?

Tim Deegan did such a beautiful job with the video, and his vision was everything I could have hoped for and more for my debut video. The single evokes a certain romantic nostalgia surrounding a snapshot in time where your whole world can revolve around a single person and a song, and I think the video encompasses that perfectly. I’ll leave the hints at that, and let you all get the full experience on January 20th when the video is officially released.

You are a classically trained pianist and vocalist, what made you lean toward Country music?

I like to think that I didn’t really choose Country music, but rather that it chose me. My family has always listened to Country, and I grew up hearing everything from Johnny Cash to Shania Twain. When I began song writing at a young age, my writing naturally seemed to gravitate towards Country. I can clearly remember that the first time I heard “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss, I knew that I wanted to sing and write music that could evoke that much emotion in a single song. I was hooked.

How would you define your musical style?

Contemporary Country with pop and roots influences.

Fun Facts

First song you learned to sing?

Other than the usual nursery rhymes, it had to be the soundtrack to the Little Mermaid. Ariel’s rockin’ red hair was an inspiration from the get go.

Favourite clothing item?

Black thigh high-heeled boots. Them boots were made for performing in.

Most admired Canadian artist?

Brett Kissel – that guy knows how to rock a crowd and run a business. Serious props.

Dream duet partner?

Maren Morris.

Favourite beauty product?

Benefit Bad Gal Mascara.




January 20, 2017 - Countrified Canada

Amanda Sadler dropped her brand new single, "Drop the Needle Down" on Friday, January 20, following her 2015 EP, The Light. I had a chance to catch up with Amanda to learn all about the music that she grew up on, and the music inspiring her own songs currently.

First album you ever bought?
I’m a 90’s baby, so it was either the Backstreet Boys' self-titled album or Hanson’s MMMBop. What can I say; boy bands were all the rage!

Artists you listened to growing up?
I listened to so many different styles of music growing up, ranging from Shania Twain to Queen to The Fray to Johnny Cash. I’ve always had a very deep appreciation for different genres of music and the technique and talent required to excel in each, and certainly learned a lot from listening to such a wide variety of music.

All-time favorite song?
Oh gosh, could you ask a harder question? I don’t think I could even begin to narrow it down to one song, but I can say that “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss was the song that made me want to write country music.…I’ve also been known to get pretty darn excited if “Hey Ya” by Outkast comes on.

All-time favorite album?
Maren Morris’ "Hero" may have just topped my charts. As a writer and a performer, I’ve got some serious respect for that girl.

What music influenced the creation of your debut EP, The Light?
Writing and recording my debut EP, The Light, was very much a journey for me learning what my style was as a songwriter and what my sound was as an artist. At the time, I was very influenced by artists and bands such as Lindi Ortega and Little Big Town, and definitely by some Americana and Roots artists, such as Jason Isbell. It very much reflected a time where I was discovering who I was both as a songwriter and an artist, and it’s inspiring to look back at that project from nearly 2 years ago now and reflect on how much I’ve grown and developed my sound and vision to where I am today.

What music influenced your brand new single, “Drop The Needle Down?”
“Drop The Needle Down” wasn’t really influenced by any artist or band in particular; in fact, it was just the opposite. My approach to writing, especially in the past year, has very much been coloured by the drive to create a unique sound, so the single was really only crafted with the influence of myself and my two incredible co-writers, Patricia Conroy and Dave Thomson, along with Dave’s unbelievable talent as a producer to create a sound that is so encompassing of an artist’s vision. - Queens of Country

Sarah had the chance to sit down with Amanda Sadler to discuss her latest single, “Drop the Needle.” The two also discussed her love for writing songs, incredible artist collaborations, as well as her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say.

SM: Congrats on the new single dropping next week. Did you write this song yourself?
AS: No, actually it was a co-write between myself and Patricia Conroy and Dave Thomson. They’re fantastic and they’ve been two of the top names on my list to write with for some time now, so this has been such a wonderful experience.

SM: Do you prefer collaborating, or do you find that your creative juices flow better when you write on your own?
AS: You know what? I love both for different reasons. There are some songs that I’ve written on my own. In fact, the first EP that I released was completely self-written. So it’s a great opportunity to really develop your sound because it’s just you working on the project. So it’s a great way to stick to your own vision of what you want to sound like. On the other hand, I believe that you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with and so collaboration and co-writes are another way to grow and learn as a songwriter. Especially getting to work with Patricia and Dave. I consider myself a sponge around them!

SM: I read that you got to work with John D. Willis in Nashville, what was that like?
AS: He’s great, and such a sweetheart! He’s actually the first person I worked with down in Nashville. A good friend of mine, Rob Carnegy set me up to work with him, as John produced some of his work previously. So that was the first time I had ever gone down to Nashville on a plane by myself to this new city. I decided to record three song with John, which eventually turned into a six sing EP because he was so wonderful. He’s such an amazing person for all the work he’s done, and all of the amazing people he’s worked with. You couldn’t meet a more kind and humble person. It was really great to work on that project with him as a developing artist. He’s such an amazing person to learn from and work with.

SM: Are you working on a full-length album at this point?
AS: I can’t give too many details away at this point as to what I am working on yet. But I am so excited with the new music I’ve been working on. I’m so passionate about the sound I’ve created. I can tell you that there will be a lot of music released soon, just can’t give too many details away at this point.

SM: I know that you’re classically trained in various instruments, so with that in mind, was Country always a genre you wanted to work in?
AS: It’s funny, I get asked a lot about the classical training and I am so grateful for it, especially as a singwriter it really gave me the tools I needed to understand the technique behind songwriting, and performing and all of those aspects. My family always listened to country music, from Shania Twain to Johnny Cash. I was very much raised on it, so it was in my roots from the very beginning. When I started songwriting around the age of 12 or 13, it kind of just came out country. People always ask why I chose country, and it was more like country chose me in a way. I remember the first time I heard the song, “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss. I was just hooked on this idea of writing in this genre where a single song could make you feel so much. So it kind of a moment of no looking back at that point.

SM: Who were some people who influenced you musically, be it growing up or even now in your career?
AS: Honestly, I’ve been the type of person to listen to so many different styles of music. In terms of Canadian music, Brett Kissel is definitely someone I’ve looked up to for some time. He knows how to rocka crowd, but he’s someone who is so incredibily humble in everything he does. Another artist is Lindi Ortega. What she is doing right now is so unique and so different with her music, and something I want to aspre to. She’s really paving her own way, which can be hard at times, but can be so rewarding when it works.

SM: What are your plans for summer tours and working the festival circuit?
AS: I’m working to promote the new single and new music video being made in the near future with the hopes of getting onto a few things on the go, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Author: Sarah MacDonald
Sarah@thedailymusician.com - The Daily Musician

Country music starlet, Amanda Sadler, is on the rise. Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Sadler was the next big thing after the release of her debut EP, The Light. Her angelic and romantic style quickly caught on to listeners, as she got the opportunity to perform at the CCMA Country Music Week earlier this year. The Permanent Rain Press had the opportunity to chat with her about her new EP, writing style, and recent writing stint in Nashville.

Congrats on dropping your newest single, “Drop the Needle Down.” What’s the story behind the song?

Thanks so much! “Drop the Needle Down” was written around a feeling of romantic nostalgia, where a single song and a single person can become your whole world, and in that moment everything else just fades away. I’ve always loved that a song can become a memory in itself, and “Drop the Needle Down” is exactly that – a song that brings you to a snapshot in time.

This track brings out your unique contemporary tone more than your debut EP, The Light, does. Where do you see your sound headed?

This last year represented a huge turning point for me because I feel like I’ve finally found my groove as both an artist and a writer. I’m exactly where I want to be with my sound and with the vision that I had for my music. Working with Dave “Dwave” Thomson as my producer has been such a big factor in creating this sound, and I’m beyond excited to keep making music that I’m equally as passionate about.

You are classically trained in both piano and vocals. How has that influenced your musical style?

Big shout out to Mom and Dad for putting me in piano at such a young age! The one thing that I love about being able to write on both piano and guitar is that it allows me to shift gears in my songwriting and approach a song from a very different angle, which has been invaluable to my creative process.

Being classically trained in vocals is something that I’m so grateful for for so many reasons, but especially because it’s given me such a profound respect for different genres and the techniques required to sing different styles of music. Having a deep respect for so many different styles of singing has made me appreciate Country as a genre so much more, and the techniques required to excel in it.

Where do your strengths lie in songwriting?

When I first began songwriting at the tender age of 13, I was very much a lyrics-focused writer. I’ve always been fascinated with words and the immense power that a single word can portray. However, over this last year in particular, I’ve had the opportunity to write with some of the most incredible people and writers a girl could hope to collaborate with, and I’ve learned so much about melody and the little musical nuances that can craft a hit. I no longer separate lyrics and melody in my mind – rather they’ve become somewhat of a single entity where I can’t create one without the other strongly influencing its every direction. This has definitely been a standout year for developing my craft.

You mentioned in a previous interview that you try your best to write lyrics without clichés. How do you write a song without clichés, especially a love song?

This certainly isn’t an easy task, but it’s something that gets easier the more I write. When they say songwriting is like exercising a muscle, that’s completely true. Learning how to write a song without clichés can come down to a multitude of things: practicing your craft, writing with people who truly help to inspire you, and especially being able to write without the fear of saying the world’s stupidest thing. Some of the best lines I’ve written have been crafted with a hesitation of not knowing whether it was a fantastic or a disastrous idea. I think what it comes down to is this: the willingness to take risks in your writing.

You also mentioned that you admire artists who are willing to take risks with their music. Have you tried taking risks of your own? Did those risks pay off?

Taking risks is 100% how I’ve gotten to where I am today (along with alot of guidance and help from some incredible people). I believe in taking risks wholeheartedly, and that anything I’m passionate about is worth taking a risk for, whether that’s in my writing, performing, or running my music as a business. I truly believe that in order to create or discover something great, it requires stepping outside of your comfort zone.

You recently got the opportunity to go to Nashville for a writing trip, where you worked with numerous songwriters and mentors. What were some key lessons you took away?

Working with Patricia Conroy and Dave “Dwave” Thomson on my new single “Drop the Needle Down” has been one of the most rewarding and game changing experiences in my music career thus far. I think that as an artist, one of the most important decisions you can make is who you surround yourself with, and I’m so incredibly grateful for the amazing team that has been on board for this release. Working with these incredible songwriters and mentors has taught me so much, but one of the biggest things I took away from my most recent writing trip was to never hesitate, never question my ideas, and to put it all on the line. Rewards gained come from risks taken.

You’re doing a lot of co-writing in your songwriting process these days. How do you make sure you stay true to your message and sound when working with another writer?

Being both an artist and a songwriter is so rewarding because it allows me to create material both for myself and for other artists as well, allowing me to write such a wide variety of music. The beauty in that is that not every song that I write has to be for me. Sometimes a great song is just a great song and might be meant for someone else to sing it.

I’m always thrilled to write with as many other songwriters as possible, as you can learn so much from every person you work with, no matter who that song might be for. When I find a writer that jives with the vision that I have for my sound and music – that’s magical. I was so lucky to find that in the collaboration that led to “Drop the Needle Down.”

What’s next for you in 2017?

I’m over the moon to release my new single “Drop the Needle Down” to kick off 2017, followed by a cross-country Canadian radio tour. I will also be premiering my debut music video for the single, directed by Tim Deegan, who had such a phenomenal vision for this video. To say I’m thrilled to share it with everyone would be quite the understatement.

And lastly, our signature question, if you could be any ice cream flavour, which would you be and why?

Bourbon Salted Pecan. Strong, sweet, salty, and not something you see everyday.

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Thank you to Amanda Sadler for the interview! For more information on the singer-songwriter, visit her website. - The Permanent Rain Press