AMANDA FAMA

Local Noise: Amanda Fama

—by Hal B. Selzer, October 9, 2013






Singer-songwriter Amanda Fama chose the name Here To Stay for her recently released debut album. The title has a double meaning, in that while it comes from a song she wrote about a summer love, it also reflects the fact that she intends that both she and her music are also “Here To Stay.”

Growing up in Barnegat, Amanda received a heavy dose of musical inspiration from both her mother, who has a beautiful singing voice, and her father, who played guitar in multiple bands. She often went to his shows, and it inspired a desire to be up there on stage playing as well. At the age if 11, she got her first guitar, and was soon on her way.

“At the moment, I play mostly solo,” Amanda says. “I have been performing as a solo acoustic act since I began, aside from a few collaborations that I have done with musicians for fun at certain local school gigs. For my new record, I have played on the tracks, as well as my dad and my producer. Together, we have the skills to play all of the instruments that we need to make the songs sound produced. I am currently looking for band members who would want to go full-time into music next summer to perform my original songs, but until I find the right people, it’s just me and my acoustic guitar.”

She and her guitar have managed to hit venues ranging from local schools and coffeehouses to clubs such as The Stone Pony and The Saint, and to venues in New York such as The Bitter End, The National Underground and Bar East. She also made her way down to Nashville, where she hit some of the clubs she was allowed to get in, being that she was 18 at the time. “I look forward to visiting the city again and playing more venues that will now let me in. I just turned 21. I currently go to school at Ramapo College of New Jersey and try to play at as many school events as possible, such as Oktoberfest and numerous Greek life events. Basically, I play anywhere from coffee houses to bars to showcases to school events.”

Musically, Amanda’s songs cross from simple, intimate voice and guitar tracks, to fully produced acoustic pop tunes. But they all have in common a desire on her part to be genuine and to tell a story. “That is what I love to do when I write songs; I love to be a storyteller,” she relates. “I usually start off by playing a chord progression that fits my mood, and then I start singing a melody. Melodies have always come pretty naturally to me, and once I have those down, I sing words that fit the melody and the chord progression. Once I have the basic structure of the song down, I go back and edit the words so that they fit the message of the song that I am trying to portray. I love writing songs late at night, usually past midnight, because I feel like you have so many emotions when everything is quiet and it’s just you and your thoughts.”

One of the songs that draws a strong response from listeners is “Daisy.” “I wrote the song about moving on after being in a relationship with someone who didn’t know what they had until it was gone,” she explains. “People love the line, ‘I promise you that you’ll find a rose, but I’m a daisy.’ It’s very self-fulfilling and gives people confidence to not settle and be the unique person that they are while in, or out, of a relationship.”

While Amanda is influenced by artists such as Taylor Swift, Jewel and Kacey Musgraves, a major inspiration has always been The Beatles. “I grew up listening to The Beatles, so I have always been really inspired by their unique melodies and chord progressions,” she states. “They are definitely my favorite band, and will always be.” Other groups she relates to are The Lumineers and The Head And The Heart. “I am really moved by their raw, yet intimate songs,” she adds. “You can feel their passion through their music, and I want people to feel that about me, too.”

That feeling is what drives her goals for her music and her career as an artist. “My music goals have been the same since I began dreaming,” says Amanda. “I want to be a successful singer-songwriter, and I want to perform my music for thousands of people all over the world. I want to touch people with my lyrics and I want to be a role model. I want to be someone that people turn to in their times of need, when they want to listen to a song that will make them feel better. I want to be a musician that makes people happy and gives people hope, whether it is hope about love or hope about life. I don’t want to be that stereotypical ‘pop star’ that makes a living off of a song that was written to sell; I want to write songs that will live on forever in people’s hearts and minds.”

You can find out more information about Amanda at amandafama.net, youtube.com/amandafama1104, reverbnation.com/amandafama and her Facebook fan page.












Tags: amanda fama, hal b selzer, local noise - The Aquarian

TAGGED WITH: amanda fama, campus celebrity, guitarist, ramapo college, singer
For senior Amanda Fama, there is no bigger rush of excitement than performing in front of a crowd. You might be able to catch Fama performing her music at events and fundraisers on and off campus, in classrooms, dorms, and anywhere else with an audience ready to listen. Fama performs a mix of original songs, as well as a variety of covers ranging from classic bands to newly released Billboard 100 hits.

Fama grew up with music—she even recalls going to bars near her hometown of Barnegat as a child with her family to watch her father perform. Amanda’s musical career started on her 12th birthday when she received a guitar from her parents and her father began to teach her to play.



Since learning her first full song at age 13, Fama’s career as an artist has taken off: She has won numerous contests in her high school, hometown, and on campus at Ramapo College. Her fame has recently skyrocketed, and she now has nearly 1,400 “likes” on her Facebook page. Fama released her first EP A Little Bit Different ) in 2012 and released her first album this month entitled Here to Stay.



Her Campus[QC1] was able to chat with Fama to ask her a few questions about her background, musical inspiration, and plans for the future.

Her Campus: How did you become so involved in music?

Amanda Fama: I got involved through my father. He has played guitar his whole life. My mom sings, and my sister plays trombone in the Kutztown University Marching Band.



HC: What instruments do you play?

AF: I play guitar and piano. Guitar was first, and I just play piano for fun. I don’t really know too much of the theory behind it though.



HC: What was your motivation to work hard enough to get to the place you’re at today?

AF: At a young age, I quickly learned that singing, playing guitar, and writing songs was my passion, and I was raised in a family where you should go after your dreams and not give up no matter what. So, with family support, I committed a lot of my time to performing, writing, and singing, and now I am just playing as many gigs as I can outside of school. It’s a big load, but it’s worth it.



HC: Do you have any set ways you practice music and write your songs?

AF: I usually practice really late at night. I'm not sure why. I think that's when I am most creative. I usually just run through a few songs. Sometimes I practice for 20 minutes and sometimes I lose track of time and play for hours. I don't really have a set way of writing songs. Sometimes, they are completely spur of the moment, and it will take me 15 minutes to finish a song. I remember writing my song "Angel Face" in ten minutes at two in the morning. Other songs take a few days. I’ll write the verse one day and the chorus the next. It all depends on how I am feeling and how strongly I am feeling about the song at the time. Most times, the more emotion, the quicker it is to write the song.



HC: Do you get nervous before you perform and how do you handle making mistakes while performing?

AF: I used to get nervous before performing, but now I just get really excited! I love the feeling before a show! When I'm performing and make a mistake, I just pretend I never even made one so the audience doesn't realize it. When you make a face or stop playing completely, it gets way too obvious. I just pretend it didn't happen and get back on track.



HC: What are your plans for after graduation?

AF: After I graduate, I want to take a few years and focus only on music and working. I want to play as many gigs as I can and keep writing. I want to commit as much time to music as possible and see how far I can get. I want to go on some college tours next year and play as many festivals I can throughout the summer.

Amanda has undeniable talent, an easy-going personality, and a growing fan base. She is definitely someone to keep an eye on, so hopefully we get to see more of her in the future! Check out her facebook page and her website for more information. - Phoebe Scholl of HerCampus Ramapo

TAGGED WITH: amanda fama, campus celebrity, guitarist, ramapo college, singer
For senior Amanda Fama, there is no bigger rush of excitement than performing in front of a crowd. You might be able to catch Fama performing her music at events and fundraisers on and off campus, in classrooms, dorms, and anywhere else with an audience ready to listen. Fama performs a mix of original songs, as well as a variety of covers ranging from classic bands to newly released Billboard 100 hits.

Fama grew up with music—she even recalls going to bars near her hometown of Barnegat as a child with her family to watch her father perform. Amanda’s musical career started on her 12th birthday when she received a guitar from her parents and her father began to teach her to play.



Since learning her first full song at age 13, Fama’s career as an artist has taken off: She has won numerous contests in her high school, hometown, and on campus at Ramapo College. Her fame has recently skyrocketed, and she now has nearly 1,400 “likes” on her Facebook page. Fama released her first EP A Little Bit Different ) in 2012 and released her first album this month entitled Here to Stay.



Her Campus[QC1] was able to chat with Fama to ask her a few questions about her background, musical inspiration, and plans for the future.

Her Campus: How did you become so involved in music?

Amanda Fama: I got involved through my father. He has played guitar his whole life. My mom sings, and my sister plays trombone in the Kutztown University Marching Band.



HC: What instruments do you play?

AF: I play guitar and piano. Guitar was first, and I just play piano for fun. I don’t really know too much of the theory behind it though.



HC: What was your motivation to work hard enough to get to the place you’re at today?

AF: At a young age, I quickly learned that singing, playing guitar, and writing songs was my passion, and I was raised in a family where you should go after your dreams and not give up no matter what. So, with family support, I committed a lot of my time to performing, writing, and singing, and now I am just playing as many gigs as I can outside of school. It’s a big load, but it’s worth it.



HC: Do you have any set ways you practice music and write your songs?

AF: I usually practice really late at night. I'm not sure why. I think that's when I am most creative. I usually just run through a few songs. Sometimes I practice for 20 minutes and sometimes I lose track of time and play for hours. I don't really have a set way of writing songs. Sometimes, they are completely spur of the moment, and it will take me 15 minutes to finish a song. I remember writing my song "Angel Face" in ten minutes at two in the morning. Other songs take a few days. I’ll write the verse one day and the chorus the next. It all depends on how I am feeling and how strongly I am feeling about the song at the time. Most times, the more emotion, the quicker it is to write the song.



HC: Do you get nervous before you perform and how do you handle making mistakes while performing?

AF: I used to get nervous before performing, but now I just get really excited! I love the feeling before a show! When I'm performing and make a mistake, I just pretend I never even made one so the audience doesn't realize it. When you make a face or stop playing completely, it gets way too obvious. I just pretend it didn't happen and get back on track.



HC: What are your plans for after graduation?

AF: After I graduate, I want to take a few years and focus only on music and working. I want to play as many gigs as I can and keep writing. I want to commit as much time to music as possible and see how far I can get. I want to go on some college tours next year and play as many festivals I can throughout the summer.

Amanda has undeniable talent, an easy-going personality, and a growing fan base. She is definitely someone to keep an eye on, so hopefully we get to see more of her in the future! Check out her facebook page and her website for more information. - Phoebe Scholl of HerCampus Ramapo

WOBM ~The Ocean County Breakfast Show
Interviewed Amanda in 2009 for about and original Christmas song she wrote called, "All I Want For Christmas".
WOBM featured the fully recorded Christmas Song on their show during the week before Christmas.
- WOBM 92.7 Radio

WOBM ~The Ocean County Breakfast Show
Interviewed Amanda in 2009 for about and original Christmas song she wrote called, "All I Want For Christmas".
WOBM featured the fully recorded Christmas Song on their show during the week before Christmas.
- WOBM 92.7 Radio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPZ00GxwDvY&feature=player_embedded - Stockton Radio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPZ00GxwDvY&feature=player_embedded - Stockton Radio

"Amanda Fama has brought her catchy original music to The Bitter End as a singer/songwriter for about three years now. Her passion while performing is radiant and her music can relate to a wide range of audiences that are engaged by her lyrics and melodies." - Larry Oakes~Founder of "Singer/Songwriter Sessions" NYC Guitarist for Foreigner and Bad Company

"Amanda Fama has brought her catchy original music to The Bitter End as a singer/songwriter for about three years now. Her passion while performing is radiant and her music can relate to a wide range of audiences that are engaged by her lyrics and melodies." - Larry Oakes~Founder of "Singer/Songwriter Sessions" NYC Guitarist for Foreigner and Bad Company

"Amanda is a musician and prolific songwriter that takes pride in her art and always brings 100 percent to her live performances. Her stage presence is very engaging and thoughtful. Her songs are well crafted lyrically and musically arranged in a way that appeals to current audiences. Amanda presents herself on and off stage as a pure and genuine artist and individual. Her performances have been well received and our regular listeners have been looking forward to her return. Each time she returned Amanda performed new songs and engaged the audience by sharing the experiences that inspired her new material. We have been so impressed with Amanda that we invited her back for our Twilight Songwriter's Series which is a summer outdoor bay front show with limited performing slots. We also submitted her name for Nomination for the Jersey Acoustic Music (JAM) Awards. She was accepted for Nominations for several categories by the JAM committee. It has been a pleasure knowing Amanda and hosting her original music. We look forward to her return and wish her well on a bright future that she has ahead of her. - Kishore of the Jersey Acoustic Music Awards/ Booking Manager Espresso Joes Keyport NJ

"Amanda is a musician and prolific songwriter that takes pride in her art and always brings 100 percent to her live performances. Her stage presence is very engaging and thoughtful. Her songs are well crafted lyrically and musically arranged in a way that appeals to current audiences. Amanda presents herself on and off stage as a pure and genuine artist and individual. Her performances have been well received and our regular listeners have been looking forward to her return. Each time she returned Amanda performed new songs and engaged the audience by sharing the experiences that inspired her new material. We have been so impressed with Amanda that we invited her back for our Twilight Songwriter's Series which is a summer outdoor bay front show with limited performing slots. We also submitted her name for Nomination for the Jersey Acoustic Music (JAM) Awards. She was accepted for Nominations for several categories by the JAM committee. It has been a pleasure knowing Amanda and hosting her original music. We look forward to her return and wish her well on a bright future that she has ahead of her. - Kishore of the Jersey Acoustic Music Awards/ Booking Manager Espresso Joes Keyport NJ

Amanda's Nomination:
TOP FEMALE ACOUSTIC ACT 2012 - AMA

Amanda's Nomination:
TOP FEMALE ACOUSTIC ACT 2012 - AMA

Amanda's Nominations:
TOP FEMALE SONGWRITER
TOP FEMALE PERFORMER
TOP NASHVILLE/MODERN COUNTRY ACT
TOP SINGLE/EP RELEASE - Jersey Acoustic Music Awards

Amanda's Nominations:
TOP FEMALE SONGWRITER
TOP FEMALE PERFORMER
TOP NASHVILLE/MODERN COUNTRY ACT
TOP SINGLE/EP RELEASE - Jersey Acoustic Music Awards

Amanda's Nominations:
TOP FEMALE PERFORMER
TOP NEW ACT
TOP FEMALE SONGWRITER - Jersey Acoustic Music Awards

Amanda's Nominations:
TOP FEMALE PERFORMER
TOP NEW ACT
TOP FEMALE SONGWRITER - Jersey Acoustic Music Awards

"Amanda has been building her live performances at The Saint for a couple of years and building a nice following of fans. Her songs embrace her audience to come back and see her songs grow on the historic Saint stage. Amanda is on the rise within the Asbury Park Music Scene." - Scott Stamper~ Owner of The Saint, Asbury Park N.J. 2012

"Amanda has been building her live performances at The Saint for a couple of years and building a nice following of fans. Her songs embrace her audience to come back and see her songs grow on the historic Saint stage. Amanda is on the rise within the Asbury Park Music Scene." - Scott Stamper~ Owner of The Saint, Asbury Park N.J. 2012

FEATURED ARTIST: FEBRUARY, 2013

“I’ve been performing at the “Singer/ Songwriter Sessions” at The Bitter End for a few years now, and every time I play it is always a successful night. There is always a great crowd, awesome friends, and an atmosphere that is unlike any other. Playing on the same stage as a countless number of musical legends is a truly amazing feeling, and The Bitter End has a certain way of showcasing the musicians and making them feel at home that is unlike any other rock club in NYC.” -Amanda Fama
- The Bitter End Singer Songwriter Sessions

FEATURED ARTIST: FEBRUARY, 2013

“I’ve been performing at the “Singer/ Songwriter Sessions” at The Bitter End for a few years now, and every time I play it is always a successful night. There is always a great crowd, awesome friends, and an atmosphere that is unlike any other. Playing on the same stage as a countless number of musical legends is a truly amazing feeling, and The Bitter End has a certain way of showcasing the musicians and making them feel at home that is unlike any other rock club in NYC.” -Amanda Fama
- The Bitter End Singer Songwriter Sessions