The girl that I am sitting with today is a voice that you owe it to yourself to hear. Stemming from a genre that few acts can pull off, she brings every meaning of the word talent to the stage. After just releasing her debut album, Bird’s Eye View, she is beginning to hit the road and sing her songs for us. Sit with me today as I introduce a new song and one that I am sure will be around for a long long time. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Amy Kuney.
What is your first memory of the guitar?
My dad used to play a Gibson 12-string when I was a little girl. I always thought it must be so complicated to play! There were 12 strings! I was too young to know it
was only 6 notes.
What was the moment where you knew that you wanted to take a run at this thing called music?
I was around 12 or 13. Hanson just came out with MMM-Bop. They were from my hometown, and I thought, “If they can do it, I can do it!”
What is it like living in L.A. for you?
Busy! It’s a little tough to be creative in this city. There are so many interesting and strange personalities and surroundings. One can get lost.
Do you write all your own lyrics?
For “Bird’s Eye View” I did. I’m starting to co-write more now though.
Where do you get inspiration for a new track?
Anywhere really; people, relationships, break-ups, fights, arguments, movies, books; loooong drives in traffic. (Laughs)
Where did you come up with the title for your debut album?
Well, I moved to Honduras when I was 13 years old, and after that, I never saw anything the same way again. I named the album after my song “Bird’s Eye View” which was written about my experience moving to a third world country.
What has been the initial reaction been from your fans?
Good! They seem to really like this album which is great. I’m really happy with it, and so far their feedback has been pretty positive.
Where can I get a copy?
It’s available on iTunes, Rhapsody, and you can buy the hardcopy on: http://www.spinmoverecords.com/store.
What is the largest crowd that you have played for?
Probably about 1,500. I know that’s not a whole lot compared to the stadiums that many artists play, but it was for me!
The smallest?
My dad. (Laughs)
Pepsi or Coke?
Coke.
If you could be any cartoon character who would you be and why?
Lisa Simpson but she’s probably smarter than I am.
Any thoughts on a nationwide tour this year?
More like fantasizing. (Laughs). We’re working on it!
Do you have a job or is music it?
Music is it! I’m very blessed.
You have shared the stage with some pretty substantial names. Who has been the most fun to perform with?
They’ve all been fun to perform with, although having the honor of performing “Coldwater” with Damien Rice has been a huge highlight in my life.
Staying single out there on the road?
(Laughs) So far, yes.
What is it like working with Spin Move Records?
It’s great! They’re a small label, so our relationship is very personal. Whenever I call the office, I always get a real person on the phone. They’ve been supportive of me for a long time, and they’ve worked hard with me to
help me develop.
What are your thoughts on MySpace?
Honestly? I think people are gravitating more and more towards Facebook. I get a LOT of spam on MySpace. Granted I’m probably not “choosy” enough with my friend requests, but I notice the Facebook is a little more protective of people’s personal information. A lot of my friends prefer Facebook.
Describe your genre in one word.
Alternative.
Let’s say that you are offered a $250,000 record deal but it someone else’s lyrics and it’s a rap album. Do you do it?
Nope.
What would you be doing if it weren’t music?
I would probably be writing and traveling; journalism perhaps? Maybe living in Honduras and helping my parents. It’s hard to know for sure.
You were on a Macy’s holiday commercial. What was that like?
It was surreal hearing my voice on TV every commercial break (there were A
LOT of Macy’s commercials this year. (Laughs) My parents even saw it in
Honduras!
Do you shop at Macy’s?
Not often.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself touring more and more. I would like to have another album or two released by then. It’s really hard to plan ahead that far. Right now I’m living by the 4-month plan 🙂
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
I want to be remembered for having helped and touched people with my
story. I’ve seen a lot of things especially tragedy. I feel for the people who have been through tough situations, and they don’t have anyone who understands what they are going through internally. I’m hoping that my songs will help sooth and comfort those people. I think music is a strong tool in that respect.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me 🙂 Though I did say that I prefer Facebook, I still have a pretty active MySpace page so if you’d like to hear my music for free check it out: www.myspace.com/AmyKuney.
