Amanda Jayne is a singer-songwriter from Long Island, NY. With upbeat acoustic melodies, catchy hooks, and clever lyrics, her music will keep you entertained as well as emotionally invested. Jayne released her debut LP Strike a Match in April 2016. Her music contains the flavor of Ingrid Michaelson, the complexity of Kimbra, and the wit of Lily Allen.
1. How did you get to where you are now as an artist?
The last five years of being “Amanda Jayne” have been quite the journey. I’ve developed a lot musically, which I attribute to listening to a variety of genres, collaborating with others, and practicing. I’ve also experienced a lot in my personal life, and those changes have inspired my art as well.
2. What is your typical day like?
My day-to-day life is actually pretty ordinary. I go to work, get some exercise, eat, and play guitar. There are some days where I get to do fun music stuff like jam with a friend, work in the studio, or shoot videos. I enjoy the balance, though!
3. Who or what inspires you?
People inspire me. They’re the most interesting and complex creatures on the planet. I often set my music against the backdrop of society and human emotion, and paying attention to how people interact is the best inspiration.
Amanda with the cast of the Bruising pt II video.
4. As an independent singer-songwriter, do ever get discouraged working in an industry that can be very competitive? If yes, how do you overcome that?
Of course! It’s the most frustrating thing. There are thousands of musicians and songwriters that deserve to be heard but never “make it.” The competition is fierce. I try not to think about the vastness of the industry and work with who I know and what I’ve got. My goal is to make the best music I can possibly make and try to spread it as far as possible.
5. When people listen to your music, what do you want them to take away from it?
I hope that listeners can relate their own life to the situations presented in my music. I hope that by listening to my music, someone out there feels heard and validated. I think the whole point of making music is to connect with others.
Fun fact. The video for Bruising pt II was filmed at the Pollock-Krasner House in East Hampton, which is where artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner once lived.
6. What's been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far was my debut album Strike a Match. My friend Christopher Reilly and I produced nine of my original songs to create a concept album. It was the definition of a DIY project, and I’m really happy with the way it came out. (Quick plug: Strike a Match is available on iTunes and Spotify!)
7. What's your dream music gig?
My dream gig is to play at Jones Beach. It’s an amphitheater on Long Island (where I live) that’s right on the water. It’s the coolest venue I’ve ever been to, and it’s a sentimental place because that’s where I grew up watching other musicians.
8. What artist or musician would you like to work with?
There are so many - it’s hard to choose! I’d love to get into the studio with Jon Bellion, Anderson .Paak, and Kimbra one day. They’re such amazing songwriters and producers, and they’ve inspired me so much as an artist!
9. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or creatives?
Just do it. It doesn’t matter what people are going to think - just make the art you want to make. Don’t worry about pleasing other people!
10. What's next for you?
The next step for me is to continue writing, and hopefully, release some new original music this year. I think, artistically, I’m ready for a second EP/ album, so I’ll be working toward that goal.
If you'd like to follow Amanda on her musical journey, you can do so here: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Story by Glodeane Brown
All photos provided by Amanda Jayne
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