Nothing but wild for Amy Sheppard
Amy Sheppard is taking a break from trio life with the country-pop star going solo for a while. Amy’s latest single ‘Blue Guitar’ is the second taste of Amy’s forthcoming debut EP, ‘Nothing But Wild’ which is due for release on the 16th of September and will see the Queensland born Singer/Songwriter hitting the road for a bunch of launch shows. We stole some of Amy’s prep time to ask her about her new way of thinking about self image, the new musical direction she is taking, and the pro’s and con’s of going solo.
For those that haven’t heard your solo music before, how are you describing the Amy Sheppard sound?
Sonically, It’s a blend of country and pop. I grew up listening to country music but my career thus far has taken me down the pop music route. I have melded what I’ve learnt from both worlds by incorporating big anthemic melodies and a mix of both live and midi instruments.
Your new song 'Blue Guitar' is out now, what was the inspiration for the new song?
It’s a nod to the 90’s country/pop ballad queens I grew up listening to such as Shania Twain, Faith Hill and LeAnn Rimes. I really tried to lean into the storytelling with this one.
What does the song mean to you? what do you hope the listener takes away from the song?
Blue Guitar was the first country pop song I wrote for this project. It’s the song which sparked this whole country music journey for me. I hope listeners are transported into the story through the lyrics' haunting melodies.
“I’m still very much a part of Sheppard and will now be juggling two music careers. ”
'Blue Guitar' is your second release from your solo debut, was going out on your own always part of your grand plan?
I’ve always had a soft spot for country and have often been told “That’s too country sounding” in writing or recording sessions. It’s something that has been in the back of my mind for a long time and I’ve finally run out of reasons why I shouldn’t go for it. I will state that I’m still very much a part of Sheppard and will now be juggling two music careers.
Who came up with the concept for the 'Blue Guitar' video? were there any memorable or special moments during the making of it?
The Blue Guitar music video concept, again, is a nod to the 90’s Ballad. When discussing ideas with my team, we wanted to make sure the music video was a modern version of something you would have seen on the music channels back then. We shot at the Princess Theater in Brisbane and it’s mostly a performance piece with gorgeous lighting.
What are the pro's and con's of now being a solo artist?
Pro’s: I’m learning a ton, especially about who I am as an artist without my siblings.
Con’s: It’s all on me! Things are getting very busy and some days can feel very stressful.
Who would be your ultimate Collab Partner be for your new solo country sound?
Wow. Big question with many answers. Dolly Parton would be my number one dream but I’d also love to work with the likes of Kasey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini.
“Fans can expect to discover a new part of Amy Sheppard”
Your debut solo album 'Nothing But Wild' is out on the 16th of September. What can fans expect from the album?
The 6 track EP is my first collection of songs to be released to the public. Fans can expect to discover a new part of Amy Sheppard that they may not have heard in my time as Sheppard. The song themes range from classic love songs to self-empowerment.
What challenges did you face, if any, in doing an EP by yourself?
For the EP, the biggest challenge was the Pandemic. I wrote most of these songs pre-pandemic and it obviously put a huge handbrake on the whole project. I didn’t want to rush things or do them when the whole world was on hold. Once I had come back to working on the project I realized I wanted to revamp or re-record most of the songs. That was a huge challenge but I’m glad I took the extra time.
“I wanted fans to feel as though they were close and that it was a one-off very intimate event. ”
Your launch show is happening on release day at Lefty's Music Hall. Does this venue hold a special place in your heart? What made you decide that Lefty's was the place to showcase the album to the public for the first time?
Lefty’s is an iconic Brisbane music venue. I used to go there often to watch live music. More recently, I shot the music video for Nothing But Wild there and it reminded me of how special and intimate the venue was. For my launch, I wanted fans to feel as though they were close and that it was a one-off very intimate event.
You have some live shows in Queensland to accompany the album release. is the preparation for a solo tour different to what your used to?
It’s just a lot of work. I normally share the workload with my siblings and bandmates but now it’s just me. I’m lucky to have a great team behind me but at the end of the day, it’s my responsibility that everything runs smoothly.
“I wanted to take ownership and pride over my body.”
For those that follow you on "The Gram" you have been posting videos on body image and self-esteem. What was the catalyst for you wanting to share the healthy messages the videos contain?
For as long as I can remember people have taken the liberty to comment on MY body. From being bullied in school to throw-away comments from family members and more recently, scrutiny from the public, I just got sick of having to upkeep the facade of perfection. I wanted to take ownership and pride over my body. My body is there for me to experience life, not for someone to look and judge.
In some of the posts you are make-up free, in some your dressed only in a bikini. Was it at all difficult to be so raw on such a public forum?
At first yes but over time it has made me more confident in who I am as a person. I can be dolled up in makeup and sequins or I can be makeup free and the way I feel about who I am as a person doesn’t change. My worth is no longer dependent on how I look or what I wear.
If you weren't a full-time musician what would you be doing now?
I honestly don’t know. Music is all I’ve ever wanted to do but If I had to choose…maybe an ice cream connoisseur?
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
I have many people in my team who deserve shoutouts. Big shout outs to my crew: Gina, Wayne+ Cam. Shoutout to my team at Empire of Song: Emma, George, Daniel and Jay and shoutout to my team at Chugg music!
Where to from here for Amy Sheppard? What's next on your artist to do list?
I hope to release more music and perform more shows. I can’t wait to meet fans across Australia and hopefully gain some new ones. I also hope to spend a bit more time building up my career in the USA.
Blue Guitar is out today, August 5, while new EP Nothing But Wild will be released September 16 and is available to pre-order on vinyl and CD from https://www.amysheppardofficial.com/ and digital https://amysheppard.lnk.to/NothingButWild-EP
AMY SHEPPARD BLUE GUITAR LAUNCH SHOWS
FRI 12 AUG | EKKA, BRISBANE QLD | ALL AGES
Tickets available from www.ekka.com.au
SAT 10 SEPT | COUNTRY MUSIC RACEDAY, DOOMBEN RACECOURSE, BRISBANE QLD | 18+
Tickets available from www.brc.com.au
FRI 16 SEPT | NOTHING BUT WILD EP LAUNCH, LEFTY’S OLD TIME MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE QLD | 18+
Tickets available from www.amysheppardofficial.com
THUR 23 SEPT | CMC ROCKS QLD 2022, IPSWICH QLD | ALL AGES
SOLD OUT
SAT 1 OCT | SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND, MAREEBA QLD | ALL AGES
Tickets available from www.savannahintheround.com.au
