Having started performing aged just 14, Amanda Jones has been an established name on the music scene for several years. Now with her EP Brand New Day earning her a flurry of new fans on both sides of the Atlantic, she kindly agreed to this interview to chat social media, favourite songs and upcoming performance plans.

PW: How would you sum yourself up in five words?

Amanda Jones: Passionate, creative, determined, kind and strong.

PW: When did you first realise that you wanted to be a performer? Was there an album you listened to or concert you attended that influenced you?

AJ: I started writing poetry in 1st grade and got involved in poetry readings. Eventually, after seeing the movie Annie, this turned into singing and song-writing. I started really taking music seriously in middle school and that’s when I knew I wanted to make it a career someday.

PW: Can you recall the first album you bought or concert you attended?

AJ: I was obsessed with the High School Musical movies, and in 6th grade they had their national concert tour and my mom took me to a show. It was such a cool experience and totally inspired me to chase my dreams!

PW: Which bands and artists did you grow up listening to and how have your influences changed as you’ve gotten older?

AJ: I think I’ve always been drawn to pop music, the Jonas Brothers were and will always be one of my favorite musical groups. As I’ve gotten older, I definitely have a soft spot for songs with more alt/ indie vibes, a lot of pop still, and pop/punk. The Maine and Parachute are some of my favorite bands currently.

PW: Is there a band or artist you might say you sound similar to?

AJ: I definitely have a similar pop style to Carly Rae Jepsen. I create fun, upbeat songs, while still having a good mix of slower songs with deeper meaning. I’ve seen her live a few times and we definitely have a similar target audience with our music!

PW: Tell me about your track “My Goodbye.” Is there a story behind it?

AJ: My cousin died suddenly in a car crash 4 years ago, and writing this song was my way of coping with his loss and starting the healing process. It’s a very personal song, and it’s been amazing to see how much it has impacted others in a positive way. It’s always incredible to hear people’s personal stories of loss, and how the song helped them through tough times. That makes everything worth it for me.

PW: The track is taken from your EP “Brand New Day.” How would you sum it up and do you have a favourite track on the collection?

AJ: The EP is a good mix of every type of song I wanted to release. We have “Brand New Day”- the fun, uplifting pop song. Then there is “Wait for Me Tonight”- a pop ballad about heartbreak. Concluding the EP is “My Goodbye” which is acoustic, and about loss. It’s a great mix and they flow well together. “My Goodbye” means the most to me, but “Brand New Day” really captures the sound I’ve been searching for with my music for a long time.

PW: Who or what most influences your song-writing?

AJ: It’s always different. Personal experiences, trials my friends are going through, random ideas or words that pop into my head. I have way too many voice memos with song ideas on my phone!

PW: In your opinion, which is the greatest song ever written and why?

AJ: I think that’s such a hard question, and there is not a specific “greatest song ever written”. Songs mean different things to different people- you could find a song and think it’s the greatest because you have such a deep emotional connection to it. Someone else could listen to that song and hate it, because they can’t relate or don’t see the meaning to it. I think picking favorite songs is so personal and different for everyone…so that’s my answer!

PW: What are your upcoming tour/performance plans?

AJ: I’m hoping to hop on tour very soon! I’m currently focusing on getting new music ready to release, and developing myself as an artist. I’m super excited for the future!

PW: If you could share a stage with three other bands or artists who can be living or dead who would they be and where would you play?

AJ: I would play with the Jonas Brothers, One Direction and Taylor Swift. I know those might seem like generic answers, but as artists I’ve spent years looking up to, it would be a crazy blessing to perform on the same stage as them. Playing an arena or stadium like Madison Square Garden would absolutely blow my mind.

PW: What are your thoughts on social media? To what extent has it helped your career and would you agree it’s a vital tool for bands and artists today?

AJ: I love social media! I can honestly say that I would not be where I am in my music career if it weren’t for social media. It’s an incredible asset for aspiring artists, and makes connecting and growing a fan-base so much easier.

PW: What’s your ultimate ambition as an artist and whose career would you most like to emulate and why?

AJ: Ultimately I want to tour, release multiple albums, and sign with a label. Down the road I would love to dive into the writing/ production side of the industry and work with lots of other artists.

PW: Finally, what advice would you give to anyone looking to make it in the music industry? What do you wish you’d been told when you started out?

AJ: Being involved in social media is one of the best things you can do as an artist! Talk to the people supporting you, work hard, develop your talent and things will fall into place.

Check out the lyric video for “My Goodbye” below and for more information on Amanda Jones, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.