As an artist inspired by Ellie Goulding and Tove Lo among others and who has already been championed by the likes of PopDust, it’s safe to say Amy Guess is loving her life at the moment. Having released her first album in 2012, she has evolved into a truly gifted singer-songwriter whose music has captured the hearts and minds of fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Having recently premiered her latest single “10 Times Out Of 10”, she kindly agreed to this interview to chat social media, dream shows and career success.
PW: Please introduce yourself.
Amy Guess: Hey hey, I’m Amy Guess from Vegas.
PW: How would you sum up yourself and your music up in a couple of sentences?
AG: I’m a music maker singing dreamy electro synth pop songs about love and life.
PW: Which bands and artists did you grow up listening to and how did they influence you? Have such influences changed over the years?
AG: I grew up listening to a wide variety of music so it’s always hard for me to narrow down my influences. I’m influenced and inspired by so many, old, new, biggest of artists and small, some for their music, some for their performance, some for their work ethic. I’m always watching, listening and gaining inspiration from countless artists out there making great music, from the guy at a local bar or the household name headlining an arena. I feel I can be influenced by something new every-day if I’m listening for it.
PW: When did you first realise you wanted to be a performer? Was there an album you listened to or concert you attended that made you think ‘yeah, I want to do that’?
AG: I knew this was something I wanted to do from a really young age, growing up in a musical household. I have always loved and craved making music, I could never get the idea of pursuing it out of my head so here I am.
PW: Tell me about your latest track “10 Times Out Of 10.” Is there a story behind it?
AG: “10 Times Out Of 10” is a glimpse into my love story, being with someone a long time and experiencing all the highs the lows, happiest and hardest moments but throughout everything you know you’d never want it to be anyone else.
PW: How easy/hard do you find the song-writing process and who/what most inspires you?
AG: I find song writing easiest when I’m inspired and going through something or observing something that sparks an emotion or idea, I stop what I’m doing and find a place to write at those moments and everything flows naturally and quickly. Just writing down things I’m going through day to day like in a diary, that’s my favorite way to write, then it all gets pulled together later in the studio.
PW: Which song, in your opinion, is the greatest ever written and why?
AG: I honestly can’t say I have an answer for that. I think I would have a different choice everyday based on my mood. So much incredible music out there to bask in, new and old.
PW: Is there an album in the works?
AG: Yes, for now I’ll be releasing a series of singles leading up to an EP.
PW: What’s been your favourite live performance to date?
AG: I was able to be a part of a charity event that all proceeds went to a family with a son dealing with a health condition from birth. Everyone who came out and was involved in the show was connected with the family in some way, it was a really memorable experience with some of the kindest, most inspiring people I’ve ever had the opportunity of meeting.
PW: If you could play one venue anywhere in the world, which would it be and why?
AG: I’ve been to several shows at the Fonda in Hollywood, It’s been around since the 1920’s, I love the look and vibe they’ve held on to. So much amazing talent has performed within those walls so to be able to play a show there would be really cool.
PW: If you could share a stage with three other bands or artists, who can be living or dead, who would they be?
AG: I think it would be killer to perform with OneRepublic, Lindsey Stirling and Ellie Goulding.
PW: What are your touring/performance plans for the rest of the year? Will you be playing any festivals or just focusing more on your own shows?
AG: We’re working on the live show now and I hope to have a schedule of both festivals and my own shows going by the end of the year.
PW: Are there any plans for you to head overseas and play in Europe?
AG: Yeah I’d love to get out there and do some shows. No current plans, but I’d love to make some!
PW: What are your thoughts on social media and do you agree that it’s a necessary and useful tool for bands and artists today?
AG: Social media is great. My favorite thing about it is being in touch with fans and connecting with them on a personal level.
PW: What does the rest of the year have in store for you?
AG: Releasing a few more singles, along with some videos, and getting the live shows going.
PW: Finally then, what’s your ultimate ambition as an artist, whose career would you most like to emulate and at what point would you be happy to call it a day?
AG: I’d like to be making music that connects with people and enriches their lives in some way, if my music is out there making someone’s day a little bit better that’s a huge success to me. Being able to have a career like M83, Lights, Lindsey Stirling or St. Lucia would be insane.
Check out “10 Times Out Of 10” below and for more information on Amy Guess, visit her website, like her page on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
