Rising Stars: Meet Amy Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Martin.

Hi Amy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Sure thing! I’m from Maryland/Virginia. Grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia mostly. My first time on stage was about 6 years old. My mother was a karaoke DJ at night growing up so I spent a lot of time on stage as a young girl. From that first moment on stage, I knew being a singer/songwriter was the only thing I was ever going to want to do and that’s proved true.

Once I was 18, I joined my first band where I was the lead vocalist. We were a “do what we want with bluegrass instruments” jam band. My vocals merged the line between string band and soul. I was with that band for nearly 10 years until I went solo by putting out my first solo EP in March of 2020 (perfect timing haha). In 2021, I loaded up my car and moved to Denver to experience a new scene and dive deeper into pursuing music full-time as a solo artist.

Once I got here, I hit up Grammy Award Winning Artist, Chance McCoy (formerly with Old Crow Medicine Show) and asked him to produce my album. He said yes, so I went to town fundraising for this thing — we made that album in April of this past year and now I am releasing each track as a monthly single. Check them out on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you listen!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My personal life and story from childhood to now have not been easy. I’d say a lot of what I’ve been through and navigated is what made me the songwriter and performer that I am today. That said, the music part of my life has always been the one “smooth road” if you will.

It’s not because I’ve been handed things (or even experienced all that much yet!) but because it’s the one thing that’s come naturally to me. My one constant. My refuge and place to land. Making music is the one thing I’ve always known and always will — no matter what it looks like. That for me makes it a smooth road with tons of unknown opportunities.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an unconventional songwriter in that I’ve remained that “do what we want with instruments” kind of style to my artistry. Most of my songs take place through improvisation. Simply pushing “record” on my Iphones voice memos, listening back, and writing it down. Another thing that might set me apart is my vocal style. I am first and foremost a vocalist — it’s what I specialize in and have spent years of my life crafting.

I can safely “growl” like Janis Joplin and I can also belt pretty stuff and practice vocal control with the rest of them. Being able to accurately and theatrically portray the emotions of my songs through my vocal abilities has always been my focus. I think my commitment to this is partly what makes my music emotionally connect with so many people — that I try to remain as open and honest with myself in writing as possible. But yeah, I’d say it’s my voice that sets me apart most.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
As an LGBTQ person in the Americana / Country sphere — I think it’s my job to always say just that. To fight for representation within those genres both as a female and as a queer. I grew up hearing that I didn’t have a voice for radio; now gone are those days due to others that have come before me and you. So if you hear anything else know that you are a gift as you are. You deserve to take up space and knock on whatever door you want to knock on, regardless of how you identify.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amymartinmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymartinmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amymartinmusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMartinMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxbtA00gHFlNb7kBheuzjPw 

Image Credits
Alya RM Photography