Amanda Emblem of The Amanda Emblem Experiment: “I've been told my sound reflects my geography, so it's rural Australian-influenced...whatever that means”
The Amanda Emblem Experiment is the aptly named musical project of Amanda Emblem, a lifelong musician and songwriter based in a small rural town in South East Queensland. A prolific artist who (correctly) believes that music is more than an escape - it's a necessity, Amanda undertakes every release with honesty, heart, and integrity.
As a musician whose approach to music aligns perfectly with mine, I was intrigued to find out more about the creative mind behind the project. Thankfully, Amanda was only too happy to sit down for a chat!
Taking us through her brand new release, Lazy Sunday, why she struggles to listen back to the music she used to consume, and what's been catching her ear lately, please welcome Amanda Emblem of The Amanda Emblem Experiment!
Hey Amanda, I’m really excited to get to know you better and introduce you to our ever-growing audience!
For anyone yet to fall down the rabbit hole that is The Amanda Emblem Experiment, what have they been missing out on? Paint us a picture of your sound.
I have an honest sound generated from real instruments and people. My original songs are based around my vocals and guitar and embellished upon by my network of fine musicians, especially my producer Andy, who plays a variety of instruments.
I like space and depth, so I'm careful not to clutter recordings with too many parts, preferring to let the songs speak for themselves. My most recent albums fall under folk, Americana, blues and rock with a twang of country thrown in. I've been told my sound reflects my geography, so it's rural Australian-influenced...whatever that means.
OK, let's get straight down to Lazy Sunday, your twangy, sugary, and utterly infectious new single.
I know it originally began life as a more expansive track before you recently decided to trim it down. What sparked that decision, and do you think the song has taken on a new "personality?"
Yes, Lazy Sunday has been on a successful diet. From its original take, it has lost just over 3 minutes, equivalent to 30 kgs. Now it's a tune in the wind ready to travel on a whim to wherever, transformed from a middle-aged housewife to a Hollywood influencer.
Seriously though, it started as an infectious jam track when it was first recorded, and it was over 6 minutes. It was edited for the album but not considered as a focus track for a variety of reasons, including its length.
But time has a way of revealing what listeners like, and at the start of the year, I started to see it trending as one of the top tracks. By March, despite dropping another single, it was up there. So I took it back to Andy for a makeover.
It's true about the personality of a track...Lazy Sunday is cheekier than Lazy Sunday Afternoon…it's flirtatious, easygoing and leaves you wanting more.
Now, I apologise for asking such a tough question so early on.
But...if you could pick one of your songs to skyrocket to the top of the charts and achieve massive international success, which would it be and why?
Wow. Is that even possible nowadays? It's an exciting and scary question...(Thinking pause)
It would be my next single. That way, I'd have time to prepare, get my bandies ready, and get my partner used to the idea that our idyllic lifestyle here in rural SE Queensland was about to be severely disrupted. It would also give me time to find someone to look after my market garden and new hydroponic set-up.
My new songs are totally invigorating me at the moment in the jam room, and my sound is evolving again. I think my current releases are worthy, but too laid back to really make that sort of impact, whereas what is coming is something else indeed.
I have to ask you about your studio. I believe it's in a tree house in a tiny rural spot called Gilldora in Queensland.
Please tell us more 😊
I drive over a railway line where an old steam train still runs, up a one-way dirt road up a mountainside. Eventually, I come to a beautiful old Queenslander (house) amongst beautiful rainforest gardens, and I park. I'm greeted by Teddy the dog and the beautiful, smiling faces of Andy and his wife, Indiah. There's coffee waiting for me. Then we trek up again to the studio. By the time we get there, I'm out of breath because it's pretty steep. (Note that when we have heavy equipment, we can drive up the back way to unload if the weather permits.)
The studio looks over the valley, nestled in the treetops. It has five rooms. The control room is in the middle left with a window looking into a kitchen/recording space to the right and connects to a large recording booth/room in the other direction, far left. At the other end is a toilet, shower and a bedroom with a very comfortable bed I have tested out.
I have fantasised about living there. It was purpose-built by Andy and doubles as a guest house for family visiting. The studio isn't large, but it's inspiring in itself, and the views are excellent - but it would just be a dwelling without the amazing bloke who brings it alive with creativity. I'm so lucky to have been introduced to him and invited to record there.
Who would you say some of your biggest musical influences are, and who would I see under “Recently Played” on your streaming service of choice?
I've been a fan of JJ Cale for a lifetime, but also Zeppelin and Floyd. Isn't everyone? I love a lot of different types of music. As a kid, I adored Aussie rock greats The Divinyls, Hoodoo Gurus, The Angels and AC/DC.
I evolved into grunge and loved the shoegazer pop that came from the UK in bands like Rise and Radiohead. But what you will find on my recently played lists are the bands that I share playlists with. Listening to what other original artists are doing right now keeps me grounded, and I feel like I'm supporting something real, not regurgitated. I really struggle to listen back to music I've consumed in the past. I love to find really really original acts that challenge me, like Angine de Poitrine. They blew my mind!
What, to you, is music's role in society?
It is proven that participating in music, whether listening to or performing, in whatever way, is enormously healing. I don't think humans have yet to harness the power of music to its fullest extent. There is a world of discovery available for everyone at every stage of life.
For me, it's an obsession. I am amazed every time I write a song that is an instant take. I feel like there's magic at play. Like I am some kind of vehicle for something I don't really understand, but yearn for, and as a result, I continue to open a part of my subconscious to the "universe" to allow it to happen. Maybe I'm selling myself short, and it's all from within...But I truly wonder.
As society gets caught up in the horror and mundanity of reality, music stands separate from all of it. I believe each of us has an inner melody; it may be genetic memory passed down. The tunes in our heads act as a safe place. It is more than a distraction; it's a necessity to cope with overstimulation and all the things we don't understand, aiding our mental development. How else can you explain music's effect on people? It's entertainment for sure, but it's on a level beyond our comprehension and there for us to draw upon when needed.
How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and adapting to changing trends in the music industry?
I'm not sure I am navigating it. I just do what I do and what feels right. Ok, so I might have edited tracks so they are more accessible for streaming services, but there is artistry in that exercise, and a skill to it that I have developed over all my time in the studio.
I am lucky in many ways that I have had many successes and failures in my career so far, and therefore, my ambition is second to my desire to create. Also, it's fruitless to write for the industry. Might as well use AI. All you do is go around in circles because the industry changes constantly, and most of what is "successful" is hyped and monetised.
Amanda, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! It's been a pleasure getting to know you better!
Before we say farewell for now, what comes next for you musically, and do you have any words of wisdom you'd like to leave us with?
I am super pleased that my music is hitting the mark with people. It truly is a reflection of the peace I have found in my easygoing lifestyle here. After a long period of laid-back jams and acoustic moments, I'm now ready to rock.
My next project, as I mentioned, is in development, and is proving to excite me greatly. Separately, I've been learning to play drums, which is challenging and mind-bending. I'm surprised and really enjoying myself in the process, and my next project will surprise others too. My wise words are to never stop listening, learning and growing. Just let it happen.
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