In the Country with Dave Woods:
Amanda Jordan

Great to have you in the spotlight this month, Amanda! Please tell our readers a few of the artists who have inspired you and why.
Hi Dave! Thanks so much for having me. So many artists have inspired me. I grew up on my grandparents’ farm. My grandma was always playing Tim and Faith, and my dad was always playing Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan. Growing up, I sort of deviated away from that and listened to a lot of pop, such as Maisie Peters and JP Saxe. Now, I find myself merging the styles because I love both, and country is what I grew up with and feels like home.

What I appreciate about all these artists is that they’re great storytellers, and their songs evoke emotion. I think that’s my job as an artist, and I strive to do that through my writing as well.

What motivated you to write songs in the first place?
Growing up, music was therapy for me. I’ve been writing for many years, and when I look back, there was always a message that I wanted to send out to the world – some issue or point that I felt was important enough to have a light shone on it and a song written about it.

Looking back on your music career so far, what would you say is your proudest moment?
There have been so many. I think one of my happiest moments recently was when I booked a lead role in a Christmas movie that comes out later this year. I was able to perform a lot of songs throughout the movie. I can’t say too much about it yet, but I was so honoured to sing with a fellow actor and a very special person. It was something I will never forget. The cast and crew were so supportive and kind. It was a very special experience for me.

If you could collaborate with any artist from a genre other than country, who would you choose and why?
I was fortunate enough to open for FLETCHER last summer. I met her backstage, and right before she was supposed to go on, she walked up to me and asked to take a photo. She went out of her way to introduce herself when she didn’t have to, and her performance was incredible. So, in terms of someone outside of the country genre, at present it would be FLETCHER. She is courageous with her music and provides a voice for many.

Your song “I Choose You” was chosen for ABC’s hit show The Bachelor as a love theme, and you had the opportunity to perform it on the show. What was that experience like?
That was such an unforgettable experience, but if I’m being honest, it was a bit of a hectic one! I got a call 3 days before the taping saying we’d love for you to perform “I Choose You” on the show. I had two days to book my flight to LA, find musicians, rehearse the song, buy a dress, which I did literally 3 hours before the taping, and I had to get it hemmed. I was Ubering around downtown LA in a real panic. Luckily, I found the kindest tailors that fit me (and my panic attack) and fixed me up. I think it was a good thing that it all happened so fast, since I really didn’t have time to get nervous. Of course, after the fact, I was like, “What in the world just happened?”

What advice would you have for a new artist hoping to start a successful music career?
It’s not an easy industry to break into! That said, as Canadians, we are very fortunate to have organizations such as CCMA and CMAOntario because they work so hard to provide new artists with endless opportunities to perform, develop and network in the industry. FACTOR has also provided funding for my debut album and those of my others. These opportunities are not available to artists in many countries, so I would say take advantage of them!

Your debut album is on the way later this year. We’re looking forward to it! Tell us a little about your latest single, “You Don’t Wanna Know”.
I wrote “You Don’t Wanna Know” with Rick Huckaby in Nashville, and it’s a song that’s close to my heart. It’s about falling deeply in love with someone and then realizing that they are not who they portrayed themselves to be.  I wrote it as a warning for the next girl. I hope it meets listeners wherever they are in their heartbreak and lets them know they are not alone.

Thanks for your time, Amanda! What do you hope to accomplish in your music career in 2024?
Thanks to FACTOR, I will be releasing several singles over the next few months, leading into my debut album. Each single has a music video, so I am deep into writing the storyboards and treatments with my team. It’s a lot of fun and is keeping me very busy. Jeff Isy has been my videographer throughout this project. He is so creative and such a joy to work with. Outside of these releases, I will keep writing, as I love writing and I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to write with such talented people.

Thanks again, Dave, for having me – and thank you for all the work you do for artists! You hosted my very first Toronto single release show several years back. Your work on behalf of artists is greatly appreciated!

Check out Amanda’s “You Don’t Wanna Know” music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT6Yx6vz3YM