Amy Martin has been a performing musician and vocalist in the Shenandoah Valley for the last decade with her alternative bluegrass band, Many Nights Ahead. Amy officially launched her solo career in releasing her self-titled album in March of 2020 which was made possible by the thousands of dollars raised through community support. In April 2021, Amy released her latest single called, “Sweet Virginia” — a song about the realization that it was time to move West. Amy relocated to Boulder, Colorado in April of 2021 to continue her passion of sharing and making music with others. Amy is recording her next album in March of 2022 with Grammy Award Winning producer Chance McCoy.
With a bourbon-smoothed voice, Martin’s “Sweet Virginia” is an ode to Martin’s home state that is evocative of her idol Brandi Carlile — run through the edge of harder living and loving. In our interview, Martin describes why it’s important to be out in the Americana scene.
Does your upcoming album have an overarching theme?
There isn’t a purposeful overarching theme from song to song but I can say that this album is full of songs that capture a time in my life where I was doing a lot of shedding. People, places and things all changed a lot over the course of writing these songs. You’ll hear songs of losing love, finding love, standing up for the marginalized, calling out the oppressor, finding myself, etc. The theme really is about me coming into my own as a person, artist, community member, and LGBTQ+ woman within the Americana / Roots genre.
How do you manage having a good time at shows, but also trying to stay mentally and physically fit?
A good time to me is genuinely connecting with the audience, sharing experiences, performing authentically and leaving it all on the stage after a killer set. For me, a killer set is conducive with not adding alcohol to the mix. I have a certain standard I keep for myself as performer — y’all came for a good show and I’m going to give it to you. I’m also going to be 100% present for it because I want to connect with the folks there. Authenticity and community building are at the center of much of what I do — for me, authenticity during a performance and alcohol don’t mix.
How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music?
My queer identity was something that I suppressed for a long time as a musician that grew up playing Americana/Bluegrass music in conservative Virginia. Now, I am dedicated to using my voice as a queer woman within the genre to tell my story and lift up the countless other voices I’ve journeyed with. My queerness ties directly into my music in that I believe that everyone has the right to pursue a higher power, find true love, have a family, make records, play venues, hold positions in leadership, go to church, etc regardless of who you’re attracted to or like to have sex with.
Have you ever been given something remarkable by a fan?
Yes! In addition to both of my albums being completely community funded (which is a remarkable gift!), my main guitar is actually a gift from a fan/friend as well. It’s a 1965 00-21 Martin and it was given to me when I first started my solo career as a singer/songwriter — I’ll be playing that guitar until it or I turn to dust.
Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
There’s a ton of those! I’d love for Brandi / the twins to produce an album with me one of these days. Also, playing the Ryman — I have a few folks that have already “reserved” their front row seats for that show.