Powerful new album from US-based South African singer Amandala

Stronger is the ethereal singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s third professional studio release, and is based on the concept of coming full circle and stepping into one’s power.

It was recorded in both the US and South Africa, and released on digital platforms in September 2020. Recording began at Earwig Studio in Seattle, continuing at Sunset Recording Studios in Stellenbosch. Coming full circle, the songs were mastered by Ed Brooks from Resonant Mastering back home in Seattle.

Amandala’s intention with Stronger was to write songs to make listeners feel empowered and more connected; songs that encourage and inspire reflection. The South African caught up with her to chat about her music, influences and more.

Q&A: AMANDALA (REAL NAME AMANDA LAMPRECHT)

TELL US ABOUT SEATTLE AND ITS MUSIC.

In the past, Seattle was known for bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Heart, Pearl Jam and Mudhoney.

The Seattle music scene remains vibrant with bands and artists whose music spans many genres — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Head and the Heart, Fleet Foxes, Dave Matthews Band, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, The Black Tones, Brandi Carlile and many others.

Seattle supports its local independent artists, and there are many bands people have never heard of that are loved and supported on the Seattle music scene.

WHAT RADIO PLAY IS YOUR MUSIC GETTING?

Many local and national radio stations in the US play music that is self-released and independent. A dream came true for me in 2020 when US radio stations start charting Stronger on their Top 30s.

Others include BreakThru Radio in New York City, WCNI in New London, Connecticut, and WODU in Norfolk, Virginia — the last being my biggest chart supporter, placing Stronger in their #5 slot! Quite a few other stations in the US are also playing songs from the album.

WHO HAVE YOU COLLABORATED WITH IN SEATTLE AND SA?

I’ve been very fortunate to collaborate within Seattle’s vibrant music scene. I’ve played shows with drummer Mike Stone, who played with Pearl Jam. I made a record which Andrew Joslyn, violinist for Macklemore, and Davey Brozowski, travelling drummer for Modest Mouse, played on.

I headlined a show in Seattle where Trey Gun, a former member of King Crimson, opened the evening playing his war guitar.

I have been very fortunate also to have the best South African musicians play on my album — Henry Steel, guitarist for Karen Zoid, Frank Freeman (Eet Kreef), Kevin Gibson, a drummer who played with Johnny Clegg, and cellist Anjulie Nock, who played the cello on Francois Van Coke’s As Ek Kon.

The album also features background vocals by talented Seattle musician Cebron Hansen and cello by Michael Corson.

Source : Ghanaweb