Essential 8: Amy Wilcox

Courtesy of the Artist

California Country artist AMY WILCOX recently released her new single, “Bandwagon”, an upbeat tune with a carefree vibe about finding your spark and setting the world on fire...something that the singer-songwriter is set to do with her upcoming album, West.

Wilcox's journey West began as a pilgrimage to the land of her musical idols, the Laurel Canyon-bred country-rockers she listened to as a child. “Growing up listening to Jackson Browne, Poco, and the Eagles had a huge impact on my own musical style, and I decided to visit Los Angeles to reconnect with those early influences and revisit those happy feelings. I wasn’t sure what the future of my music would hold, but in my search for a new direction, this seemed like a good place to start.” Ahead of the album's release, Wilcox answered her Essential 8 where she spoke about the project, Cameo, the Ryman and Red Rocks, how she spends her days off and more.

Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
I worked in a studio in Atlanta for a guy named Charlie Singleton. He was a member of the band Cameo (“Word Up”) that was huge in the 80s. Our musical styles were so starkly different, but he inspired me to be bold and different and to always go for it even when it’s scary. I’ve never been the best dancer and he got me to loosen up and have a great time on stage. I owe him big time for that one :)

With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
Bandwagon. It’s the first song off the EP because it was the first song that really solidified my confidence in this new direction and sound. I had been experimenting a lot, and when Cass Dillon and I got together to write this, I was like “YES, this is it, FINALLY”. I was super stoked to put my new album together after that song came to life.

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
My title of my album is “WEST”.  I was living in Nashville pursuing music and everything was moving full steam ahead. I had a gigantic volcano erupt in my personal life that really threw my creativity off track. It was a journey to find my way back to being myself and creating music I loved. A huge part of that was coming out West to California and getting inspired again. All of the songs on this album are a part of that journey and the title “WEST” pays homage to my new adventure in LA and the clarity it brought me along the way. 

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When/where do you do your best writing?
I always have my best ideas either in the shower or driving in my car. It’s super convenient that I now have to sit in LA traffic everyday! It’s pretty cool listening to old voice notes on my phone and seeing how they eventually became a song.

How do you kill the long hours in the van?
On long road trips, I always make a point to reach out to a few friends or family I haven’t talked to in a while. Being a musician can get really hectic and all consuming. Reaching out to catch up with people I may have lost touch with is my favorite way to stay connected, grounded, and inspired. Also, Pinterest.

Who would you love to collaborate with?
I love Sara Barielles. I think she’s such a pioneer and an amazing writer. We are both acapella nerds so I like to believe we are kindred spirits. I would love to work with her.

Favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love being outside and being active. On days off, my morning routine is wake up, ride my bike to the gym, get coffee, ride home along the water. I’m new to the West Coast so I love to get in my car and explore new spots. If we’re really being honest though, I normally just search for chips and salsa, tacos, and maybe a margarita.
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Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
I really want to play the Ryman and Red Rocks. Both of those venues have such an amazing spiritual energy. They create such an emotional connection to the music and it would be an honor to play there. 

Website: amywilcox.com
Facebook:  amywilcoxmusic
Instagram:  @amyewilcox