Amy Jack |”Big Boy Up,” – Interview
Originally from Oklahoma, Amy Jack is a singer, songwriter, and producer. She has previously worked for iHeartRadio and Cumulus, so she is very familiar with radio. Her song “For the Love of the Game” was featured on the U. S. Olympic Committee’s ‘Road to Rio’ Tour, March Madness on ESPN and on a featurette for Kobe Bryant on FOX Sports.
In honor of her new single, “Big Boy Up,” we decided to do an interview with Amy Jack below!
Nashville Music Reviews – Thanks for doing this interview with me today. So, How did you get your start in the industry?
Amy Jack – I first released a novelty Christmas song that I was lucky enough to have Merle Haggard help me record. Merle showed me the ropes of writing and producing when we recorded the song. It was a very influential experience and ultimately what made me decide to become an artist.
What is your favorite part about making music?
I know that when I listen to certain songs, I feel like I can really connect with the artist and it brings me happiness. My favorite part about making music is creating a tool to bring joy or laughter or comfort in some way to a person.
What was it like working with Merle Haggard? And what did that experience mean to you?
To get to work with Merle was such an honor, I still look up to him, even to this day. In the moment, I felt so accomplished, like I’ve done it all, but then I haven’t. I continue to learn even more from him and see how much pride he had in his life and his creations. Having his son Benny on the project was also such an honor. I felt challenged by all the musicians around me, and I never want to stop learning and improving my craft.
Like I shared in my review on the site, your voice has a Bonnie Raitt vibe to it which is my favorite. Who are some of your musical influences?
That’s the highest compliment that I could receive as a female artist because Bonnie Raitt is really in a league of her own. She represents a classic voice in country music. So Bonnie Raitt is an influence, and so many others: Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Rita Coolidge, Judy Collins, Whitney Houston, and the list goes on and on.
In the future, who are some artists that you’d like to work with?
I’ve always admired Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton. I love that they’ve all found their own sound in the genre.
How are you staying busy during this quarantine period?
I just flew to Nashville to write new songs. I’m lucky to have my co-writers, they’re all so excited to work on new projects because they’ve been in quarantine and they’re so ambitious and ready to co-write again. So we wrote four songs, and we’re really proud of these songs. Then I went to Mobile, Alabama to see family, then departed to Houston. Big road trip. The trip did me so much good after cabin fever for so many months, just to get out and see other places was refreshing.
What do you have planned for the future after everything gets back to some sort of normal?
We’re releasing new music very soon, and I’m so excited for you all to hear it.
What advice do you have for artists trying to make it in the industry?
A wise man once said, “Two things in life, practice, and moderation in everything.” When you practice, you will accumulate skill and your own voice. But be sure to never overload yourself because it can be so easy to do, and will lead to burnout, and in this industry, you can never afford to burnout. Protect yourself and your creative passions.
Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to Amy Jack for this interview. I really appreciate it. Feel free to check out Amy’s video for “Big Boy Up,” and follow her below!
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