Folk Bands and Artists
Amanda St. John
Belfast
https://www.amandastjohnmusic.co.uk
“If Dusty Springfield were alive, she’d say ‘that’s my girl’!”
(Grammy winning US producer Jon Tiven)
Amanda St John is a soulful singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland. She is a mainstay on the Irish radio, festival and gig circuit and has been described as a “Head-turning vocalist with serous song writing prowess.........a sensational artist“ (Visit Dublin).
In May 2018 Amanda became the 1st independent Irish artist in history to record in FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Following in the footsteps of her musical heroes Aretha Franklin & Etta James she took a huge leap of faith (and financial risk) to record her 2nd studio album in this legendary studio.
Talking about the experience, Amanda reports ´It is was a dream come true for me and my band members (Paul Tierney and Producer Michael Mormecha) to get the opportunity to record in FAME along with ´swampers´ bass player David Hood (Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Percy Sledge, Paul Simon, Alicia Keys etc) and piano/keys/hammond player Clayton Ivey (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Joss Stone, The Supremes etc).
She has worked with artists like Brian Kennedy, Eddi Reader, Mary Coughlan, Gareth Dunlop, Ciaran Gribbin (of INXS) and Jon Tiven (Grammy winning Nashville writer/producer whose CV has included BB King, Van Morrison and The Rolling Stones etc...).
Gaining substantial media interest in Ireland and the UK including extensive airplay on the BBC and RTE as well as reviews in Hotpress Magazine & The Irish Times Amanda is known for her passionate and powerful live performances and is fast establishing herself as one of Ireland’s leading vocalists. With live sessions with ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris and Gaby Roslin on BBC Radio London, various other live performances/interviews across BBC regionals, U105, Downtown/Cool FM, UTV Live Television etc, as well as many festival slots and tours of UK, Ireland and USA under her belt the future is looking very bright indeed for this talented musician.
Her debut album ´Grow´ was launched in May 2016 at the prestigious Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast and has received rave reviews and worldwide airplay including a national advert campaign for The Rio Olympics for the title track ‘Grow’.
“The songs echo jazz/soul/gospel greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Odetta and Billie Holiday.“ Irish Times
“A beautiful, beautiful voice” Gaby Roslin, BBC Radio London
“An incredible vocal performer and wonderfully talented songwriter.” Ralph McLean, BBC Radio Ulster
“Superb soulful vocals with stunning heartfelt lyrics” Blues Matters Magazine
“Amanda St John is totally in control of her craft and could be a huge international star“. John Kearns Irish News
“Feisty and fresh soul infused vocals...a must listen!” Hot Press Magazine
“An incredibly emotional and infectious listening experience“ Folk & Tumble
“A vocal powerhouse“ Sunday Life
“Unmistakable vocals and skills in crafting songs full of feeling“ CultureHub
“What a debut! The songs are quirky and full of hooks“ Linley Hamilton BBC Radio Ulster
“A dynamic singer/songwriter with an appetite for crafting stirring, soulful songs.” Chordblossom.com
“An emerging artist destined to write a long musical story,” Culturenorthernireland.org
