Amanda McCarthy

Artist Information

Biography

Recently named Limelight Magazine's "Singer/Songwriter of the Year", Amanda McCarthy is quickly building an impressive resume and career, and she doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon. Her powerful lyrics, catchy melodies, and natural ability to work a stage leave crowds of all ages and sizes asking for more!

Since teaching herself how to play guitar at age 15, Amanda has written over 200 songs on topics such as love, friendship, bullying, life, death, and overcoming obstacles. She's also no stranger to cover music, with enough material to entertain patrons at restaurants and cafes for up to 4 hours. Starting out at school talent shows in Londonderry, NH, she's expanded to over 250 performances all over New England.

Venue highlights include Boston's Hard Rock Cafe, Six Flags Theme Parks (New England and NY), the Topsfield Fair, Boston Greenfest, Faneuil Hall, Arts Alive Festival, Foley Stadium, the Massachusetts State House, and many more! She's had the opportunity to play with artists such as Adam Ezra, Sarah Blacker, Ahmir, Jillian Jensen, Erika van Pelt, Love Via Dance Machine, Michael & Marisa, and Skyler.

With a rapidly growing fan base and undeniable talent, Amanda is a perfect addition to any function or event!








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PERFORMING ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

---Has performed close to 200 live shows in NH, MA, ME, RI, VT, NY, and FL
---Has performed 8 times at Boston's Hard Rock Cafe (Boston, MA)
---1st place winner of Talent Quest TV Show in 2007 (Salem, MA)
---1st place winner of Londonderry Sings in 2010 (Londonderry, NH)
---1st place winner of Northern Essex Community College talent show in 2012 (Haverhill, MA)
---1st place winner of The Sad Cafe talent show in 2012 (Plaistow, NH)
---2nd place winner in the "Pop/Jazz Vocal Solo- age 16 and up" category at the ATAM regional music festival (Newton, MA)
---3rd place winner in the "Guitar Entertainment Solo" category at the ATAM regional music festival (Newton, MA)
---Awarded "Best Crowd Reaction" and "Most Confident Performer" at Music On & Up showcases at Boston's Hard Rock Cafe
---Nominated for "Singer/Songwriter of the Year" for the 2012 Limelight Music Awards (Providence, RI)
---Was selected from many applicants to be part of the "Live and Local" music performers showcase at Six Flags New England in 2010 (Agawam, MA)
---Was selected from many applicants to perform at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in 2012 (Queensbury, NY)
---Was selected to perform at the 1st Annual Street Theatre Festival at Faneuil Hall (Boston, MA)
---Chosen to perform at top festivals including the Topsfield Fair, Boston Greenfest, Arts Alive Festival, and many others
---Invited to perform her song "Sticks and Stones" at the Melrose Middle School Anti-Bullying Symposium in 2011 (Melrose, MA)
---As winner of the Music On & Up/Young Performers Club anti-bullying song writing contest, Amanda was invited to perform "Sticks and Stones" and others at the Teens Rock America concert at the Joan Norton Stadium with nationally touring acts such as Ahmir, Love Via Dance Machine, Michael & Marisa, Eva Ricci, and many more. (Middleton, MA)
---Honored for promoting environmental wellness and got to perform her original song "Do Our Part (In Going Green)" at the Massachusetts State House in 2011 and 2012 (Boston, MA)
---Along with Myke Morrow, she is a co-host of Open Mic at The Jam Factory in Manchester, NH. The open mic is held on the first and third Monday of every month.



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SONGWRITING ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

---Winner of "Singer/Songwriter of the Year" at the 2013 Limelight Music Awards and was also a nominee in 2012. (Providence, RI)
---Runner Up Winner for "Song of the Year" at the 2012 Limelight Music Awards for "Sticks and Stones." (Providence, RI)
---"Sticks and Stones" is featured in a nation-wide anti-bullying documentary entitled Bullied To Silence (Phoenix, AZ)
---"Sticks and Stones" was chosen among all judges as the winner of the Music On & Up/Young Performers Club anti-bullying song writing contest in 2011. (Boston, MA)
---Wrote "The Right Reason" as the theme song for the Music On & Up/Young Performers Club organization, brought it to life with young entertainer Dalton Letorney (Boston, MA)
---"Do Our Part (In Going Green)" was selected as the theme song of the Greenschools organization (Mansfield, MA)
---Wrote "I Don't Deserve It" for rising teen band, popALERT. This anti-bullying song will be featured on their new EP. (Boston, MA)
---"I Don't Deserve It" was selected as 1 of 3 finalists in the Stand Up To Bullying songwriting contest sponsored by Bristol Entertainment, and was performed at the country's largest anti-bullying rally at the Tsongas Arena (Lowell, MA)
---"I Don't Deserve It" was the Runner Up Winner for "Song of the Year" at the 2013 Limelight Music Awards and was also nominated for "Video of the Year." (Providence, RI)

Instrumentation

Amanda McCarthy - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, ukulele, Piano/Keyboard

Discography

Sticks and Stones - Single (2012)
Ignite - Single (2013)

Available for free listening on Reverbnation & Spotify
Available for purchase on iTunes

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Reverbnation
• YouTube

Audio

• Ignite
  Listen  
• Sticks and Stones
  Listen  
• The Ocean (So Far Away)
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Ignite
• Sticks and Stones
• The Ocean (So Far Away)

Video

Somebody I Used To Know- Gotye cover

Macy's Day Parade- Green Day cover

Photo Gallery

Press

• Sassy Gals of New England Rockin and Rollin! [+ Show ]
  

  Sassy Gals of New England Roll Out New Artist Roster growing every day, and wishing everyone a Happy...Sassy Gals of New England Roll Out New Artist Roster growing every day, and wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season. Sassy Gals of New England this year has worked with several artists, athletes, authors, actors, and acts, including Comedian Bobby Collins, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Terry Sylvester (Formerly Hollies), Grammy Nominated John Ford Coley, Recording and Performing Artist Louie Bello, Boston Baked Blues, Widlfire Band, Ambrosia, International Recording, Performing, and Solo Artist Jimi Jamison (Frontman - Target, Cobra, & Survivor (currently also working with Survivor as well), Joey Molland (Only Surviving Member of Badfinger), Bobby Kimball (just recently added), Robin Lane, Sebastian Bach (Kicking and Screaming), Steve Augeri (former front man Journey and presently Solo Artist) Fran Cosmo (formerly of Boston), Tony Orlando, Boxing Champion and Legend Micky Ward (The Fighter), TKO Tony DeMarco (Boxing Legend), up and coming young artist Amanda McCarthy, Rock Hard Magazine, and more. Whether booking, promoting, or doing PR 2011 has been a blast.

• December 7, 2011 Londonderry graduate wins performance competition [+ Show ]
  

  Northern Essex Community College student Amanda McCarthy of Londonderry won "Most Confident/Enthusia...Northern Essex Community College student Amanda McCarthy of Londonderry won "Most Confident/Enthusiastic Performer" at "Music On & Up - 19 and Under Showcase" competition at the Hard Rock Café© in Boston last month.
  
  McCarthy, 18, is a 2011 Londonderry High School graduate. Now, she is a music major at Northern Essex, who sings and plays both the guitar and piano. She recently performed in the college's talent show.
  
  "To win an award for being the most confident performer is personally a huge milestone for me because it seems that not too long ago it was the exact opposite," McCarthy said. "I used to get very nervous while performing and with experience, I have become more comfortable on stage."
  
  McCarthy has written more than100 original songs and has performed at numerous venues, including Six Flags New England, the Massachusetts Statehouse, the Sad Café© and Ground Zero.
  
  Last year, she was selected to be a GreenRocker with the Greenschools organization. The GreenRockers perform at many schools and environmental awareness events. McCarthy wrote her award-winning song, "Do Our Part" for the organization.
  
  She also is a big supporter of recent anti-bullying movements. Her original song "Sticks And Stones," written on her own experiences, is quickly gaining popularity. After graduating from NECC, her goal is to transfer to the Berklee College of Music.
  
  To learn more, visit facebook.com/AmandaMcCarthyMusic.

• 2011 Londonderry Graduate Pens Anti-bullying Song [+ Show ]
  

  Amanda McCarthy a 2011 Londonderry High School graduate has written and antibullying song, “I Don’t ...Amanda McCarthy a 2011 Londonderry High School graduate has written and antibullying song, “I Don’t Deserve it”. Amanda is an award-winning singer/songwriter. Known for her powerful lyrics and catchy melodies, Amanda has written over 100 original songs on guitar, piano, and ukulele, and she knows a wide variety of covers as well. Amanda began performing at age 12 and began accompanying herself at age 15 as a self-taught musician.
  
  Former teach Mrs. Karen Robinson Londonderry High Schools TV Production and Radio Broadcasting teacher stated, “Amanda was always interested in original music and local performers and even when in High School I knew that she already had a following and was often booked at local venues. It was obvious that she not only had talent, but was a natural performer that people could identify with.”
  
  
  
  The song has been produced and is a popalert on You Tube. Amanda is currently studying Music at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, MA so that she can pursue an education and music career simultaneously.

• Amanda McCarthy [+ Show ]
  

  This lovely young lady from New Hampshire, has a mission to entertain you with great music. Amanda ...This lovely young lady from New Hampshire, has a mission to entertain you with great music. Amanda works hard at what she does in-order to put a smile on your face with her music. Amanda has a very pleasant voice that complements any song whether it is a cover or one of her originals, she will amaze you.
  
  She was about four years old when she discovered that she loved to sing. She would often sing along to songs from the Barney & Friends or to Disney`s "Sing Along" videos. Although she began singing at an early age it is not something that she made a decision to do, but something that she has always done. At seven years old she started her vocal training. She has taken training from Donna Salviati and with Lynda Marshall.
  
  Amanda loves to perform. When she started she would go to weddings or a birthday party and would always want to sing a song for everyone. In the 4th and 5th grades she was in the school chorus and did a solo in "Stuck On You" by Elvis Presley. Then her first solo performance was at her school`s talent show when she was twelve years old, here she sang "Part of Your World" from the Little Mermaid.
  
  Amanda has done many wonderful performances since she began. She had the pleasure of performing at the Hard Rock in Boston four times. One of the performances here was for a foundation called "Music Drives Us". This is a foundation that gives music scholarships to kids that can`t afford lessons. She really enjoyed performing as a semi-finalist in the Music On & Up Showcase, because she was surrounded by so many other nice people competing. She did how ever end up winning the "Best Crowd Reaction".
  
  Amanda is a great songwriter with 102 songs to date. She became serious about songwriting in the 8th grade. One of her original songs is "I Wasn`t Lying" this was a very special song for her because it was the first original that she ever performed, and the first on guitar. Another song she wrote was "The High Road" , this song has a wonderful and meaningful message. It`s about not letting others bring you down and stooping to their level. This song always reminds her that she would rather take the longer harder road to get to where she wants to go. She is currently working on an EP that will feature six of her original songs, and hopes to have it completed by the end of April.
  
  Amanda has also taken her music to TV as well. She has performed for the Debra Crosby`s Talent Quest TV show many times. Then on March 1st she will be a special guest on Scorch`s Pfg-tv singing two of her original songs, the show will be aired on My TV network. How ever she is not into music to be famous, she is involved simply because she loves it. Music is a way for her to express herself and she is truly at home on stage. Even if she doesn`t make it big someday, she still plans on performing all her life when ever possible. She said, " If she can inspire someone to follow their dreams, that will be enough for me".

• Amanda McCarthy [+ Show ]
  

  We’re trying to keep it fresh over here, so we’re bringing you Amanda McCarthy from Londonderry, New...We’re trying to keep it fresh over here, so we’re bringing you Amanda McCarthy from Londonderry, New Hampshire! At only 18 years old, Amanda performs Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Ukulele! She took some time out from recording her new EP and answered our questions!
  
  Is there a story behind your band? Amanda grew up being a singer, but started performing at a talent show when she was 12 years old. She comments, “Since then I’ve been performing nonstop.”
  
  How would you describe your fans? Amanda responded, “Superfantabulous I love them.”
  
  What’s your style? While Amanda loves her acoustic-pop sound, she hopes that her future songs will span a variety of genres. She explains, “My goals for further completed tracks (production-wise) range anywhere from my current sound to heavier rock songs”. As for looks Amanda says, “I try to keep my appearance at classy casual, as I dress very casually on a normal basis.”
  
  If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be? Amanda would name the biography after a life long joke she’s had, “”The Good, The Bad, and The Irony”.
  
  What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done? When she was younger, Amanda found herself being bullied by her peers. She comments, “I have had to overcome bullying that lasted all through my grade school years, and I’ve learned the hard way many times who I can and cannot trust”. On a happier note, Amanda does attribute some of her best songs to an outcome of her experiences with bullying.
  
  If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Amanda would love to learn another new instrument (as if three plus singing wasn’t enough!), but also wishes she had more talent with visual arts. She explains, “Drawing, painting, sculpting, all of it. I have so many ideas in my head that my hands just refuse to cooperate with.”
  
  If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? For Amanda, who she would like to meet was a close tie between three people. First, Taylor Swift, who was Amanda’s inspiration to get “really serious about songwriting back in the 8th grade”. Second, she’d like to meet Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer from the band Greenday, one of her “absolute favorite bands”. Finally, Amanda would choose to meet Michael Jackson because “Come on, who wouldn’t wanna meet Michael Jackson?”
  
  Interesting Answers
  How do you say “hello”? Amanda listed her ways of saying hello from the typical “hi”, “hello”, and “hey” all the way to “howdy” and “greetings”!
  
  What would we find in your refrigerator right now? Although her real refrigerator is pretty empty (Mrs. McCarthy needs to go food shopping), her refrigerator of life is full of her “current goals and all the ideas of the steps I need to take to make them happen”.
  
  It’s your last hour on Earth. What are you going to do? Amanda plans to “perform a 20 minute set to a crowd of at least 20,000 people”. The rest of the time would be spent with her family, her boyfriend, Myke, and some of her close friends.
  
  Where’s Waldo? According the Amanda, Waldo is at the Sad Cafe in Plaistow, New Hampshire. She explains, “They have given me countless performing opportunities and support”. Her second guess at where Waldo could be found is Wells, Maine, her vacationing spot since she was a kid. She comments, “I’d love to perform there!”
  
  Why does a round pizza come in a square box? No one supports us in our round box campaign. Amanda responded, “Why would square pizza come in a circle box?”
  
  Please become a fan If you ask me, I will like your page back!
  
  Also…
  www.amandamccarthy.weebly.com
  www.reverbnation.com/AmandaMcCarthy

• Local Teen on Stage at Hard Rock Cafe in Boston [+ Show ]
  

  "A local teen was among the regional performers appearing on stage at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston l..."A local teen was among the regional performers appearing on stage at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston last weekend. Amanda McCarthy, 16, performed in Debra Crosby's Talent Quest TV All Stars Show, held Nov. 8. The contestants, all teens from New England towns, competed for the privilege of showcasing their talents at the Hard Rock. Last weekend's event was a qualifying event for the Quest For The Best final contest, to be held this February. A self taught guitarist and piano player, Amanda has written and composed over 40 songs and was a first place winner from a Talent Quest television program held in December 2007. Though Amanda didn't place in last weekend's competition, she said it went very well regardless. "I didn't mind not placing because I had so much fun performing," she said. Amanda performed a song she wrote titled "Perfect." She has been writing songs since eighth grade and began playing guitar about a year ago."

• NECC Student is Recognized for Anti-Bullying Song [+ Show ]
  

  Northern Essex Community College student Amanda McCarthy of Londonderry, NH recently wrote an anti-b...Northern Essex Community College student Amanda McCarthy of Londonderry, NH recently wrote an anti-bullying song titled “I Don’t Deserve This” for popALERT, a Boston-based teen pop/rock band.
  
  After hearing McCarthy’s own anti-bullying song “Sticks and Stones,” Patty Duffey, manager of popALERT, contacted McCarthy asking if she would write an anti-bullying song for the band. McCarthy agreed, wrote the song and also attended rehearsals for the band to teach it to them.
  
  The video for this song has been nominated for “Video of the Year” for the Limelight Magazine music awards in Providence, RI.
  
  When asked why she decided to write this song for the band, McCarthy said, “I use music to tell people things I can’t usually speak, so knowing that people find my words on bullying so powerful really means a lot to me.”
  
  McCarthy is in her second year at NECC pursing a degree in music. On campus she is a part of the NECC Chorus. She has written over 100 original songs. Since she started performing at the age of 12, McCarthy has played at numerous venues including Boston’s Hard Rock Cafe, Six Flags New England, Massachusetts State House, The Sad Cafe, Ground Zero, and more.
  
  Northern Essex offers an associate degree in music and a certificate in music technology. Students have the opportunity to perform in the Chorus & Music Club or with one of the college’s music ensembles.
  
  To learn more about Amanda McCarthy or to hear her music visit www.facebook.com/AmandaMcCarthyMusic

Setlist

Will be updated soon!

up to 3 hours of cover music
up to 4 hours of original music

When combined, will play gigs up to 4 hours

Basic Requirements

Calendar