Music
Press
"With these songs Amy has captured a groove that is both compelling and ephemeral. The smooth yet innovative production is a capable match for her songwriting and vocals. Whether she's on stage with a full band or alone with just an acoustic guitar, Amy's voice pulls you in and her heart-wrenching songs hold you there. The live performance is as real and palpable as it can be, without losing the professional edge of being one of the most gifted vocalists and songwriters on today's music scene. Amy is the real deal."
- John Mullins, SESAC
An awesome talent! With her strong, confident writing and amazing voice, Amy is truly inspiring! - Charles Judge, Producer
In today's world of high speed internet and readily available CD duplication on home computers just about anybody can put together an album, right? Maybe so, but Amy Courts is definitely one of those rising stars to watch. She sings effortlessly and with passion. Her voice is not over-processed on the album which is even a bigger plus. (If somethin' ain't broke, don't fix it!) The album also brings a refreshing blend of accoustic and electric sound which is done to perfection. While it's easy to become focused on her captivating vocals and contemplative lyrics, the production as a whole should not go unnoticed. The harmonies are perfectly placed as are accompanying instruments such as synths, strings, guitars, percussion, and the like. Amy has definitely mastered the skill of keeping her music simple and yet complex at the same time. Her songs are engaging and to the point, yet have an almost intangible element that makes the listener want to come back for more. With her self-titled EP, Amy Courts has made it clear that she is one of the select few independent artists able to make a lasting impression on her listeners.
- Steve Doughman
By Randy Brandt
www.almenconi.com
www.contend4thefaith.org
July 8, 2006
I must confess that I've known Amy Courts since she was in elementary school, and even chipped in a few bucks toward her first "quality" guitar. The potential I believed in back then has been realized with the release of her self-titled EP.
A singer/songwriter in the folk-rock mold, Amy is sometimes compared to Jennifer Knapp or Patty Griffin. This seven-song EP provides a nice cross-section of her repertoire, showcasing her voice from ethereal to contemplative to aggressive. The first-rate production is courtesy of keyboardist/producer Charles Judge, known for his work with Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill and others. Guest musicians include industry veteran George Cocchini and Amy's husband Paul Koopman on guitars.
Nonetheless, professionally produced talented singers are a dime a dozen. What makes an album unique is the lyrical quality, and this is where Amy insists on standing out from the crowd. She can be sweet ("Nothing Better"), but she'd rather shock a little, as in "Save Me," one of my favorite tracks. Despite her beautiful depiction of the redemptive work of Christ, she's bound to upset a few listeners when she laments, "I'm a filthy whore"; of course, they need to keep listening until they hear the solution:
Take the blood drained from Your side / And You can turn a prostitute into a bride / Take three nails, a crown of thorns / and you can shape a wife out of a whore / Save, save, save me / Save, save, save me
In a world of cookie-cutter artists and blandly formulaic lyrics, I'm proud to have a friend who takes her art more seriously than those who conform just to land label deals. Despite my admitted bias, it's safe to say that this CD is a "must have" for anyone who appreciates top-notch female singer/songwriters who aren't smothered in artificial sweetner.
- Al Menconi Ministries
Earlier this week, I received Amy Courts' RP--in her case, a seven track CD. I am very glad I ordered it!
It is my opinion that Amy need not relocate to get noticed. Given her talent and how she uses it, she has many years of music ahead of her. Amy's CD is solidly produced, nicely packaged, and jammed full of songs that demonstrate a range in styles and a determined commitment to quality.
Amy has a voice that reminded me remotely of Stevie Nicks, only smoother. Amy points to Jewel as an influence, and there are some similarities in voice there too--probably a better match than Nicks, who just happened to have shuffled through my iPod adjacent to Amy. (And, Amy does mention Fleetwood Mac as another influence, so maybe I earn partial credit.) Blend in a touch of Cheryl Crow, while your at it. In sum, she has a voice that, although certainly her own, has qualities that the listener will find familiar and instantly likable.
She sings to arrangements that are energetic and variable. Making use of the standard guitar, keys, bass, and drums, Amy accomplishes what many other musicians fail to do--she creates a sound that is original but comfortable, that is well mixed, clean, and tight, and that carries the lyrics. She also manages to arrange the songs so that each is different, but not in a way that makes the song seem out of place with each other on the same album. The music on the CD works, start to finish.
Themes within the songs reflect the Christian life. There are a variety of issues explored lyrically, and listeners should be satisfied with Amy's treatment of them. I'll not bias anyone with my interpretations, leaving each listener to enjoy the process for him/herself.
Bottom line: a great discovery! I could easily put this CD on repeat and let it play over and over again as background music while I worked.
For more Amy Courts info, check out her MySpace: www.myspace.com/amycourts
I only wish she had "Save Me" sampled there--it is a great cut with powerful guitar riffs and driven drums. It demonstrates that this Nashville artist knows how to rock and roll.
Who is Amy Courts suitable for?
I'd suggest a look at her influences--if you like Jennifer Knapp, Sixpence None the Richer, U2, Jars of Clay, Fleetwood Mac, or Sheryl Crow (among others she lists), you should like Amy as well. The MySpace classes identified with her music are Christian folk-rock/pop. I think that is a pretty good assessment.
- Bill Snodgrass
Robert DeGraw
President, Mane Event Productions
"I am not exaggerating when I say that Amy's debut EP lived in my CD player for over six months, and it is still one of only a handful of recordings that I listen to [on purpose] regularly, right beside the debut from Evanescence, and some of the other artists featured here. "Barely Breathing" is easily my favorite song on the EP, and I become a manic conductor when I play it in my car. Everything on the CD ranges from great to greater, and the production is probably the best that I have ever heard from an indie Artist out of Nashville."
- Mane Event Productions
Bruce VonStiers
President, BSV Reviews
"Amazing, terrific, wonderful and tremendous are just a few of the many words that describe Amy Courts and her music. It was a pleasure to listen to the album. And getting to meet Amy and listen to her perform live was a remarkable experience." - BSV Reviews
Discography
| "These Cold and Rusted Lungs" EP :: Release Spring 2008. Includes singles "Shiver," "The Liars," and "Breathe." Produced by Neilson Hubbard.
| Self-Titled EP :: released May 26, 2006. Includes singles "Barely Breathing," "Nothing Better," "Company," "Save Me," and "Alone" -- in regular rotation on ENGAGEradio.com, xradio.biz/nashville, thespiritradio.net, collegeusicradio.com, biglooradio.com, supertraxxradio.com, netteradio.com, on various podcast radio at www.music.podshow.com, and many more.
| "The Wait is Over" released on Independent compilation, "Transcending Christmas: A Beautiful Journey from Heaven to Earth" -- released December 2006.
| "In You" released on Independent Compilation: "Transcending: A Beautiful Journey from Here to There" -- December, 2004
| "Unnerving" single released independently for radio and internet play -- April, 2004
Photos
Bio
In her debut record, Amy Courts shows with stunning ability that she is anything but a novice to the world of music. With the support and production genius of seasoned studio veteran Charles Judge, best known for his work with Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood, her first offering is as commercially gratifying as it is unaffected and bright.
With a childlike vulnerability, she conveys the basics of human frailty, frustration, and fantasy in shamelessly honest lyrics sustained by driving melodies and impassioned vocals. Listeners are mesmerized not only by her striking delivery, but more by her willingness to expose the heart at its weakest. Her voice stills listeners in their tracks; her authenticity evokes and kindles their lasting affection.
Vocally and musically, Amy draws inspiration from the edgy folk-rock sounds of artists like Jennifer Knapp, Patty Griffin, and Jonatha Brooke, whose influences lend a warm familiarity to her otherwise distinct brand. Scott Bolen, CEO of Red Fusion Records, describes her sound as a fresh blend of these and other influences like Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Stevie Nicks, and adds, "by infusing exceptional instrumentation with energy, flexibility, and the creativity of an entire band, coupled with her own unique vocal flair, Amy creates a smooth, instantly likable sound."
Lyrically, Amy is fearless, drawing from a well marked by personal experience and observation, reflections on spirituality, all against the backdrop of her degree in theology. There is no subject matter too dark, personal, or intimate for Amy to consider off-limits in writing. While many of her peers stick to the formula of encouraging listeners with positive reinforcement, Amy offers a refreshingly honest perspective on real issues people deal with daily. I dont subscribe to the idea that I should only write songs about faith and God and ignore my marriage, work, family, friends, and basic struggles in life. All I am and do is filtered through faith which seasons everything I write, whatever its about. I dont need to run or avoid the gamut of religious jargon in songs to prove Im a Christian.
In keeping with such conviction, Amy does anything but tread lightly throughout the record, exploring themes of love, loss, disappointment, and ultimate satisfaction with God and people. In "Where Are You Now" she proves she's no stranger to feelings of abandonment and confusion, while "Barely Breathing" and "Save Me" depict one whose recognition of her weakness provokes a plea for intervention. Yet, in more accessible songs like "Company" and "Alone" she surveys the human need for intimacy, and crowns the project with the simple but profound reality of "Nothing Better."
With such an artistically distinct and commercially pleasing debut, Amy Courts will satisfy even the toughest critic. If her first effort is any indication of what lies ahead, she will be a mainstay in Christian and mainstream music for years to come.
Links
