Amber Sweeney is an accomplished soul-rock singer and songwriter from the Pacific Northwest
At one point, a couple of guys went upstairs to play pool. I noticed that they were waiting for me to finish singing Believing In Love before they began their game, and it blew me away. I’m so used to people chatting, shouting, and doing whatever it is they want during sets when I play at bars, that the kindness of these young men really stood out to me.
Read MoreThe patio filled up quickly, as it was Valentines Day, and many folks were out for the music, and also to enjoy a fun evening with their significant others. Buskers came by, offering gifts such as flowers and paintings, and a few tried singing along with me. I hadn’t quite seen anything like that before. It was quite the compliment, I believe.
Read MoreIn case you’re wondering, no. I did not get to meet Adele, or Beyonce, or anyone whose name quickly brings to mind songs that you are embarrassed to know the words to. I did see comedienne Tig Notaro while waiting in line to get into the Grammys, however. I may have even taken a sneaky pic
Read MoreFollowing the beautiful dedication and Mele Mei at the Grammy Museum, I invited my producer friends to hop in Winston with me, as we made our way over to The Village Recorder is West L.A. The Recording Academy was honoring Jack White this year, for his brilliant innovations and impact made on the industry as a producer and engineer, and we were all invited to the party.
Read MoreBy the time we reached southern California, both Jessicca and I were already done loading and unloading Winston (the tour van). I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “yeah, that gear you’re hauling must be heavy.” You would never imagine it was because we brought way too many clothes with us. I mean, we are two grown women who have learned a thing or two about traveling and life, right? Clearly not.
Read MoreBeing a Governor has been a special privilege. I sat on the Advocacy Committee, and was able to get involved and support the Academy as they fight for the rights of music creators in a world that has been rocked with change in the technological age. One of the ways the Academy thanks those who serve, is by hosting and throwing some of the most exquisite parties and events the week of the Grammy Awards.
Read MoreI think I underestimated how much down time I’d have on the road, especially this last week.
The last time I shared anything with you all, we were about to play San Francisco. I have to say, I’m extremely grateful that my east bay friends came out, and brought friends with them to the Hotel Utah. It was a bit of a haul for them, and definitely a unique journey given that it was not only raining, but it was Superbowl Sunday.
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You cannot truly revel in the glory of victory, unless you have lived through the sacrifice.
After a few days of final prep and family visits in the Corvallis, OR area, Jessicca and I made our way to the first official stop on this leg of the tour - Medford, OR at Johnny B's. It's listed online as a dive bar, but it was also one of the only music venues we could find that got back to us in the area. Getting your name out in a new city without any radio play or press is just not an easy thing. So, while there may not have been many people there the first show of the tour, I at least met some cool people, and sold a couple CDs. And then things got really interesting.
Read MoreNot only is he a true master as a musician, he’s a pretty incredible producer/engineer as well. In fact, his producing skills earned him a Grammy award in 2015. Suffice it to say, Dave played a roll in this record long before he actually came in to add his musical touch.
Read MoreAndrew Joslyn is one of the most brilliant composers and orchestral performers I think I’ve ever met. He is charming, enthusiastic, and a truly beautiful human. There are few people that are as versatile as Andrew.
Read MoreTheir friend was touring the world, living his dream, singing about popping tags. It was inspiring, to say the least. A couple of years later, I find myself in the studio, recording a song called "The Great Northwest" (SINGLE RELEASES THIS FRIDAY, DEC 16), and Geoff Ott had the brilliant idea to call Wanz. The same man those two ladies had told me about a couple of years earlier.
Read MoreZack Poelwijk is the truth. As humble as he is talented, he comes into every environment with a keen eye, and open ears. His hands translate all that he takes in, with what appears to be flawless effort, and he can quickly turn around and lead the guard, as if he has studied for hours on end.
Read MoreBrian is the calmest beast you’ll ever see behind a drumkit. He has “all the feels” when it comes to holding down the backbone of each song’s rhythm. He pours all of himself into each drum hit, and he does so flawlessly.
Read MoreBen Jones is one of Portland’s best bass players. Not only is his pocket unmatched (that’s musician lingo for how well he keeps the rhythm going), but his fluid ability to make his bass sing and dance is out of this world. He knows no boundary when it comes to his instrument.
Read MoreJared Douglas is absolutely magical as a vocalist. I am normally the one called in to sing backup vocals on other people’s projects, or even on my own, so working with Jared was one of the greatest gifts I could have ever had.
Read MoreFrom the first moment Josh stepped inside the walls of London Bridge Studio and began playing, there was awe in the air. I almost didn’t want to speak for fear of disturbing the power, tenderness, and richness that filled the space we were all holding.
Read MoreI will be taking time each week to point out people who are doing great things in their community. If you have a suggestion for someone you feel deserves a community spotlight, feel free to send me a message with information on who they are and what they’re doing.
Read MoreThe rules are simple. A post is made on Facebook with a song subject. To play, you add one word about that subject as a comment on the Facebook post. I take those words and turn them into a wacky song and post it later that week on my Facebook page.
Here is Our Song about Monday's:
Are you ready for Our Song??? Ladies, and gentlemen, here is Our Song, titled "Monday." You all gave me some really fun...
Posted by Amber Sweeney on Thursday, February 4, 2016
I love this song for so many reasons. I love the way Jenn writes and sings. There is a simple, yet profound reliability and authenticity that exudes from her. She is one of those artists who I will listen to simply because I see her name. I know that there will be depth and quality attached.
Read MoreTechnical difficulties kept me from getting this video to you for last month's video #SCS, but fear not, for they are back! You'll even get two #SCS videos in a row!
Enjoy this very Happy song, written by what I believe to be one of this generations best producers.
As always, thank you for listening with your heart.