Amy Sheppard – Overthinking

By starrymag | March 22, 2024

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound as a solo artist?

A) As a solo artist, my focus is country music (Sheppard is very much an anthemic pop vibe so this is quite different). There are definitely flavors of pop, rock and folk in my country music and I am loving experimenting with and finding my own sound.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I have long been influenced by artists such as The Chicks, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Maren Morris and Keith Urban. All country artists who have forged different paths through authentic storytelling and memorable melodies.

 

Q) While still being a member of the successful band Sheppard, which you have formed along with your siblings. What was that something that made you want to pursue a solo career?

A) Country music has always felt part of my soul and I’ve always wanted to explore that side of my song writing, vocals and stage performances; however, Sheppard as a band simply doesn’t operate in that genre and space. It felt like an opportunity to have a side-by-side career and really see if there was a place for me in the country music scene.

 

Q) If you were to describe your current music concept, what would you say about it?

A) At the moment, I am focusing on writing and releasing great country music – a definite spotlight on singles rather than an album. Back in 2022, I released my debut EP of six songs which reached number one on the Australian Country Album chart, which was a career highlight for me though my 2024 goals are to keep working with great producers and co-writers (and my management team) to get singles out there, play around with country as a genre and find my lane in the Australian and US country music scenes.

 

Q) In the last semester of 2023 you were able to release a couple of singles amongst which “Overthinking” stands out. What would you say was your main inspiration behind this track?

A) When we sat down to write “Overthinking,” a couple of things were on my mind… I wanted to write a country hit that you could sing aloud in the car with your friends on a road trip… and I wanted to capture that feeling when you are stuck in your head thinking about a guy and it can be all-consuming. Today it feels like we are all overthinking about one thing or another and it can be a lot. This single is designed to recognize the emotion of being stuck in your feels for a new partner, but also to have some fun with it.

 

Q) Talk about the experience of partnering with Lindsay Rimes and Phil Barton to bring “Overthinking” to life.

A) I find writing with Lindsay and Phil a genuine pleasure. The concepts, melodies and lyrics flow very easily, and we work well together. I’ve written a number of my songs with them now. As soon as “Overthinking” had been “born” I called my management team and played them the demo and we knew we had something special on our hands.

 

Q) Earlier this month you released your first 2024 single “Small Town Rumours,” an energetic song-fuelled with a firm message. What was your main motivation for writing this song?

A) Having been in the public eye for over a decade, one trade off you make is that people always have something to say about you and it’s not always nice and it’s not always true. I have learned over the years that what other people have to say about me is none of my business – turns out that old adage is true – and I wanted to match that vibe with a big bold country rock sound.

 

Q) Do you have any plans to release another EP or full album anytime soon?

A) At the moment, I am focused on singles but there will definitely be a full album at some point… watch this space in 2025 and let’s see!

 

Q) Your success in the music industry has been expanding to different territories over the years starting back in Australia and now in the United States; do you have any other specific countries in mind that you’d like to conquer with your music as well?

A) We are so lucky to have performed all over the world – festivals and stages all across Australia, US, Mexico, Brazil, Europe and Asia. We have dedicated fan bases in Japan and Philippines, and I would love to get back there… and show them my new music!

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming musicians?

A) Never stop practicing and creating. There are so many “no’s” in the industry and so many doors close… but if you keep working to be a better singer, better musician, better song writer, better producer and a better performer, your sound and identity will shine through and the no’s turn into yes’s over time. Find your support crew and always back yourself, even when it feels hard.

 

Q) You have been a relentless advocate for body positivity for a while, something that even led to the release of a campaign back in 2019 called “Kiss My Fat Ass.” How do you relate to this topic and what do you consider to be necessary to continue tackle down these misconceptions about self-image?

A) The best piece of advice I would give anyone on this topic is to go through your Instagram and remove all the accounts you follow who don’t make you feel good about yourself. Of course, I would encourage everyone to learn to love their bodies for the absolutely amazing miracles they are…but since we all seem to live on our phone and scroll every day, I have found that unfollowing those accounts is a practical and positive place to start.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans out there?

A) I am forever grateful for my fans – both from Sheppard and my solo country career. I don’t take any of my success or fan base for granted and I am excited for all the music I still have up my sleeve to share with them.