Amy Kuney
Amy Kuney is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She started playing piano at the age of four and guitar at sixteen. Since then she has had a guest spot playing her music on The Gilmore Girls, a song on an episode of US hit drama One Tree Hill, a gig at JFK airport and a tour with The Veronicas. With a new album in the pipeline, we caught up with her to see how things are going…
How are you at the moment?
I’m doing pretty well thanks 🙂 Its a little past midnight and I just finished writing a song so I’m feeling very calm.
We hear you’re recording your album, Onyx now. How is this going?
It hasn’t been easy… We’ve had a lot of interruptions and we’re doing it without the help of a label, but I have faith that it’ll be worth the time and effort. I’m really proud of where it is right now and excited about where it’s headed.
How does it differ from Bird’s Eye View?
This album will be different for a lot of reasons. First of all, I’m co-producing it so I’ll have more say in the different sounds that are used, etc. I’ve been experimenting a lot since Bird’s Eye View. In this next album, I’m mixing programmed and acoustic instruments, and I’m playing around with genres a bit. I’ve pushed myself pretty hard with this one, and I think I’m growing a lot.
It sounds like you’ve had an interesting life. Would you say your songs are mostly inspired by your experiences?
Yes my songs are inspired by personal experience, but I use other people’s experiences as well. I’m obsessed with people watching. I notice many things that other people don’t. I eavesdrop a lot! You don’t want to be in a fight with your boy/ girlfriend within earshot of me or you’ll end up in a song.
How about the new album, does this have any recurring themes?
It does. I’ve noticed the main theme is to never be ‘the victim’. It’s so easy to let tragedy and other circumstances negatively influence your life decisions/ hold you back. My album is mostly about using those tragedies as fuel to rise above.
You moved to Honduras with your family when you were just 13 to become missionaries. Was this a massive shock to the 13 year old Oklahoma girl?
Oh yes. It was. Nothing could have prepared me for that.
You’re known for posting videos on YouTube. Is YouTube a tool that you use to find new artists to listen to?
It is! I’m hugely inspired by music videos. My new favourites are Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie” and Kanye West’s “Power”.
You famously made a video with a blow up doll of Robert Pattison, are you actually a fan of the Twilight Saga?
Honestly, I was until it got ridiculously huge and I couldn’t go anywhere without seeing it. I’ve gotten a little tired of it.
Have you got anymore YouTube covers in the pipeline?
I do. I have lists of songs I want to cover, but I’ve been so busy writing my own! When I’m finished with this album I’ll have time to film more covers.
Is it right that you played at JFK airport? How did that happen?
Ourstage made that happen! They’ve been responsible for a lot of amazing things I’ve been able to do over this past year.
Are there any artists that you would like to recommend to our readers?
I would recommend Bat for Lashes, Sam Sparro, and Salem Al Fakir.
You’ve played with some great artists, who were the most fun?
It’s hard to pick! They’re all great to me. I’m fortunate enough to live in Los Angeles where I’m able to share the stage with so many amazing people.
How was it performing and acting on The Gilmore Girls? How did this role come about and were you a fan of the show before?
I’d actually just moved from Honduras so I wasn’t that familiar with the show but I auditioned for the part and got it! I guess it was beginners luck 🙂
Is acting something you’d like to pursue as well as singing?
Music is really my thing. Right now I’m devoting 110% of my time to it. Unless it falls in my lap, I’m not looking to pursue anything else at the moment.
Which artists have been inspirations to your music?
Fiona Apple, Nelly Furtado, Maroon 5, Sia, Fiona Apple, Fiona Apple.
Is it true you taught yourself to play guitar from a Wal-Mart poster?
I did. I was determined to learn and that was the simplest way.
Have you ever been over to the UK? Do you plan to come here when the album is released?
I would love to! No solid plans yet, but I can’t wait to cross the pond!
Where in the world would you really love to go on tour?
I’d love to go to the UK (of course), but I’d also love to play shows in countries where American artists don’t tour as often. I’d love to perform in South Africa, Cuba and Central America.
What would you be doing if you weren’t playing music?
I’d probably be writing for something…books, magazines, newspapers… Writing is my first love.
Finally, what are your plans for 2011?
I want to release this album!
Check out Amy’s site here: www.amykuney.com and her Myspace page here: www.myspace.com/amykuney
Thanks to Amy for chatting with Claire. Oct 2010.
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