Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Amy Allen Releases Single 'Love Won' to Celebrate Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Decision


            EL DORADO, Ark. (June 2015) – Hit country-blues-Americana singer-songwriter Amy Allen has released a new single that celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to allow same-sex marriage, while giving hope to individuals who are fighting for equality around the world.

             "Love Won", which has been released on iTunes and various social networking sites, was originally written as a "gift of hope" for the artist's sister. The song resurfaced last year when Allen created a video to honor a Nashville same-sex couple. The artist, who married radio executive Tracy Fort in 2014, felt the timing was right to officially release the song after the landmark SCOTUS ruling.

            "This song is dedicated to the people who have fought for equal rights," said Allen, whose last single, "Josie Rae", reached number 15 on Roots Music Report's Top 50 Pop Country Song Chart. "Tracy and I were married in Boston because we could not marry in our home state of Arkansas. It was a special day. But for some reason, it felt like we were married for the first time the morning of June 26th."


            "Love Won" was recorded in Nashville at Denny Martin Music. Individuals can download the song at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-won-single/id1013114727 or Amy Allen's artist Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/AmyAllenMusic.

            The heartfelt country/pop ballad touches listeners with the words, "Love won... And it's the most amazing thing... It drove the dark clouds away... And now it's all about sunny days... Your new life has begun... All because love won...."

            "It always takes courage when you step outside the box and your lifestyle is considered different," added Allen, who is raising seven children with Fort in El Dorado, Ark. "It is scary to feel examined. It was not too long ago that whites and blacks were separated while in public settings. My children know nothing about such prejudice. It is my hope that my children's children will not know any difference surrounding the issue of gay marriage." 

            Allen broke into the national music scene in 2013 with release of the highly successful CD, "Someday is Today". The title track hit number 15 on the STS Main Country Chart. A second hit single, "Josie Rae", followed with similar results. 

            In the late 1990s, the artist landed a recording contract and opened for acts such as John Conlee, Patty Loveless, and Brooks & Dunn -- even performing at The White House and the Ryman Auditorium. Health-related issues and the decision to become a mother prompted her to leave Nashville for her hometown. Her family encouraged her to write, sing and record again. She returned to Music City to record her second album in 2012 and 2013.

            "'Love Won' is saying that love conquers hate," said Allen, who plans to release her third album in 2016. "So, if you have experienced hate, and you fought to make it right, and finally after much work and effort love won, then this song applies to you."

            To learn more about the artist or to hear her music, visit www.TheAmyAllen.com.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Our 'Someday Is Today' If we...

Believe that anything is possible.

Don't give up when the road gets rocky.

Are open to new ideas.

Have a great team of dependable experts.

Give more than we receive.

Give God the credit, and develop the talents he's given us.

Offer our shoulders to cry on.

Recognize others for their contributions.

Persevere, persevere, persevere.

Are eager to learn more and more.

Appreciate the little wonders around us.

Learn to laugh, then laugh freely.

Realize the past is behind us, and unlimited possibilities are ahead of us.

Pray, reflect, listen and act.


Saturday, September 27, 2014

Country/Blues/Americana Artist Amy Allen to Perform at Various Arkansas Venues This Fall


            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 2014) – Country-blues-Americana artist Amy Allen is staying close to home this fall with several performances in her hometown of El Dorado, Ark.

            Allen, who is celebrating her top-15 single "Josie Rae", will appear at the El Dorado Golf and Country Club on Oct. 4 for a private retirement party for Charles and Melinda Hayes Gatheright from the Systems Contracting Corp. and on Oct. 10 for the "Burger, Blues and Beer" event. Other solo performances are set for PJ's Coffee on Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. Allen will close at the year performing for hundreds of celebrants at "First Night Alexandria" near Washington, D.C. Next spring, the artist will hit the road again, performing at the Garden Hotel in Machakos, Kenya; the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tenn.; and the Songwriters Showcase in Fredericksburg, Va.

Amy Allen
            "I'm really looking forward to performing in Arkansas and Virginia this fall," said Allen, whose "Someday Is Today" album has generated two hit singles on terrestrial and Internet radio. "Next year looks to be exciting, too, with a return to Kenya for the Global Village Foundation."

            Allen's "Josie Rae" single reached number 15 on Roots Music Report's Top 50 Pop Country Song Chart (just below Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, and The Band Perry) and number 23 on RMR's Top 50 Country Chart. The song continues to air on radio stations around the world, including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

            "Josie Rae", a mid-tempo country/pop song about motherhood, is being promoted to radio stations across the United States by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions. The song is the second single from her "Someday Is Today" CD. The album reached number 38 on RMR's Top 50 Country Album Chart and number 2 on the RMR Arkansas Album Chart. The first single, "Someday Is Today", hit the Top 15 on the STS Main Country Chart.

            Allen's concerts feature various songs from her albums "Someday Is Today" and "Night Vision", as well as classic covers in blues, country, pop, rock and Americana. View her latest performances on video at www.TheAmyAllen.com/music/video/.

            Allen is represented in the United States by Bill Wence Promotions, Whiting Publicity and Promotions, Music City Artist Management, and in Europe by Hemifran.

            To book Allen for an upcoming event, call (615) 423-9857 or (870) 918-4403; send an email message to info@TheAmyAllen.com, or mail correspondence to Wormwood Records, 736 Bodenhamer Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. To learn more about the artist, visit www.TheAmyAllen.com. Media and management-related inquiries may be directed to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com or by calling (615) 423-9857.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Amy Allen to Perform at 'First Night Alexandria' in Washington, D.C., Area on Dec. 31


          NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 2014) – Country-blues-Americana artist Amy Allen will celebrate her top-15 single, "Josie Rae", with several major performances, including "First Night Alexandria" in the Washington, D.C., area on Dec. 31.

            Allen will receive exposure in Nashville during the Americana Music Festival on Sept. 16 with a spotlight performance at the "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase near Music Row. The artist will headline a similar show in Independence, Va., on Sept. 12 as part of the "Reaching Your Dream" arts weekend. Other stops include El Dorado, Ark.; Johnson City, Tenn.; Roanoke, Va.; and Fredericksburg, Va.

Amy Allen performs at W.O. Smith School
            "I'm really looking forward to performing at 'Tunesmithing" and other events in Tennessee and Virginia this fall, and next spring" said Allen, whose "Someday Is Today" has generated two hit singles on terrestrial and Internet radio.

            Allen's "Josie Rae" single reached number 15 on Roots Music Report's Top 50 Pop Country Song Chart (just below Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, and The Band Perry) and number 23 on RMR's Top 50 Country Chart. The song continues to air on radio stations around the world, including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. 

            "Josie Rae", a mid-tempo country/pop song about motherhood, is being promoted to radio stations across the United States by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions. The song is the second single from her "Someday Is Today" CD. The album reached number 38 on RMR's Top 50 Country Album Chart and number 2 on the RMR Arkansas Album Chart. The first single, "Someday Is Today", hit the Top 15 on the STS Main Country Chart.

            Allen's concerts feature various songs from her albums "Someday Is Today" and "Night Vision", as well as classic covers in blues, country, pop, rock and Americana. View her latest performances on video at www.TheAmyAllen.com/music/video/.

            "Response to 'Josie Rae' and my other songs has been wonderful," the former Warner Music studio singer added. "My latest single expresses a mother's love for a daughter. The song prompts tearful reactions from mothers of all ages everywhere I perform. It's a reflection of what I've experienced raising my children."

            The "Someday Is Today" CD features 11 original songs inspired by real-life experiences. The artist describes her sound as a versatile mix of blues-accented country, pop and Americana with hints of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Elton John, and Patsy Cline. The online retailer iTunes named the album "New and Noteworthy" shortly after it was released. "Josie Rae" and other selections from the album can be heard at www.TheAmyAllen.com/music/ and purchased from iTunes athttps://itunes.apple.com/us/album/someday-is-today/id710800873?ign-mpt=uo%3D4.

            In the song "Josie Rae", the singer-songwriter writes: "You make my world such a wonderful place to stay... Thanks for making everyday for me Mother's Day." Allen penned the song for her daughter, drawing inspiration from the unforgettable, life-changing experiences mothers have while raising children.

            According to a reviewer for Skope Magazine, the artist has an "irresistible, bubbly personality backed by powerful vocals that evoke real emotion. She sings loud and proud in the song "Josie Rae" about her daughter. When she is describing her [daughter's] smile, you can't help but grin ear-to-ear yourself."

            "I have had the pleasure of hosting inspirational singer-songwriter Amy Allen on more than one occasion," said Sean O'Shea, music director for the 400-member Center for Spiritual Living Nashville. "Her melodies are memorable and her lyrics are poignant and all delivered in an energetic and relatable performance. Further, Amy is an absolutely pleasure to work with -- showing respect and caring for all who surround her. Off stage, Amy is an inspiring parent and caring human being."

            Allen recently performed to full houses at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Ark., and the Co-Creators Coffeehouse (at CSLN) and The Row in Nashville. Upcoming performances include "Tunesmithing" at the Aloft Hotel West End in Nashville (Sept. 16); the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tenn. (Sept. 19); The 1908 Courthouse in Independence, Va. (Sept. 12); "First Night Alexandria" at the historic St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Va. (Dec. 31); and the Songwriters Showcase in Fredericksburg, Va., on April 24, 2015. 

            Produced and recorded in Nashville by Denny Martin Productions, "Someday Is Today" offers heartfelt ballads, mid-tempo crowd pleasers, and rock-accented dance numbers. Allen is joined by an all-star cast of Nashville session musicians, including guitarist Scott Neubert, background vocalists Jaimee Paul and Vickie Carrico, electric guitarist Jason Roller, and keyboardist Steve Peffer

            The "Someday Is Today" CD is available through major online retailers such as Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby. The singles "Someday Is Today", "Josie Rae", and "Cryin' Time" are available for download at iTunes. A portion of the proceeds from album and concert ticket sales will benefit local non-profit charities that provide the support and resources people need to discover their dreams. 

            "Every note I sing or every note or chord I strum is given with all of the love I have for the song I am performing," the singer-songwriter said.

            Allen is represented in the United States by Bill Wence PromotionsWhiting Publicity and PromotionsMusic City Artist Management, and in Europe byHemifran.

            To book Allen for an upcoming event, call (615) 423-9857 or (870) 918-4403; send an email message to info@TheAmyAllen.com, or mail correspondence to Wormwood Records, 736 Bodenhamer Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. To learn more about the artist, visit www.TheAmyAllen.com. Media and management-related inquiries may be directed to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com or by calling (615) 423-9857.
###

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

My 'Reaching Your Dream' Arts Career/PR Workshop Can Help Artists Of All Kinds


            I am so excited about partnering with Nashville publicist/author/composer Chuck Whiting for several upcoming workshops and artist vision sharing events called "Reaching Your Dream". Chuck and I will be bringing some great ideas and concepts that have helped us “make a living… living the dream.” The music business is not what it used to be.  I know that is the same with every thing.  It is changing with progress and advancement just like every other business. The boom of the Internet has helped grass roots artists like myself by allowing me to be easily found and heard. Another thing that has helped artists like me is that CD production has become much easier and affordable. I read a recent article that some self-produced artists and bands are actually doing better financially because they have not been signed to major labels, avoiding the huge debt that sometimes occurs. You also hear a lot these days about how major artists and labels are losing money because of the Internet and free downloads.

Amy Allen performs in an Arkansas art gallery
            Our workshops are not limited to musicians. We want to reach anyone who needs help getting their specific craft to a new level. If you are a painter, we can provide tools to get your work seen in local galleries. Did you know I am a painter? I love building multi-media on wood and canvas. My art projects have been in several galleries in Arkansas. That brings up another great reason our workshop can help you get to the next level. You might be a musician who loves to dabble in the art world. We can help you with that. You might be a songwriter who has written a novel and needs help publishing. Chuck is a published author and can get you linked with how to get published. I think you will find some way our workshop can help.

Amy Allen with her artwork
          Photo (right): This is a piece of my art that is now in a private collection. I look forward to meeting and seeing you at one of our "Reaching Your Dream" workshops or shows.

          To learn more or to register for the "Reaching Your Dream" arts career-building/PR workshop, visit www.ReachingYourDream.net . Upcoming workshops will occur in Nashville (July 26); Independence/Galax, Va. (Sept. 12-14); and Roanoke, Va. (TBA).

Monday, June 30, 2014

Join Amy Allen and Chuck Whiting on July 26 for the 'Reaching Your Dream' Artist Workshop


            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2014) -- Artists of all kinds can receive invaluable insights on the professional steps needed to achieve success by attending the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 26 (Saturday) at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in West Nashville.

            The career and publicity training workshop will be led by country/blues/pop artist Amy Allen and award-winning publicist/educator/composer/author Chuck Whiting. Attendees will learn how to write and distribute press releases; develop a one-of-a-kind hook; believe in their talents; plan creative events; develop stage presence; form a team of experts; develop, manufacture, market and sell original products; obtain copyrights; and build Internet exposure.

Amy Allen
            Allen and Whiting will lead artists through the career-building and publicity process step by step with hands-on instructions, examples and feedback. Artist Q&A spotlights (case studies) will feature insights from Nashville filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, singer/songwriter/musician Sean O'Shea, and author/speaker/edu-tainer/edu-preneur Debbie Watts.

            Attendees will participate in an artist vision-sharing event called "Arts on the Row" from 7-9 p.m. Saturday. The first 15 professionals to sign up for the workshop will enjoy a complimentary tour and demonstrations at a local media operation on July 25 (Friday). They also will have the opportunity to receive complimentary writing and editing critiques during a brainstorming lunch on July 27 (Sunday).

            Tuition for the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop is $95 (registration by July 20) and $120 (registration after July 20). Participation in the "Arts on the Row" artist vision-sharing event, media tour, and critiques/Q&A sessions are included with registration. Meals are not included. Discounts are available for couples, company-sponsored groups, and non-profit organizations. Artist scholarships are available.

            For more information or to register for the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 423-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

            "I hear many fellow artists say how overwhelmed they are with the multi-tasking involved in the career-building process," said Allen, who has collaborated with Whiting on product development, performances and publicity for her "Someday Is Today" CD project. "Overcoming self-doubt to believe in yourself can be a huge struggle. And many artists don't realize how important it is to establish a professional self-image. It's very important to develop a one-of-a-kind persona, top-notch marketing tools, and a great team. We also need to protect our intellectual property rights in a fast-changing digital world. Achieving success is a combination of heart and business."

            Allen recently landed two Top-15 country hits from her latest album, “Someday Is Today”. Amy has performed at venues ranging from the White House to the Ryman Auditorium, opening for stars such as John Conlee, Patty Loveless, and Brooks & Dunn. She has overcome a major health-related challenge to become successful in the arts. Learn more about Amy Allen at www.TheAmyAllen.com.

            A former newspaper reporter, Whiting founded Whiting Publicity and Promotions in Music City in 1993 to provide exposure for artists and the organizations that support them. He is the author/co-writer of the book/song “The Littlest Star”, editor of Music City Arts Update, and host of the songwriters show “Tunesmithing”. He teaches communication courses at Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College. Learn more about Chuck Whiting at www.WhitingPublicity.com.

Chuck Whiting
            "Our goal will be for each musician, author, actor or visual artist to have a career-changing hook, game plan, or press release in hand by the end of the weekend," said Whiting, who is completing a new CD of instrumentals and vocal tunes for release in 2014. "We will be available to provide feedback during a follow-up brainstorming lunch on Sunday."

            For more information about the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop, visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

###

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Amy Allen News...


     Country/blues/Americana artist Amy Allen is preparing for a host of summer and fall appearances.
     * Amy will join award-winning PR professional Chuck Whiting in Nashville on July 26 for the “Reaching Your Dream” artist workshop and artist sharing. The activities are designed to help artists believe in themselves, get better organized, and promote on a professional level. The workshop will feature Q&A spotlight sessions with some of Music City’s top professionals. More details coming soon!
     * A special “Tunesmithing” for the Americana Music Festival” on Sept. 16 will spotlight Amy, along with professional acts Chris Beall, Mary Beth Cross, Suzahn Fiering, and Brian Ashley Jones.
     * Amy will hit the road again on Sept. 19 for a performance at the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tenn.
     * She will join Chuck Whiting, Joyce Rouse (Earth Mama), and Bonnie Cranmer on various weekends in September and October for “Reaching Your Dream” arts weekends. Dates will be announced soon for Independence/Galax, Va.; Roanoke, Va.; and other areas along the Blue Ridge.
     * Amy will take the stage for a big concert in El Dorado, Ark., on Sept. 26 to help raise funds for the Global Village Educational Foundation. Because of this, she had to postpone her performance at the Songwriters Showcase in Fredericksburg, Va., till April 24, 2015.
     * Do you live near Washington, D.C.? If so, please come out to see Amy when she performs at “First Night Alexandria” on Dec. 31. More details to come!
     Please touch base with us if you’d like to book Amy for a venue in your area. Call us at (615) 423-9857 or send an e-mail inquiry to info@TheAmyAllen.com or arts@WhitingPublicity.com. To learn more about Amy Allen, visit her website at www.TheAmyAllen.com.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Amy Allen's Single 'Josie Rae' Climbs Music Row Country Breakout Chart


           NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 2014) – Country-blues-Americana artist Amy Allen's new single, "Josie Rae", continues to climb the Music Row Country Breakout Chart, hitting number 101 on April 17.

            Allen also learned that the single is climbing other charts, reaching number 12 on Roots Music Report's Top 50 Pop Country Song Chart (just below Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, and The Band Perry) and number 44 on RMR's Top 50 Country Chart. "Josie Rae" is airing on hundreds of terrestrial and online radio stations around the world.

            "Josie Rae", a mid-tempo country/pop song about motherhood, is being promoted to radio stations across the United States by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions. The song is the second single from her "Someday Is Today" CD.

            "Response to 'Josie Rae' and other songs from the CD has been wonderful," said Allen, who will launch her "Blue Ridge Mountains" tour later this year. "My new single expresses a mother's love for a daughter. The song prompts tearful reactions from mothers of all ages everywhere I perform. It's a reflection of what I've experienced raising my children."

            The "Someday Is Today" CD features 11 original songs inspired by real-life experiences. The artist describes her sound as a versatile mix of blues-accented country, pop and Americana with hints of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Elton John, and Patsy Cline. The online retailer iTunes named the album "New and Noteworthy" shortly after it was released. "Josie Rae" and other selections from the album can be heard at http://www.TheAmyAllen.com and purchased from iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/someday-is-today/id710800873?ign-mpt=uo%3D4.

            In the song "Josie Rae", the singer-songwriter writes: "You make my world such a wonderful place to stay... Thanks for making everyday for me Mother's Day." Allen penned the song for her daughter, drawing inspiration from the unforgettable, life-changing experiences mothers have while raising children.
           
          According to a reviewer for Skope Magazine, the artist has an "irresistible, bubbly personality backed by powerful vocals that evoke real emotion. She sings loud and proud in the song "Josie Rae" about her daughter. When she is describing her [daughter's] smile, you can't help but grin ear-to-ear yourself."

            Produced and recorded in Nashville by Denny Martin Productions, "Someday Is Today" offers heartfelt ballads, mid-tempo crowd pleasers, and rock-accented dance numbers. Allen is joined by an all-star cast of Nashville session musicians, including guitarist Scott Neubert, background vocalists Jaimee Pauland Vickie Carrico, electric guitarist Jason Roller, and keyboardist Steve Peffer. The album, which retails for $15 (USD) and $9.99 (USD) for digital sales at iTunes, is distributed by Wormwood Records.

            "I produce a lot of artists in my studio, and Amy is truly an original," said Denny Martin, who co-wrote her bluesy ballad, "Cryin' Time". "Her natural-given voice is stunning in its clarity and expressiveness. Her sense of humor and joyful personality come through in her writing and her singing. I consider myself extremely fortunate to know her, to write with her, and to produce her. The world is about to hear what I've been hearing for more than two years."

            Allen recently performed to full houses at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Ark., and the Co-Creators Coffeehouse and The Row in Nashville. Upcoming performances include the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tenn., on Sept. 19 and the Songwriters Showcase in Fredericksburg, Va., on Sept. 26. The artist is available to perform at concert venues, arts centers, nightclubs, art galleries, hotels, casinos, festivals, assisted living centers, and churches.

            The "Someday Is Today" CD is available through major online retailers such as Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby. The singles "Someday Is Today", "Josie Rae", and "Cryin' Time" are available for download at iTunes. A portion of the proceeds from album and concert ticket sales will benefit local non-profit charities that provide the support and resources people need to discover their dreams.

            "Every note I sing or every note or chord I strum is given with all of the love I have for the song I am performing," the former Warner Music Nashville studio singer said. "My voice is the voice of someone who has been down many different roads, including motherhood."

            Allen is represented in the United States by Bill Wence Promotions,Whiting Publicity and Promotions, and Music City Artist Management, and in Europe by Hemifran.

            For more information about the CD or booking Allen for an upcoming event, call (870) 918-4403, send an email message toinfo@TheAmyAllen.com, or mail correspondence to Wormwood Records, 736 Bodenhamer Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. To learn more about the artist, visit www.TheAmyAllen.com. Media and management-related inquiries may be directed to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com or by calling (615) 423-9857.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Amy Allen Shares Insights on How to Raise Funds for Your Dream


    It’s all about the money, honey! 

     We all have to get creative when it comes to raising funds for a new project, a new CD, or to get on the road. I want to tell you about a new fundraising program I am using that may help you get the funds you need for your project.

     This week, I am wearing my development worker hat. In 2009, I became involved with Global Village Education Foundation. GVEF is a non-profit organization that helps empower communities by providing sustainability projects. They partnered with Glory Preparatory Academy (a private school in Machakos, Kenya) to make this dream a reality. If you would like to see all of the wonderful things that are going on with GVEF, check out the website www.gvefusa.org.

     This year, GVEF will be taking 14 team members to Kenya. I am responsible for raising funds and giving the team members opportunities to raise funds through our organization, Just Give Movement. We don’t have the budget to purchase t-shirts and really didn’t want to deal with shipping, but still thought t-shirts would be a good tool to raise funds. I found a wonderful site to help me with just that! I am selling t-shirts at www.booster.com. You set up the t-shirt, and they do all of the rest. It is that simple. Just upload your logo or choose from their collection of clip art, and build it right there. They have a variety of really nice t-shirt styles and colors. I chose the Hanes tag-less shirts. The website also helps you set fundraising goals. I set our organizations’ goal to sell 500 t-shirts. Don’t let that number overwhelm you. You can set your goal to as low as 50 shirts. If I meet my goal, my profit is over $6,000. All of the group members will send out e-mails with the link to our t-shirt page asking people to purchase a t-shirt in support of our mission. They also let us share cool links on Twitter and Facebook. Booster.com ships the t-shirt directly to the consumer.

     We also started a fundraising campaign on Razoo. This website helps non-profit organizations raise funds using the Internet and social media. I found this website very helpful and trustworthy. Please check out www.razoo.com. The GVEF razoo account can be found at http://www.razoo.com/story/Global-Village-Educationalfoundation?referral_code=share.

     Do you need to make a demo, and need funds to support your new CD?  Think about asking your fans to purchase a t-shirt in order to support your next project. With that simple purchase, they are becoming investors in your dream!

   
Check out our T-shirts at www.booster.com/2014summermissiontrip and www.booster.com/2014summermissiontrippink. We would love your support, too!

- Amy


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Artist Profile: Amy Allen Takes Country, Blues and Americana Around World


            NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Amy Allen is a blues-accented country, pop and Americana singer-songwriter who has sung on three continents, appearing at venues ranging from the White House and the Ryman Auditorium to the Garden Hotel in Machakos, Kenya.

            The artist is re-launching her music career with the "Someday Is Today" CD and national tour. The album, which was recorded in Nashville, features 11 original songs inspired by real-life experiences. The first single (the album's title track) recently hit number 15 on the STS Main Country Chart, and the album was featured as "New and Noteworthy" on iTunes. Selections from the "Someday Is Today" CD are airing on country and Americana radio stations around the world. Her latest single, "Josie Rae", is climbing the charts, including the Music Row Country Breakout Chart.

            Amy's soaring country ballads, bluesy pop songs, and honky-tonk rockers entertain while bringing hope and change to a disconnected world. Listeners laugh, cry, dance and sing knowing that the someday they've always longed for can begin today. Amy describes her sound as a versatile mix of blues-accented country, pop and Americana. She brings passion and energy to the stage with hints of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Elton John, Eva Cassidy, and Patsy Cline -- yet with a powerful sound that is all her own.

            "Every note I sing or every note or chord I strum is given with all of the love I have for the song I am performing," the singer-songwriter says. "My voice is the voice of someone who has been down many different roads."

            Amy was only 20 years old when she was first "discovered" in an Arkansas honky-tonk by a music industry executive. Her rendition of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" led her to the footsteps of Shoney's on Music Row and eventually a contract with an independent record label. With stars in her eyes, she recorded her first album with some of Nashville's top musicians.

            Then came heartbreak. At age 22, Amy experienced a mild heart attack after going on a strict diet and losing more than 100 pounds. Although Amy was her ideal weight, she was told she must have plastic surgery to keep her contract. Amy faced a hard decision. She could continue to pursue her dreams under very difficult circumstances or return home to marry and raise a family. As her car climbed the ramp onto Interstate 40, she thought her days as a songwriter and singer in Nashville were over.

            Some years later, while going through a very difficult divorce, Amy heard a 12-year-old girl singing songs from her first album, "Night Vision".

            "It was as simple as that," Amy adds. "Somehow, every emotion flooded through my body at that very moment, as well as the first realization that my musical story was not over. I wrote a song as a gift for that teenager. That experience is what led me back to Nashville."

            Amy is returning to the national stage with the help of noted producer Denny Martin, the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and others. Her passionate, high-energy performances entertain, while helping people overcome past challenges, believe in themselves, appreciate the love of family, and discover their God-given talents.

            The artist took the stage for the first time at age 4 as a singing angel in the children's choir at First Christian Church in her hometown of El Dorado, Ark. With her grandmother's encouragement, she spent her childhood years soaking in recordings by artists such as BB King and The Rolling Stones. She was only 12 when she joined the Down Home Band as a vocalist and pianist, giving her first professional performance at the American Legion Club. The band played dozens of bars across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. She joined the Ralston Girls country duet at age 15, opening for country artists such as John Conlee, Patty Loveless and Brooks & Dunn. While attending South Arkansas Community College and the University of Arkansas, she sang and played guitar and piano for the band Spare Change.

            Amy joined the Winchesters and began her solo career after moving to Nashville in the 1990s. The group appeared at tourist bars on Broadway and at festivals in Arkansas and Tennessee. She also served as a studio singer for Warner Music Nashville and performed at major shows as a solo artist at the Statue of Liberty, the White House, the Ryman Auditorium, Disney's Magic Kingdom, and Vanderbilt University.

            Since the release of her first album and return to Arkansas, she has performed regularly at Fayrays restaurant; the South Arkansas Arts Center; hundreds of house parties and charity events; Timberlane Health and Rehab; and numerous churches.

            "I can sing the blues as well as put a tear in my beer with country music," Amy notes. "I have been blessed with diversity and the ability to touch people with different musical styles.

            In 2012, she returned to Nashville to record her second album, "Someday Is Today". The album includes performances by an all-star cast of Nashville musicians. Amy's "Someday Is Today Tour " will include stops in Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas.

            "I produce a lot of artists in my studio, and Amy is truly an original," raves producer Denny Martin. "Her natural-given voice is stunning in its clarity and expressiveness. Her sense of humor and joyful personality come through in her writing and her singing. I consider myself extremely fortunate to know her, to write with her, and to produce her. The world is about to hear what I've been hearing for more than two years."

            The artist's musical rebirth has inspired the creation of original acrylic, watercolor and mixed-media artworks reflecting her healing journey. She plans to show some of those works on her national tour.

            Amy graduated from El Dorado High School and attended South Arkansas Community College and the University of Arkansas. She is currently pursuing certification in the Education for Licensed Ministry program from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. She is a professional member of ASCAP and the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

            The singer-songwriter performs at concert venues, arts centers, nightclubs, art galleries, hotels, casinos, festivals, assisted living centers, and churches. A portion of the proceeds from album and concert ticket sales will benefit local non-profit charities that provide the support and resources people need to discover their dreams. Recent appearances include the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Ark., and The Row in Nashville. She will perform at a number of prominent venues during her "Blue Ridge Mountain Tour" in September 2014.

            Allen is represented in the United States by Bill Wence Promotions, Whiting Publicity and Promotions, and Music City Artist Management, and in Europe by Hemifran.

            For more information about the CD or booking Allen for an upcoming event, call (870) 918-4403, send an email message to info@TheAmyAllen.com, or mail correspondence to Wormwood Records, 736 Bodenhamer Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. To learn more about the artist, visit http://www.TheAmyAllen.com. Media and management-related inquiries may be directed to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com or by calling (615) 423-9857.

Web Links for Amy Allen:

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Videos:

"Someday is Today" video - http://youtu.be/wa1Ac-_UQC8
"Someday is Today" documentary - http://youtu.be/-DkiCeCz73Y
"Proud Mary" cover - http://youtu.be/id_vUXRj1eo

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