Amanda Marie Music

 Balladeer Singer/Songwriter ~ Imagine a young Susan Boyle vibe inspired by Eva Cassidy & Josh Groban,
sprinkled with Indigo Girls harmonies!

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Welcome everyone!!

Want to hear a musical story about an "UNFAIRYTALE"? Click on the music player at bottom of screen or click over to my MUSIC page! Song is also on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/unfairytale-single/id519091749

My thoughts!

NEW YORK CITY-Amazing Fall Trip!

It was a week ago today that I was in NYC & had an amazing trip!! I never thought I'd say this, but I miss NYC; the city is more manageable when you're older! The last time I was there was 10 years ago (soon after 9/11) & the city drove me nuts!  I loved the cold, crisp air as it hit my face when walking down the street!

Here are just some activities that I did while in the city:
  • I sang at the "Sugar Bar" which is a great little place owned by "Ashford & Simpson" (famous Motown writers)
  • I saw "Spider-Man" on Broadway (see pic below) (an old friend from Berklee College of Music in Boston plays the drums). He's also the drummer for the band, "Carney".  The band is great, so check them out!
  • I saw "Chicago" on Broadway with the lovely & oh so talented Kara DioGuardi!!! She was fantastic & we spoke a little after the show as I gave her my CD & a Dammit Doll (check out these great dolls at www.dammitdolls.com). She even messaged me the next day to say thanks for her gift & she loves it!
  • Went to the famous Magnolia Bakery for a kick-ass cupcake!
  • Took the Staten Island Ferry to pass the Statue of Liberty (it was smaller than I thought it was; it looks bigger in movies!)
  • Bought a few pairs of shoes (as I always try to do when I'm in NYC)
  • Walked down by Wall Street & saw the "Occupy Wall Street" Protest
  • Went to "The Museum of Sex"...interesting indeed!!!!
  • I had a some famous NYC Cheesecake at Lindy's (pineapple cheescake which is my favorite as my granny always made it for me)
As you can see it was a busy but eventful weekend & I loved every moment of it!! I hope to make it annual trip to NYC.  Everyone should visit NYC at some point in their life!!!








Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) starts tonite!

Tonite, at sundown, starts Yom Kippur-the Day of Atonement! It is believed to be the holiest day of the year for Jewish people & the day when we are closest to G-d, as we are atoning for our sins over the past year; to be forgiven for any wrong doings & to move on with our lives...I'm not much of a religious person, as I'm more spiritual.  I'm a person who tries to do GOOD in ALL aspects of my life & who tries to do the best that I can in this sometimes chaotic world!

On this day as well as every other day, I ask forgiveness for all the wrong (s) that I have done & the unkind words that have left my lips!  This year, I have decided to fast from food & drink as a way to reflect on this past year & to focus my thoughts & energy on what matters & is truly important.

I also remember my dearest family in Israel, may G-d keep them safe & protect them during this time of atonement!!!

Here's to another year of GREAT HEALTH & PEACE

~Amanda Marie xoxo

Celiac Disease, bringing me down? I think not!!!

Last week was a tough week for me, as I was dealing with a good amount of symptoms from my Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance).  All week I was fatigued & exhausted but also overwhelmed with a large amount of depression. If you have ever suffered from depression or know someone who has, it's a horrible thing!! Not only did I suffer from various overwhelming symptoms, but my music suffered too. Depression happens to people with Celiac Disease, but I was also affected by it because I was disconnected from my MUSIC!!! I learned an important lesson: no matter how bad I'm feeling & going through a Celiac episode, I MUST stay strong, persevere & keep up the good fight!!!!

As the wonderful USC Trojans say:  FIGHT ON!!!!!

Doheny Days Music Festival-A M A Z I N G!!!!!!!

This weekend was the annual Doheny Days Music Festival @ Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA! Although it hasn't been an annual festival since Sept. 12, 2011 (just 1 day after 9/11).  All the proceeds for the festival back in 2011 supported charities in honor of 9/11. It was GREAT to be part of the event this year, not only because of the amazing talent that was on the 3 different festival stages, but because it was awesome weather, the crowd was laid back, non-violent & we were all brought together by MUSIC!!! It wasn't about financial status, the color of your skin or how much money is in your bank account; MUSIC was the universal element & it was all around!!!!

*ME=Amanda Marie in front of a mural at Doheny Days Music Festival!



Here are some of the bands that I really loved & a few I discovered:

  • KATCHAFIRE (NEW discovery & loved)
  • ORGONE (NEW discovery & loved)
  • COMMON SENSE (NEW discovery & loved)
  • G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE
  • ZIGGY MARLEY
  • CAKE
  • BEN HARPER
  • WEEZER
This event was amazing & I can't wait to see the artist lineup next year...

*The crowd listening to the band, KATCHAFIRE!! Great energy from this band!!!


~ Mid-Summer "Clef" Notes ~

Hi friends & loved ones,

I hope my 2nd “Clef” Notes finds you well! I’m excited to share some more info with you! Again, a big thanks for taking the time to read this, and for being a true dedicated fan of me & my music!! Here’s some more fun & exciting info that I want to share with you. Also, I would love to hear back from you as well…

My debut album, “Amancipation!” will be available soon on iTunes, Amazon & other online digital distribution sites. While you’re waiting for the physical CD, my first 2 singles are now available online. CLICK HERE www.AmandaMarieMusic.com/music.cfm Thanks for the support!

I have a facebook music page Amanda Marie Music where you can hear all 4 songs on my “Amancipation” album! If you wouldn’t mind, please “like” the page to help an indie artist out! Thanks CLICK HERE http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Marie-Music/215207458491899 

The world’s best dog:
Here is my puppy, “Harry Connick, Jr.” (named after my favorite singer). He’s a Maltipoo (Maltese & Poodle mix) & was born without a tail; so he’s extra special. He’s my bundle of joy showing me unconditional love & happiness (as long as I feed him)! I hope this picture brightens up your day, as it does for me!

 

Some favorite music quotes:
♪ “Music is what feelings sound like.” ~Author Unknown
♫ “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~Berthold Auerbach

Amanda Marie tidbits:
♪ I love Post-it notes. Since high school I had them all over my desk; my mom used to call me the “Post-it Queen.” Now I find myself using them with caution, as it drives me crazy to have them all over!

♫ Did you know that I was born in Madrid, Spain, on July 4th? I was a “military brat” & was even born on a U.S. Air Force Base!
 

Amanda Marie’s appearances:

My time performing on the main stage at the SNAP National Conference in Washington D.C. was amazing! It was powerful & humbling to be able to truly help people with my music; after all, that’s why I sing & perform…to help others! Music has & will ALWAYS be my foundation & my sanctuary of escape.

I’ll keep you posted on upcoming shows that I do in the near future!
Helpful tips from Amanda Marie:

♪ I don’t know about you, but I find it important to be educated about the foods I put into my body! Many people don’t know how to read food labels or aren’t exactly sure what an ingredient is, like MSG, Aspartame, Carrageenan, etc! A great resource that I recently stumbled upon is “Be Food Smart.” Check them out to know exactly what is in your food:
CLICK HERE www.befoodsmart.com

Feel free to pass it along...





 

Helping others through my music!

It was an AMAZING experience to be able to help others through my music at the SNAP National Conference! The conference took place on July 8-10, 2011 in Washington D.C. Each morning of the conference, I opened up the day by singing a song from my new CD, "Amancipation". Each time I sang, I could see & truly feel how the comforting words, along with the soothing & calming melodies touched them & stayed deep in their hearts. The first day I sang, "Bridge Over Troubled Water".  After I sang this song, I had people come up to me to let me know that my version really spoke to them & even brought tears to their eyes (which most were happy)!

I was in musical heaven that weekend, as I was able to help people for 5 minutes each day forget their problems, worries & struggles & just get lost in music. This is why I sing & perform, to touch people's hearts, to give back to the community & to take them to a place free of worry & pain.  I'm so thankful for the experience & am truly humbled by it all. The conference solidified for me that I am to sing & perform for the rest of my life! It feels wonderful to be able to use the gifts that I have been given for good!!!

Turning the BIG 30 today!

Today I turned the BIG 30 & am completely happy about it! As I leave a chapter of my life behind (my 20s), I move forward to my 30s, without looking back to my past. In my 30s, I will start to refine myself as an artist, woman, friend & loved one. A lot has happened in my 20s that I am so greatful for, as the events & moments have been (so far), the most important & meaningful in my life...

The biggest moment for me, was when I realized that I'm to pursue my music full time, as life without your passion is empty & stagnant! I've experienced happiness, sadness, pain, joy, contentment & even pleasure & can't wait to experience these things even more deeply in my 30s. Yes, I include sadness & pain in that group, because without these things, there isn't much left that separates us from other creatures in this world...

So here's to pursuing my passion, my true life's work & to another year of wisdom!

~Summer "Clef" Notes~

Hi!

This is my 1st newsletter (oh that sounds so sterile) so I titled it “Clef” Notes; I’m excited to share this info with you! A big thanks for taking the time to read this, and for being a true dedicated fan of me & my music!! I want to share some personal stuff with you so we can get to know each other & I would love to hear back from you as well…

I'm thrilled about my debut album, "Amancipation." It's been a great journey; loved every moment of it! It was wonderful being in the studio, feeling & seeing the magic of music. Some of you know this already, as you already spent $1.29, but my 1st single is now available  CLICK HERE www.AmandaMarieMusic.com/music.cfm  thanks for the support!

I had no idea how much time it takes the graphic designer to come up with these CD covers. I thought they just appeared on the music store shelves!

Some favorite music quotes:
"Without music life would be a mistake." ~ Friedrich Wilheim Nietzsche
"He who sings scares away his woes." ~ Cervantes

Amanda Marie Tidbits:
~I love to bake & I've been doing it since I was a little girl (I have a huge sweet tooth!) In July 2008, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease (CD), an autoimmune condition caused by gluten in foods such as wheat, barley, rye, etc. Once diagnosed, I started to eat gluten free foods & even bake gluten free! If you happen to come across any gluten free recipes, remember to send them my way.

~I have a shoe fetish: 50+ shoes, ranging from sandals, flip-flops, heels, platform wedges & boots! One of my favorite shoe quotes is "Shoes are a girl's best friend." Oh so true ;) Send me photos of YOUR favorite pair of shoes, I'd love to see them!

Amanda Marie’s Appearances:
I will be performing on the main stage at the SNAP National Conference, July 8-10, 2011 in Washington D.C.! If you are in the area, please stop by, as I will be signing CD's at my performance & would love to take a photo of us together.

CLICK HERE http://www.amandamariemusic.com/appearances.cfm

I have a free night to perform on Saturday July 9th, so if you know of a small venue (not ready for Madison Square Garden yet), like a coffee house or open mic night, please let me know!

Helpful Tips From Amanda Marie:
There's a huge uprising in Celiac Disease-CD (gluten intolerance), as people are starting to have health issues due to stress & other un-controllable factors in life. If you know someone who has this disease or thinks they might have CD, this following resources may help them:

http://www.celiac.org
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TheCeliacDiva?sk=info


PASS IT ALONG...





© Amanda Marie 2011