Texas Country music artist, Amanda Kate is a powerful new voice in the country music scene. From Red River, New Mexico, Amanda Kate is the daughter of singer-songwriter Kathy Wright, so it’s no wonder Amanda wanted everything to do with being an entertainer.
With her latest songs, “Walk” and “Little I Got” (Written by Maren Morris) Amanda Kate has been busy taking on the country music industry. You may recognize Kate from the screen where she recently starred on the brand new E! Series, “Clash of the Cover Bands” with a panel of star judges including: Meghan Trainor and Adam Lambert. But that’s not all! Kate is also the lead singer of a Carrie Underwood Tribute band, “Blown Away”.
Courtesy of Amanda Kate || Photography: Ford Fairchild
With nothing stopping Kate we sat down with her to talk about musical past, her time of Clash of the Cover Bands and what her favorite Carrie Underwood song is her favorite to perform. You can also stream her songs, “Walk” and “Little I Got” HERE.
BC: You were inspired by your mom, did she want you to become an entertainer?
AK: “Definitely, she saw that I had talent at a really young age and started really pushing me to pursue a career in music in my early teens. She saw how happy it made me and dove in 100%. I would often get discouraged when I was young - and still do - but her encouragement really kept me going.” Kate confesses. “This business is full of letdowns and my mom told me that very early on. She has really prepped me for this business I am so thankful for that!”
BC: Was there anything else you were equally or more passionate about other than music?
AK: “I would say my horses…if I thought I could have a career in the horse business, I probably would.” Kate tells us, “I love my horses like my family. They bring me so much joy, but I know where my talents lie and I don't think my bank account could handle more horses.”
BC: Why the genre of country music?
AK: “Country Music is all I know. I started singing country at the age of 2. My mom had me singing with her on stage at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown, CA when I was 3 years old. She said I knew every word to "Girls Night Out" by the time I was 3. I loved country music then and now. I love the stories, the authenticity and the way country music can make you want to crack open a Coors light and cry all at the same time.”
BC: In your own words, what does the genre of country music mean to you?
AK: “Country Music to me is about community and bringing people together. Telling the stories of life in such a real way.”
BC: What was it like being on Clash of the Cover Bands?
AK: “Clash was a total blast. I was super nervous going into it because I have never been on TV and you just never know with those things how it will turn out. The entire production team was amazing. I loved getting to represent country music on the show. I love Carrie Underwood so much and it was an honor to be chosen to sing her songs.”
BC: What was it like getting that call? Were your nervous? If so, how did you overcome that?
AK: “I was super nervous but having my band with me calmed my nerves so much. I think if I was alone, I would have been a wreck but I had my long time drummer and guitar player with me. They have been such champions for me for so long that it was like having my own cheer squad right behind me.”
BC: What does being a singer/entertainer mean to you?
AK: “I love being a singer. Entertaining people is such an incredible feeling but more importantly, telling stories through songs and touching people emotionally with music is so powerful. I feel blessed to be able to do what I do.”
BC: What’s your biggest dream/goal as an artist?
AK: “I guess performing on the Opry stage has always been a bucket list item for me. I would love one day open up for some of my favorite artists like Wynonna Judd, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood...I don't have huge aspirations for major fame. I just love getting to do what I do and I hope to one day pay my mortgage with the money I make from music. I would like to quit my day job eventually.”
BC: "If you could change anything about the music industry what would you change and why?
AK: “I wish that they would play more traditional-sounding country on the radio. I miss the steel guitar and the fiddle. I guess you could say that's a huge part of what is driving me with my new music. I want to make more country that sounds like the country I grew up on.”
BC: Do you think the country music community is different from the community of other genres? Why?
AK: “I think so, country music is all about helping each other, and being fans of one another. We all want each other to win and that's a really cool feeling. I don't know much about other genres but I know the country community cares for one another.”
BC: What is your favorite thing to write about?
AK: “I love writing sad songs and I always have. I think it’s because I love a song that has raw emotion.”
BC: What can you tell us about your song, “Walk”?
AK: “ ‘Walk’ is such a sassy girl song and I love it! I really wanted a song like "walk" for a few years now and I just never could figure out how to write it, and then my friend Kimberly Kelly came along and sent me this song she wrote and I HAD to have it. I didn't write this one but man I feel like I did. I went through a divorce in my early 20s and it definitely brought back some sassy moving-on memories.”
BC: “ “Little I Got” recorded by you, written by Maren Morris comes out 10/22, what can you tell us about this song and why did you choose to record it? (OUT NOW)
AK: ‘ “Little I Got’ “ was sent to me by my producer Brett Tyler who is also a writer on the song. He wrote it a few years back with Maren and he honestly wasn't even sure about sending it to me because he didn't know if I would click with it, but I did immediately. I listened to it for a few weeks straight and I just couldn't help but feel like this song was meant for me. I grew up really poor, in a trailer moving from place to place and never having a whole lot. But my mom had so much love to give and made us feel like we had everything we could ever need. I had such an awesome upbringing full of laughter and love and that's what this song is all about. I’ve got a lot with the little I got.”
BC: You are the front of a Carrie Underwood cover band, what is your favorite part of that?
AK: “Performing in the Carrie tribute is such a blast. I get to use a totally different part of my voice and I get to sing these HUGE hits that people love. Her music is so tough to sing but it stretched me so much as a vocalist. I have a blast doing that show!”
BC: Have you met Carrie? If not, what would you like to say to her?
AK: “No, I’ve never met her. I would love to meet her one day! She seems so down to earth and I love what she stands for. She's an amazing mama, Godly woman, entrepreneur and a voice that is out of this world!”
BC: What is your favorite song of Underwood’s?
AK: “My favorite song to sing is probably “Jesus Take The Wheel” or “Something In The Water” because I get to sing to Jesus in those moments and feel like the music is about so much more than just me or the band. Those songs move people in a huge way.”
BC: For a dream headlining tour of yours, what three dream supporting acts would you ask to tour with you?
AK: “If I was headlining, I would probably ask Kimberly Kelly, Jenna Paulette, Joe and Martina because it would be one big COUNTRY party! They each have incredible music and they are downright good people.”
BC: What would be a good theme song for your life right now?
AK: “ ‘Crazy Train’ – Ozzy Osbourne My life is so wild right now between getting ready for music video shoots, getting my little one off to pre-k, organizing the new house, dealing with horses and launching an EP with a TV show. It’s a CRAZY TRAIN!”
BC: What is one song you have had on repeat right now?
AK: “ ‘I Always Wanted To” by Cody Johnson. My grandma is 92 and has dementia and this song just brings me to my knees. I love his whole new album but this song is really special.”
You can follow Amanda Kate for updates and announcements at her social media pages down below! You can also stream her music HERE including her songs; “Walk” and “Little I Got”.
Tune in to “Clash of the Cover Bands” which airs on Wednesdays at 9:30pm ET/PT on E!