AMANDA McBROOM ON MUSIC AND REAL LIFE
 WACJ-
It was said that your songs are a reflection of real life. How do
you describe "real life" in your lyrics and music?
Amanda: That's a very esoteric question. All I can tell you
is I write stories about the lives of myself, my friends, and people
I read about in various media formats. People's lives sing to me,
and I set them down on paper. That, to me, is real life.
WACJ- And everybody, you think would relate to it regardless where
they live and what they do?
Amanda: I am always delighted and amazed by how people from
many different walks of life seem to identify with my music. It just
proves to me that though we may live thousands of miles apart, our
hearts and souls are very much the same.
WACJ- How about those sad souls who gave up on life. How does your
music comfort them and bring them hope?
Amanda: Sorrow is a color in everyone's rainbow. Stronger
in some than others. Necessary to all. I feel music, in almost any
form, is one of the great healing powers on the planet...at the most
cellular level. I am honored if some of my music touches and
lightens anyone's heart.
WACJ- Is music to you an art expression, a talent, a universal
language, a therapy or a way of making a leaving?
Amanda: Music is, to me, everything BUT a way of making a
living. I have been
extremely lucky to have found a niche, and to have written a song
that the
world seems to love. It has afforded me many opportunities not open
to many
other, much more talented writers.
WACJ- Many talented but unfortunate artists fear a lot of things in
life, particularly rejection, career failure, financial
difficulties, etc. What the very successful, brilliant and secure
Amanda McBroom fears most ?
Amanda: What I fear most? Whew! Big question. The devastation
of the planet...ecologically or militarily...The ease with which
people give up hope for a loving future and follow anger into
destructive behavior.
WACJ- Did you write about it in your music and lyrics?
Amanda: Yes.
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WACJ- What did you write?
Amanda: A song on my DREAMING album called "For Nothing".
WACJ- If you were not a singer, a composer, a musician and lyricist,
what would you be doing today?
Amanda: Acting, which is what I used to do...or working in animal
protection and rescue.
WACJ- What instrument do you use to compose your music?
Amanda: Piano.
AMANDA McBROOM: THE POET AND WRITER
WACJ- What did you do with
the very first song you wrote?
Amanda: I played it for my husband and then I put it away,
although it was pretty good for a first attempt.
WACJ- Did you want to keep it for yourself or sell it?
Amanda: I kept it in a closet.
WACJ- What was the title of the first song you wrote and what did you
write about?
Amanda: It was called "Losing You Again". About a love affair
that fails twice.
"Gone with tide...lost in the sea...
Left on the shore...the shell that was me...again losing you again...
That's the end...You get the idea.
WACJ- Besides Bette Midler, who are the recording artists who sing
your songs?
Amanda: Barbara Cook, Barry Manilow, Judy Collins, The
Manhattan Transfer, Leanne Rhymes, Nana Mouskouri.
WACJ- Which comes to life first, the music or the lyrics?
Amanda: Always the lyrics.
WACJ- Why is that?
Amanda: I'm a lover of language. I am a much better poet than
composer.
WACJ- Did you write your "masterpiece" or not yet?
Amanda: I have no idea. Hopefully, not yet.
WACJ- What are the 3 most important qualities of a successful singer?
Amanda: A good instrument...an actor's mind...and the ability
to sing the truth.
WACJ- And for a good composer?
Amanda: Writing a melody everyone thinks they can sing.
WACJ- Do you have those qualities?
Amanda: Sometimes.
WACJ- And the 3 most important strengths of a performer?
Amanda: Same as above.
Continues Next
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