Amy Jo is a country-pop singer hailing from Morecambe in the UK. She is about to embark on her latest tour up and down the country.
With a sound like a Nashville-era Taylor Swift, she is a singer whose capabilities and lyrical sophistication belie her young age, Amy Jo writes songs straight from the heart. A veteran and winner of countless talent contests as a teen, Amy Jo cites Gabrielle, Tori Kelly, Duffy and, the aforementioned, Taylor Swift as influences, but it’s her unique take on life’s own adventures that mark her out from the pack.
Amy Jo joins us on our Why I Love column to share her thoughts on another influence; that of Lainey Wilson.
LAINEY WILSON
Lainey Wilson is all of these incredible dichotomies. She’s such a bright star, yet carries herself with such humility. She has the most eclectic, brilliant style I’ve seen in a long time, yet it feels attainable and accessible.
She comes from this tiny town but her stories are totally universal. I just love people who are multi-faceted and unapologetically themselves. Lainey represents that for me.
Photo: Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
THE FIRST TIME…
I first heard Lainey Wilson singing Things a Man Oughta know. It felt like more than just a song. Ever since that day, I have been exploring her back catalogue. It turns out, every song she writes resonates with me.
She has a song called Country’s Cool Again and I often wonder if she realises that she is one of the most significant drivers in shaping this reality!
REDISCOVERING STORY TELLING
Lainey has inspired my own music in more ways than one. Most notably, I found Lainey at the exact time I rediscovered my love for story-telling. I realised during the COVID lockdowns that I wanted to talk about my own personal experiences through the medium of music. I had always been a singer, and I had always written songs, but this time felt different. I felt like I had something to say. Lainey Wilson also has something to say. In fact, it seems like she has a storage bank of eternal wisdom and experience.
One of her album’s is literally entitled, Saying What I’m Thinking. Observing another artist be so open in their lyrics inspired me to embrace my love for sharing stories. But she doesn’t just do that. She infuses raw and honest lyricism with catchy melodies and groovy bass lines and high level musicianship. She’s the whole package and she taught me to embrace all sides of myself unabashedly.
FAVOURITES
My favourite song by Lainey Wilson is Somewhere Over Laredo. True fans of artists’ tend to prefer the back catalogue above all else and almost shun the hit singles. However, that’s where Lainey stands out. Her hit singles don’t shy away from authenticity. She remains true to herself even via the medium of ‘county radio’ hit-making. The song Somewhere Over Laredo epitomises her excellence. The stunning melody that makes you nostalgic for a time you never had. The powerful vocal that gives you goosebumps. The lyrics make you feel connected to your person even when you feel like your 1000 miles away. Personally, it’s just a 10/10 for me!
I was lucky enough to see Lainey play live in London. She was everything I imagined and more. The community she has created is astonishing. Country music’s popularity in the UK has sky-rocketed over the last few years, and I truly believe Lainey played a huge hand in it. It felt amazing to be among so many country fans, all wearing cowboy boots (something I did way before it was cool!). I love that country music brings us together and I am so happy it’s having it’s moment in the sun.
I hope to take the lessons I’ve learned from Lainey with me in my journey, namely authenticity, relatability, and humility.
Our thanks go to Amy Jo for her time and words. Amy Jo’s forthcoming tour dates can be found here.
Check out Love Before The Internet from Amy Jo, below.
Amy Jo online: Website / Facebook / Instagram
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