The Lights Are Always On In Nashville E.P. by Grammy Nominee, Amy Otey
Amy Otey is a Grammy Nominee award-winning singer/songwriter who was born in Charleston, South Carolina and grew up in Lenexa, Kansas.
She started singing from an early age and went from school musicals to singing in rock, jazz, and country bands. She began writing songs in the 1980’s and found a favourable reception when she performed them in New Jersey having moved there from Kansas with her husband.
This six track E.P. The Lights Are Always On In Nashville was produced by the legendary Doc Holiday and his A-team, a collective of very accomplished musicians who provide the perfect musical backing for Amy’s songs. They also complement her vocals well, giving the music passion and soul, just as she does with her singing. Vocally, she is similar to country stars like Bonnie Raitt, Shania Twain and Reba McEntire and she is certainly versatile, equally at ease with singing the rockier tracks as with the gentler style of last track All We Have Is Now, for instance.
Light and Shadow
Opening track Light and Shadow is a great start to the E.P., an upbeat rock/country track. It has a rootsy, funky sound cooked up by simple but effective drums that keep a nice groove throughout. This combines with roaming melodic bass, Stevie Wonder-style clavinet and banjo playing intricate melodies that drive the song forward and a nice cameo of biting electric guitar. On top of this Amy lays down a fantastic vocal that she delivers with captivating conviction.
After a short introduction with a superb descending bass run, Amy enters with the first verse. Lyrically, it catches the ear immediately with the intriguing first line, “Feelin’ dangerous, like she’s on fire….”. The words then tell a tale of people with a dark side and the struggle between the good and bad inside, the ‘light and shadow’. Verse one tells of a woman who is a ‘good liar’ and causes trouble, which leads to the catchy chorus that acts as a nice contrast to the verse. It’s in a higher range for Amy and lifts the song as a good chorus should.
Verse two depicts the woman’s lover who is far from pure himself, the first line running “He rides a white horse, but that don’t make him clean…”. The good and bad is contrasted through “how he can make her happy but he can make her cry…” and it paints a realistic picture of flawed people in very few words, which is not easy to do. After the second verse and chorus, the main hook is repeated a few times before the chords take us into the solo section.
This is where the musicians get their chance to shine as it starts with a short, biting guitar solo before steel guitar takes over with a nice contrast in sound. This leads to the third verse and chorus that wraps the song up nicely. The great backing vocals on this beginning track should also get a mention.
Lights in Nashville
Next comes the title track of the E.P. and it is a gorgeous country song in the classic style. It starts with picked acoustic guitar and the first verse builds gradually, excellently arranged. Lyrically, it’s essentially a love song about Nashville itself, with the words telling a tale of a waitress who dreams of hearing her music played in Nashville. There seems to be autobiographical elements to this song, though she sings it in the third person.
The first verse tells of her love of country music: “She loves Loretta and all the country stars…buys her ticket to the Ryman, wants to hear those steel guitars…”. The way we then hear steel guitar in the background at these words is a really nice touch. It leads to a short bridge before the huge, singalong chorus kicks in with the uplifting idea that the lights are always on and the music is always playing. The music is lifted on the chorus by some strident, melodic piano and you can imagine this song will be hugely popular with audiences when played live.
The second verse develops the story a little more, the waitress wondering how much longer she can carry on with her menial job and whether her dream of hearing her song on the radio will ever happen. However, the strength of her passion keeps the dream alive and after the second chorus there is a lovely middle eight that adds nice musical variation before a final chorus ends the song. A definite radio hit and well worthy of being the title track on this E.P.
Date Night
Third song Date Night is a little shorter, a breezy piece of country boogie with banjo featuring heavily that you could imagine going down well at a barn dance. The song is in simple 2/4 and also features toe-tapping drums, simple but effective bass and light acoustic guitars. As with the first two songs, the lyrics tell a story, this one about being able to throw off the shackles of mundane everyday chores and responsibilities.
The first verse begins “I’m a simple girl with a complicated life, got a job, two kids, I’m a mother and a wife…..” and like the character in the previous song, she deals with this by looking forward, this time to a night out with her man where they can “kick their heels up” as she sings on the super catchy chorus.
The second verse tells about her “big city dreams” that turned out this not what she expected (“blinded by the bling….”) and that she was much happier in simple clothes and good old-fashioned fun. After the second chorus there’s a great banjo solo and a final chorus to finish another excellent song that will be popular live.
You’re not Alone
Fourth song You’re Not Alone is a nice upbeat country rock ballad in the classic style with a nice swinging feel. It begins with some gorgeous steel guitar before progressing to the verse, featuring a nice shuffling beat with a melodic rolling bassline. Amy gets to show the more romantic side to her nature as lyrically it seems to be a love song devoted to her husband.
The lilting chorus runs “You’re the light of my life, you make it alright, you’re my king and I’m your queen….”.
The second verse describes the joys of raising children together and keeping the romance alive in their relationship. It is a caring, touching song that every couple in love will be able to relate to.
I Don’t Wanna Play
Fifth track I Don’t Wanna Play acts as a great contrast, being the rockiest track here by far. The backing band sound superb on this one, rich organ melding with electric guitar and stabs of brass. Amy sings this tale of getting tired of lotharios with real gusto, the lyrics perhaps the most modern sounding of these songs:
“I’m through with friends with benefits, breaking my heart into tiny little bits…” runs the catchy bridge which leads to the equally memorable title hook.
This raunchy song shows another facet of Amy’s musical versatility and would sound fantastic live.
All We Have Is Now
The last song is All We Have Is Now and another one with a romantic theme, musically it is most similar to the title track. It begins with a beautiful flourish of piano and a quiet, romantic verse before launching into a huge chorus, with some fabulous backing vocals. It celebrates appreciating life as it happens and cherishing the moment.
It’s a chorus that any of the great country singers would have been proud of, and you can imagine the crowd singing along, waving their lighters in the air, when it’s performed live. The second verse recollects the moment of their child born on a stormy night and the quiet verse /big chorus acts as a great dynamic. This is another potential radio hit that would have broad appeal and it’s a perfect way to bring the E.P. to a close.
Overall, this is an excellent E.P. that showcases Amy Otey’s considerable talents as a singer and songwriter, showing her versatility in the mix of upbeat, rockier tracks with more gentle ballad styles that give the music variety. The production and musicianship is faultless and several songs here are potential radio hits, with a commercial sound. There is a warmth and humanity in the songs that people will take to their heart, which is not something you can say about much of modern music. I’m sure that this E.P. will find huge popularity with the public and Amy Otey’s fast rising star will continue in the ascendance.
By Alex Faulkner
I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.
Exclusive Interview with Miss Amy
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What
made you decide to become an artist?
Miss Amy: grew up in the Midwest and then attended college at UNT in Texas. Very early on my creative side was
nurtured. I enjoyed piano lessons and singing in choir. In high school I was a bit of a “drama jock” participating in all things musical and performance related. Though I wanted to pursue a degree in that field, I am thankful every day that I earned my degree in business. This has served
me well as an artist and I encourage all artists coming up to become business savvy.
Exposed Vocals: Let’s talk about your focus on Health and Music for
children. How did this come about?
Miss Amy: My husband Alex and I began performing and writing together soon after we were married. When our first child was born extremely prematurely our focus shifted. Phillip spent 3 months in the NICU and needed my full attention as caregiver and Mom for the first years of his life. During that time I honed my skills as a fitness professional and began to use my experience as a musician to connect with him through the power of music. Out of that love “Miss Amy” was created with a mission of “Making Music Fit For Kids!” We released 5 albums in the collection and the 5th album, Fitness Rock & Roll was honored as a Grammy Nominee. Our greatest reward has been to witness Phillip grow into a healthy vibrant young man!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration?
What is your usual songwriting process?
Miss Amy: For me, inspiration comes from experiences and I lean toward the positive. I keep a journal of ideas and make time to craft them into stories and songs. It’s a practice and I do it regularly.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be
doing?
Miss Amy: Hmm, I can’t imagine my life without music and sharing it with my amazingly talented musician husband. We often communicate in lyrics and it’s not uncommon that we break into song If I had
to choose another profession it would be one helping others either in the health field or achieving their full potential.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Miss Amy: I would like to travel through time and be a part of great performances with the masters. Singing back-up for greats like Patsy Cline, Anne Murray and Reba McIntire would be an amazing experience!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Miss Amy: I am enjoying the radio ride with our new EP Lights Are Always On in Nashville. Also, I am looking forward to completing some licensing deals around the music and getting several video projects out there.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Miss Amy: Videos, writing some new music, some performance and collaborations. Lots of cool stuff to come ! Stay tuned and follow me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyOtey.Singer?ref=hl
Twitter: @Amy_Otey
website: www.AmyOteyMusic.com
