By: Kat Harlton
Photos: Erin Leydon
Kingston, Ontario country artist Amanda Sadler has had a pretty great year so far. She’s released 2 new singles “Drop The Needle Down” and “Cross My Heart“. She was also named CMT‘s Fresh Face for the month of March, as well as having recently been selected to showcase at the CCMA Country Music Week as part of the “Diamonds in the Rough” showcase.
Classically trained in both piano and vocals, Sadler has taken the stage at the YGK Craft Beer Fest, as well as a debut writer’s round alongside award-winning songwriter Steve Wilkinson (The Wilkinsons).
It’s clear Sadler’s star is on the rise, and we had the opportunity to catch up and talk songwriting, inspiration, and what her fans might be surprised to find out.
Kat: What was it like working with John D. Willis on The Light?
Amanda: John is an incredible musician and producer, and an absolute delight to work with. He was the very first person that I met and worked with in Nashville, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to work with on my first project. Every musician you collaborate with brings out something new in you, and I’ve been so very lucky to work with such wonderful and inspiring people who have become dear friends along the way.
Kat: Can you share the inspiration behind ‘Cross My Heart’?
Amanda: “Cross My Heart” was a collaboration with Dave Thomson, whom I co-wrote the single with, and who also produced it, which allowed for us to really create a sound and vision for the single right from the get go. The song centres on the very universal experience of heartbreak at a point where a relationship has ended badly, but we wanted to approach this from a place of strength. I’ve heard people say that to be happy without someone in your life anymore is the best revenge you could ever get, and what better way to portray that than with the promise that they will never cross your mind again.
Kat: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
Amanda: I fell deeply in love with songwriting because so many songs have had such a profound impact on my life: they can change your mood, inspire you, comfort you, and be exactly what you need to hear at any given moment. The biggest highlight in my career this far is without a doubt hearing from a fan that one of my songs has had just such an impact on their life. That right there is what it’s all about.
Kat: Who are your musical inspirations or role models?
Amanda: I gain inspiration from so many different people and places, but to attempt to narrow it down to a few: Maren Morris – huge girl crush. That girl is marching to the beat of her own drum, has started some killer new trends in songwriting, and has helped to open the gates for so many other females in Country music.
I’m also incredibly lucky to live in a city that is home to so many amazing musicians who have been kind enough to share their insights with me over the years – a few that stand out are the absolutely wonderful humans who call themselves The Tragically Hip. I continue to be inspired by their strength, artistry, humility, and willingness to lend a hand whenever possible.
Kat: What’s something your fans would be surprised to learn about you?
Amanda: I like to throw a Nicki Minaj song into my setlist from time to time.
Kat: What’s your go to ‘pump up’ music?
Amanda: Right now I’m loving “On + Off” – Maggie Rogers & “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
Make sure to check out www.amandasadler.com for news, new music and tour info.