Amanda Hagel Mines Timeless Gold with Soulful Rendition of “Country Roads”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Canadian inspirational country artist Amanda Hagel has revisited a cornerstone of folk and country music, offering a beautifully resonant and deeply personal take on John Denver’s iconic “Country Roads.” This freshly reimagined version, already finding its way onto Canadian Country Radio airwaves, breathes new life into the beloved classic with Hagel’s signature soulful delivery.
The track’s creation was a collaborative effort, helmed by JUNO Award-winning producer Hal Schrenk at Big Bang Studios in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Schrenk assembled a talented collective of musicians from both Canada and the United States, crafting a rich and textured instrumental arrangement that perfectly complements Hagel’s evocative vocals. “Once we recorded Amanda’s voice in the demo session, I knew we needed to build the instrumentation around her voice,” Schrenk explained, highlighting the central role of Hagel’s captivating performance.
The inspiration for this heartfelt remake arose organically during a rehearsal session for a folk festival. As Amanda and her band played “Country Roads” together for the first time, an undeniable spark ignited. “I knew we were on to something the minute I heard it and just had to record it,” Amanda recalled, recognizing the unique magic in their interpretation.
“Country Roads” is a song with a rich history of covers, interpreted by a diverse range of artists from Olivia Newton-John and Daryl Singletary to Lana Del Rey and Brandi Carlile. Hagel’s rendition steps into this legacy with a fresh perspective, her enchanting delivery and poignant vocals uncovering new emotional depths within the familiar melody and lyrics. Known for her introspective artistry, Hagel approaches her music with a heartfelt sincerity, aiming to create songs that not only resonate with listeners but are felt on a profound level. “I hope this version takes listeners on a musical journey, transforming the poetic lyrics and beautiful melody of the song to an even deeper and more meaningful place,” she shared.
Adding to the excitement, Amanda is set to embark on her “These Roots – The Take Me Home Country Roads Tour” in May 2025, kicking off in Saskatchewan. This concert series promises to be a celebration of her musical roots and the timeless appeal of songs that connect us to a sense of place and belonging.
Hagel has built a strong reputation for her exceptional reinterpretations of classic songs, a testament to her ability to find fresh nuances in well-loved material. Her 2019 release, “Collection of Covers,” showcased her talent for breathing new life into hits like Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine,” Martina McBride’s “Anyway,” and Juice Newton’s “Queen of Hearts.” Beyond her cover work, Hagel has also made significant strides in the Christian/Gospel music scene with her album “Call on Me,” expanding her reach both nationally and internationally. U.S. audiences may recognize her from her heartfelt original song “These Roots,” which garnered significant media attention in the American market.
A certified personal trainer alongside her thriving music career, this Saskatchewan native has established herself as an artist with a clear mission: to create music that uplifts, empowers, and inspires. With a substantial catalog of singles and albums, including 12 singles that reached Canadian Country Radio and six that cracked the Top 100, Hagel has earned numerous awards and nominations, recognizing her talent as a performer and songwriter. Categories include Best Saskatchewan Album, Country Artist of the Year, Spiritual Artist of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year, among others.
Despite her accomplishments in the health and wellness field, Hagel’s true passion has always been deeply rooted in music. Picking up the guitar at the age of nine, she dedicated herself to honing her skills in songwriting and performance. Influenced by iconic artists such as Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, Sara Evans, and Vince Gill, she has toured and shared the stage with prominent Canadian musicians including Aaron Lines, Brad Johner, George Canyon, Aaron Goodvin, Jess Moskaluke, Jay & Jo, and Alex Runions.
Amanda Hagel’s music showcases both the depth of her songwriting and the uplifting nature of her artistry. When asked to describe her music, she aptly uses the words “Inspiring. Soulful. Uplifting. Heart Centered.” With her rendition of “Country Roads” and her upcoming tour, she continues on her mission to create meaningful music and share her talent and passion wherever her musical journey takes her.