Amanda Kate Ferris on Country Music News International Radio Show!
May 3rd interviewed by Nigel Sharpe!
Amanda Kate Ferris: From a Gypsy Road Childhood to Chart-Topping Texas Country Star – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Born amidst the majestic peaks of Red River, New Mexico, Amanda Kate Ferris’s early life was a far cry from settled suburbia. By the time she reached the age of sixteen, she had already called over thirty-eight different places home, a testament to the nomadic spirit instilled in her by her mother, Kathy Wright. Wright, a performer herself who graced stages alongside legendary entertainers like Bob Hope and Dean Martin as part of the “Dean Martin Golddiggers,” believed in a life lived on the open road, a philosophy that deeply shaped young Amanda Kate.
From the unpretentious stages of bar stools to the sacred spaces of church pews, music was the constant thread weaving through their transient existence. Ferris’s vocal talents emerged early, with her singing as soon as she could talk at the tender age of two. Her voice, rich and soulful, found its initial development within the harmonies of the church. By fourteen, Ferris added songwriting to her burgeoning repertoire, looking to emulate her mother’s path as a full-time musician and artist. During her mother’s extended sets in the honky-tonks that dotted the landscapes between California, New Mexico, and Texas, Ferris immersed herself in the sounds of The Judds, Trisha Yearwood, and Brooks & Dunn. These iconic voices and their distinct styles became deeply ingrained, heavily influencing the traditional yet contemporary country sound she embodies today.
The undeniable allure of the honky-tonk lifestyle eventually drew Ferris to Nashville in 2012, the epicenter of country music dreams. Her experiences in Music City were a microcosm of the industry itself – a rollercoaster of late-night jam sessions filled with raw talent and hopeful ambition, hard-earned victories that provided fleeting moments of elation, and humbling lessons that served as crucial building blocks. Her journey even included a brief stint as a receptionist at CMT, a role where she often found herself gazing at the artists gracing the network, dreaming of the day she would walk back through those doors as one of them.
After several more cross-country moves, life took a poignant turn in early 2018. Her mother, Kathy, received a devastating diagnosis of stage four terminal lung cancer. This news brought mother and daughter back together, not just in proximity but in a deeply meaningful musical project. Their shared love for music and a profound understanding of life’s precious and fleeting moments became the inspiration for Ferris’s debut album, aptly titled “Time.” This collection of songs served as a heartfelt tribute to the significance of cherishing every passing second, a sentiment undoubtedly amplified by her mother’s illness.
Now settled in Midlothian, Texas, with her husband and daughter, Ferris channeled the emotional depth of “Time” into further creative endeavors. She independently released two successful EPs, further solidifying her artistic identity. The first, a self-titled project “Amanda Kate” (2021), garnered rave reviews and earned coveted editorial placement on Spotify’s influential “Texas Country Now” playlist, the leading platform for Red Dirt music. This recognition underscored the growing appreciation for her authentic sound and compelling storytelling.
In early 2022, Ferris’s genuine connection to traditional country music caught the ear of renowned producer Jimmy Ritchey, a name synonymous with the genre, having worked with luminaries like Clay Walker and Mark Chesnutt. This collaboration proved to be a pivotal moment in Ferris’s career. Together, they recorded five new tracks that harked back to the classic country stylings of Ferris’s 90s idols. The resulting EP, “Pedal Steel” (2023), was a masterclass in traditional country, featuring songs penned by GRAMMY-winning songwriters Lori McKenna, Lainey Wilson, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, and Luke Laird. The caliber of these songwriting collaborations speaks volumes about the industry’s growing recognition of Ferris’s talent.
With nearly 3 million total career streams, Ferris’s unwavering tenacity and authentic artistic voice continue to resonate deeply with fans. Her hard work and dedication were further recognized at the 2024 Texas Regional Radio Music Awards, where she triumphantly won “New Female Vocalist of the Year” and received a nomination for “Duo of the Year” for her collaboration with the Chad Cooke Band. Her songs “Same Place Twice” with the Chad Cooke Band and “Tequila and Jesus” both soared to the No. 1 spot on Texas Country Radio in 2024, while the title track from her EP, “Pedal Steel,” climbed into the Top 5 on the same influential chart. Adding another significant milestone, CMT highlighted Ferris and her “Pedal Steel” video as a “Next Up Now” artist, introducing her to a broader national audience.
Fans eager for more of Ferris’s authentic country sound will be delighted to know that “Tequila and Jesus” and “Pedal Steel” are featured on her highly anticipated new album, “Rope the Wind,” set to be released on July 26th. This upcoming album promises to be a further showcase of her growth as an artist and her deep connection to the heart of country music.
Throughout her burgeoning career, Ferris has graced the stage alongside established country music stars such as Tracy Lawrence, Josh Abbott Band, Priscilla Block, and Warren Zeiders, in addition to her own successful headline shows and festival appearances. Her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence have captivated audiences in venues of all sizes. Notably, she has performed the national anthem on Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime, delivering a stirring rendition to a massive national audience. Furthermore, she recently had the honor of performing at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) for the second consecutive year, sharing her new music with thousands of enthusiastic rodeo fans, a testament to her growing connection within the Texas and Western lifestyle communities.
From a childhood spent traversing the American landscape to the bright lights of Nashville and the vibrant Texas country music scene, Amanda Kate Ferris’s journey has been as unique and compelling as her music. Her resilience, her dedication to her craft, and her ability to weave her life experiences into authentic and relatable songs have positioned her as a rising star with a voice that demands to be heard. As she continues to carve her own path in country music, Amanda Kate Ferris is undoubtedly an artist whose star is steadily on the ascent, promising a future filled with even more heartfelt music and captivating performances.
Saturday live show will be in German & English with Presenter Frank Hammer and the best in country music! 4 pm – 6 pm (CET) GER, 9 am – 11 am (CST) USA, 3 pm – 5 pm (GMT) UK!
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