We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Broadway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My initial response after reading this question was that I don’t consider myself to be a big risk taker. But on second thought, choosing to pursue a career in the music industry is a risk in and of itself. There is no blue print or road map. The path to (and the definition of) success is different for everyone. I moved to Nashville right out of college with a dream of becoming a recording artist. I had an internship lined up, but I didn’t know anyone in the city and it was a big leap moving there alone. Not too long after settling in I found myself working a 9-5 desk job, complete with benefits and the security of a weekly paycheck. Even though the company was in the music business, the environment was toxic and I found myself incredibly unhappy. Without much of a safety-net or back-up plan, one day I couldn’t take it anymore and put in my two weeks notice. This leap of faith marked the beginning of my journey to becoming my own boss and building my career. If I had stayed, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I knew from a young age I wanted to be a singer and have a career in music, but I had no idea at the time that there are so many different ways for that to manifest. Today I am a professional live and studio vocalist, songwriter, arranger, band leader, and recording artist. I’ve learned that the most important thing to me in my career is that I’m doing something I love and that I’m doing it authentically. It has taken years of hard work and building to get here, but I wouldn’t trade the freedom I have as a freelance musician for anything. Some days I’m out performing with various live bands; whether it be slinging covers or singing back-up vocals for other artists. Other days I’m in the studio recording demos, or arranging and stacking bgvs. I love the variety of projects and genres I get to work with. In recent years, my focus has been more on leading my own band, Amanda Broadway Band. We’re a 9 piece rock ‘n soul group and together we have written, arranged, recorded and performed original music that I feel proud of. Our debut album, The Ache (2020), is lyrically very vulnerable and honest and leans into the struggles that we face as individuals and a society. My goal is to make music that makes you feel, sometimes makes you think… and always makes you groove.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Three people immediately come to mind: my parents and my husband. My parents have always supported me and never once discouraged or deterred me from following my dreams. I know that not everyone pursuing a career in the arts can say that, and I do not take it for granted. From the moment I met and first started dating my husband, Mikie Martel, he has inspired me deeply by the way he lives and approaches life. He definitely helped me find the courage to live more authentically and follow my own path. He is also a musician, and we work together all of the time, encouraging and supporting one another in our individual and joint ventures.

Website: www.amandabroadwayband.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandabroadwayband

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandabroadwayband

Youtube: www.youtube.com/amandabroadwayband

Image Credits
Mitzi Murphree Kit Wood Kira Hooks Jason Lee Denton Alma Reed

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