| Amy Montgomery has shared her new single, a cover of Sharon Van Etten’s ‘Jupiter 4’, the latest track to be taken from her debut EP, Intangible, out on November 20th. With Amy’s stunningly raw vocals taking centre stage, the track builds through a pensive blend of stark piano and drums before rhythmic synths propel it to an immersive and dream-like climax. She shot a brilliant video for it earlier this year, playing all the instruments in lockdown in her garage. You can watch that here. “Glastonbury was the first I’d heard of Sharon Van Etten. She came out on stage possessing the most vigorous and ethereal vulnerability. The show started and I was instantly hooked! I love every track on this album but this one stuck for me, with its haunting tones and textures. I wanted to play all of the instruments on this cover because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it allowed me to create an edgy, droning, lo-fi sounding production and video!” ‘Jupiter 4’ follows the release of the title track from her upcoming EP, a shimmering work of Nineties-influenced alternative rock with squalls of guitar feedback lifted by bright, fluttering synths and, like most of Montgomery’s work, a showcase of lyrical power. Mixed by Australian producer Kyran Daniels (Greta Ray), the video premiered with The Music in Australia where Amy has been making a name for herself following last year’s performance at the Dashville festival, a four date Australian tour with William Crighton and a national radio playlist on JJ Australia. The songs on her forthcoming debut EP represent an artist who won’t shy away from her feelings, but also one who doesn’t attempt to oversimplify experiences that are deeply complex, or profound. “These songs still have a lot of pain,” she says, “but they’re lighter. I actually feel like I’ve let go of a lot of things in the past year, and that’s had a big influence on my writing.” Montgomery proved a mesmerising hit on the festival circuit last summer after a slew of stunning debut performances at eighteen UK & European summer festivals including Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk, Electric Picnic and Black Deer. She finished 2019 with her highly successful first headline shows in Belfast, London and Dublin, with Belfast being upgraded to the Limelight 2 after selling out in less than 48 hours after her acclaimed Stendhal Festival performance. Amy hails from County Antrim, Northern Ireland and the first thing you notice, apart from her outlandish bohemian looks, is her raw and beautiful voice, honed from relentless busking across her native Emerald Isle. Already a musical force of nature, performing with great intensity on both guitar and keyboards, it’s her powerful vocal that has captured attention in big ways, drawing immediate comparisons to Janis Joplin, Anna Calvi and Alanis Morrisette but with a very modern attitude. A voice with exceptional power but with an individuality all of its own. On what seems like an unstoppable trajectory, one thing is certain, Montgomery is not going to compromise her art for anyone. Amy is a unique artist who is setting out with purpose, and a clear vision for how she wishes to present her music, something that will surely appeal to everyone. Intangible EP Tracklisting Intangible Jupiter 4 (live) Anywhere Old Photographs (live, Belfast 2020) Dangerous |
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