Summer Ames
Hear it Now
Summer Ames Answers Our Seven Questions
Singer-songwriter Summer Ames is a rising star on the indie music scene with a voice reminiscent of amazing artists like Colbie Caillat in her fun and upbeat lyrics and the vocal skills of Regina Spektor. And, it's no surprise her songs like "Awakening" and "Capture," from her album Complicated Daydream (2009), are filled with such passion and vocal prowess -- Ames grew up listening to vinyl records of the greats like Connie Boswell, Joni Mitchell and Ella Fitzgerald. But, we'll let her tell you about it in the Q&A below.
Where are you from and what was it like growing up there?
Summer Ames: "I grew up in a small town outside of Dallas called Crandall. Growing up in the country was lovely, but I really enjoy living in the middle of the city now. I was recently invited back to perform in my old hometown for their annual event called the Cotton Festival!"
When did you first know that you wanted to be a musician and how did you get started?
Summer Ames: "I remember having career day in the first grade. All the kids in my class dressed up like doctors, firefighters, business men/women...I dressed up as a 'famous singer,' complete with a mic in hand. I was introduced to albums of all the greats (Ella Fitzgerald, The Beetles, John Lennon, etc.) at a very young age and was moved by the sounds in such a way that I couldn't comprehend. I just knew I liked it, and I wanted to listen day after day. Sometimes I would just sit and listen, and other times I would sing and parade around the room like I was a part of what I was hearing.
I feel like I've always known what I want to be (as cliche as that sounds). This is who I am...a performing singer/songwriter...sharing my thoughts through song. I'm always singing and writing and playing the closest instrument around...that's where my thoughts mesh, and then eventually form songs. I got things off the ground by performing open mic nights at various venues around Dallas, which led to the opportunity to perform my own shows there."
If you could tour with any two musicians or bands in the world, which ones would you choose?
Summer Ames: "Hmmm, this is tough...OK, I would have to say Imogen Heap & Regina Spektor. I love Imogen's creativity, it's wild and crazy awesome...and Regina is an amazing songwriter! Being on tour with those two would be a dream!"
Do you have any special pre-performance rituals?
Summer Ames: "Ha. I love to sip on a steamy brew of tea. Hmmm...sometimes I do this silly thing I call a lip trill where I buzz my lips and make a siren sound with my voice. It helps warm up my vocals, but it just sounds crazy."
What are your favorite foods (or treats!) that keep you energized for shows and on tour?
Summer Ames: "Pizza & sparkling orange juice (if you haven't tried it, you should! Seriously)."
What do you do for fun?
Summer Ames: "I enjoy heading to a local coffeehouse and listening to local artists at an open mic...or staying in for a home movie night with an awesome sci-fi flick and sour gummy bears. "
What's next for you?
Summer Ames: "New album...hopefully out in early 2011! Then, lot's of touring & writing new songs."
—Christa Fletcher
Singer-songwriter Summer Ames is a rising star on the indie music scene with a voice reminiscent of amazing artists like Colbie Caillat in her fun and upbeat lyrics and the vocal skills of Regina Spektor. And, it's no surprise her songs like "Awakening" and "Capture," from her album Complicated Daydream (2009), are filled with such passion and vocal prowess -- Ames grew up listening to vinyl records of the greats like Connie Boswell, Joni Mitchell and Ella Fitzgerald. But, we'll let her tell you about it in the Q&A below.
Where are you from and what was it like growing up there?
Summer Ames: "I grew up in a small town outside of Dallas called Crandall. Growing up in the country was lovely, but I really enjoy living in the middle of the city now. I was recently invited back to perform in my old hometown for their annual event called the Cotton Festival!"
When did you first know that you wanted to be a musician and how did you get started?
Summer Ames: "I remember having career day in the first grade. All the kids in my class dressed up like doctors, firefighters, business men/women...I dressed up as a 'famous singer,' complete with a mic in hand. I was introduced to albums of all the greats (Ella Fitzgerald, The Beetles, John Lennon, etc.) at a very young age and was moved by the sounds in such a way that I couldn't comprehend. I just knew I liked it, and I wanted to listen day after day. Sometimes I would just sit and listen, and other times I would sing and parade around the room like I was a part of what I was hearing.
I feel like I've always known what I want to be (as cliche as that sounds). This is who I am...a performing singer/songwriter...sharing my thoughts through song. I'm always singing and writing and playing the closest instrument around...that's where my thoughts mesh, and then eventually form songs. I got things off the ground by performing open mic nights at various venues around Dallas, which led to the opportunity to perform my own shows there."
If you could tour with any two musicians or bands in the world, which ones would you choose?
Summer Ames: "Hmmm, this is tough...OK, I would have to say Imogen Heap & Regina Spektor. I love Imogen's creativity, it's wild and crazy awesome...and Regina is an amazing songwriter! Being on tour with those two would be a dream!"
Do you have any special pre-performance rituals?
Summer Ames: "Ha. I love to sip on a steamy brew of tea. Hmmm...sometimes I do this silly thing I call a lip trill where I buzz my lips and make a siren sound with my voice. It helps warm up my vocals, but it just sounds crazy."
What are your favorite foods (or treats!) that keep you energized for shows and on tour?
Summer Ames: "Pizza & sparkling orange juice (if you haven't tried it, you should! Seriously)."
What do you do for fun?
Summer Ames: "I enjoy heading to a local coffeehouse and listening to local artists at an open mic...or staying in for a home movie night with an awesome sci-fi flick and sour gummy bears. "
What's next for you?
Summer Ames: "New album...hopefully out in early 2011! Then, lot's of touring & writing new songs."
—Christa Fletcher
/Share
Photo Gallery
<
>
Share this on: