Who is AMES?

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Today singer/songwriter AMES put releases her EP, My Name Is AMES (April 5).

Growing up home schooled in an extremely conservative Christian family, AMES was uprooted and moved to Honduras as a missionary at age 13. It was there, without friends and in a strange country, that she had to grapple with being gay and spent all of her time writing and listening to the only secular album she could get her hands on, Fiona Apple’s Tidal. She moved to the states for a Christian college, dropped out, moved to LA, and vowed to spend the rest of her life making art and helping LGBTQ youth.

Dan: You were schooled in an extremely conservative Christian family. How was that up-bring about of your musical career?

AMES: Well, I spent a lot of time performing and playing in church, praise & worship groups and Bible camps so I got used to being in front of a crowd at an early age.

How was it to listen to secular music growing up?

I wasn’t really allowed to listen to secular music. We were allowed to listen to hymns and classical music but I’d sneak secular CDs into my collection w/the help of my sister and some friends haha. I also listened to the radio in bed at night. I loved everything I heard.

Who was the first secular artist you discover?

That’s a tough one. I don’t really remember the first one. I remember hearing Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Cher on the radio but the first artists who inspired me to WRITE pop music were the Hansons. They were from my hometown. Fiona Apple became (and still is), my favorite and T.a.t.u. showed me that I wasn’t alone in my sexuality. All the artists who raised me had a different role to play while I was growing up.

Do you still listen to secular music?

I do yes

You call home three places. Oklahoma, Honduras and Los Angeles. Tell me why for each one?

I was BORN in Oklahoma, I spent my most formative years in Honduras (ages 13-19) and I’ve found myself, my voice and the love of my life (my fiancé) in Los Angeles

Why did you study a Biola University? What was your major?

I studied at Biola University because my parents wanted me to attend a Christian school that aligned with (their/our) belief system. I got a scholarship to go to Biola because my parents were/are missionaries so, financially it made sense. I dropped out after three years but my major(s) were: Creative writing, Composition, and Music.

Did you know any of these students from Biola:
Steve Bridges (1986) – Comedian, impressionist, and actor
Scott Derrickson (1990) – Director, screenwriter, and producer
Sikhanyiso Dlamini (2010) – Princess of Eswatini
Judith Hill (2006) – Singer-songwriter
Zach King (2012) – Filmmaker and YouTube personality
Tobin Sorenson (1980) – Mountain climber

I know Judith Hill! We’ve actually worked together.

How did you get the nickname Fetus?

Because I’m small

How did you come up with your stage name Ames?

Ames is a nickname my dad gave me when I was young.

How did you get to perform on Paste Magazine?

I have an amazing PR company in New York! They set up the performance and interview at Paste magazine as well as several others.

Have you looked at any NPR programs?

I listen to NPR in my car almost every day. It’s how I learn the news.

How did you enjoy Iceland?

It was beautiful! I ate the best food, I got to go fishing, perform with Damien Rice, and I went to the Blue Lagoon.

You have written or co-written songs for many people including Kelly Clarkson with two songs “Move You” and “Slow Dance”. How was it to work with Kelly?

She is a powerhouse and a gracious, honest, hardworking woman. She treated us VERY well while we were working with her… she knew our names and always gave us full credit while doing interviews about those particular songs. Her karma is pure and I truly love her.

You became well known for your videos on YouTube, which included covers and original songs. Kuney has posted covers of songs by Joni Mitchell, Damien Rice, P!nk, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Jace Everett, Patty Griffin, and Sam Sparro. Do you miss those days?

Yes and No, I love covering songs but I also love writing my own!

How is your Patreon account going?

It’s off to a slow start honestly, but I haven’t been able to put as much time into it as I’d like. I’m hoping to really rev it up over the summer and offer more tiers.

Any tours in the works?

Not yet!

How do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself having written a book about my experiences. I see myself married to my fiancé Lauren, I see myself still living in L.A. co-writing songs with artists whom I really respect and admire. I hope in the next five years I get to write with P!nk or Adele.

Anything in closing for your fans?

I wouldn’t be anywhere without their continued love and support. They push me back up when I’m feeling down or ’emo’… they send me encouragement & bright light always. Thank you