You pour your heart, soul and guts, your time, money, energy and faith, all your love for someone into this thing, and suddenly, it's there in your hand.

You've given birth to this incredible creation. You think you'll feel such pride, such joy and accomplishment. And instead you're paralyzed with fear. What if they don't like it? What if they do? Even more frightening, what if they don't care? What if this thing that means the world to me is met with deafening silence?

I feel the fear. I give my creation to the world anyway. From the moment I wrote the first song on this album, I've been slowly stripping my armor off and allowing myself to be seen. The last bit of chain mail is falling to the floor, and it's a relief on some level. But I'm left completely vulnerable. Grateful to be singing my songs. Thankful to know the man who co-wrote this music without even knowing. He helped me find my voice again by the simple act of believing in me. 

I'm hopeful that my stories will touch others in a meaningful way. There are so many emotions! Please hear me and feel the love that flows through this music. That's all I ask. 

Normally, I don't do video ramblings, but I felt like I had some things to say about unconditional love. I believe this is a really REALLY important conversation to have, so let's have it! Let me know what you think about what I've said. Tell me your unconditional love stories! Watch the video on my YouTube channel or below.

Peace, love and rockabilly,

Amanda Lyn (and Rosie)

My good friend Abigail (the same one who played upright bass for the album and is an all-around superstar) wrote a wonderful article about the upcoming album and my thoughts on rockabilly, Elvis and more. I cried when I read it! I'm so incredibly passionate about everything we are creating right now. Please check out the article, comment, share - all that good stuff!

CLICK HERE

Peace, love and rockabilly,

Amanda Lyn (and Rosie)

We hit an important and exciting milestone for my upcoming EP, “Timeless”. WE ARE DONE WITH THE IN-STUDIO TRACKING! Woohoo! What does this mean, you ask? That means that we have finished recording all the parts for the songs that are being done in the studio. Four songs still need to be mixed and another recorded and mixed, but this is super exciting, y’all!

 Photo taken during a vocal recording session

And we have something else really special planned. We are going to do a live video and bonus live take of one of my new songs right in my apartment…surrounded by Elvis stuff!!! The music I am most influenced by is the music of Sun Studio. When Sun started in the 1950s, they didn’t have the technology to do what we do now, where musicians can come into the studio separately and layer their tracks over what’s already been done. If they made a mistake, they couldn’t just punch in to the spot where they goofed and try from there. They had to get a usable take in one sitting without stopping or do it over and over again until they did. We’re going to try our hand at it! I can’t wait to see how it goes. 

I want to share some pictures from the making of the album with you, and I want to take this space to thank the incredible people who have worked with me to make some music magic on this EP.

First of all, I have to mention Matt Juliano. He has worked tirelessly to learn an entire genre of music he has never played before and then write mandolin and guitar parts to all my songs. He didn't even know what rockabilly was a few months ago, and now he is making my songs rock in the best way. I'm so grateful! 

Matt's studio concentration face

A picture of Tony and Dane working on a song

Tony Mickle offered to play electric bass for one of my songs, and he was able to add a particular brand of cool that he brings to all his performances! He and Matt are a part of a local Orlando band called Beemo. Please support them by checking out their website and keeping an eye out for their album, which will be coming soon. www.mynameisbeemo.com. They have taken such great care of me and introduced me to the Orlando music scene. I have so much love for these guys!

I'm also lucky enough to know the most badass upright bass player around, Abigail Cline! We went to college together and are very good friends. She survived a trip to Memphis with me Elvis fangirling all over the place. That is true friendship! Haha. You will hear Abigail's bass skills on four of the songs on the EP, and I am just honored to know her. She is a multi-talented artist. In addition to playing bass, she writes her own singer/songwriter music and composes theatre music alone and as part of an up-and-coming composer/lyricist pair called Pekar and Cline. Please support her by checking out her website, buying her music and/or following her work on social media: www.abigailcline.com.

Abigail slapping that bass in the studio

Other studio musicians who have brought my music to life in ways I never could have on my own are Brandon Miller (bass guitar), Gerald Law II (drums) and Andrew Williams (electric guitar). I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such professionalism and joy. These guys really love what they're doing, and they are damn good at it! Please support them by checking out what their music at the below links and by booking them if you ever have a need for a studio musician.

Brandon Miller's website: brandonmillermusic.squarespace.com

Gerald Law's website: www.geraldlawmusic.com

Andrew Williams' YouTube: youtube.com/andrewwilliamsband 

I couldn't write this post without mentioning Dane and Christian of Wholehearted Productions. They treat their artists with incredible respect, and they have helped bring all my visions to life. Making my kind of music is a step out of their comfort zone, but they have gone on the journey with me, never backing down no matter how many times they've asked me, "What do you want here?" and I've replied, "I don't know." If you are local to Orlando and are looking to record, please consider their services. You can find them at their website: wholehearted.productions.

WE ARE MAKING IT HAPPEN! I can't wait for you to hear what we've been cooking up.

Peace, love and rockabilly,

​​​​​​​Amanda Lyn (and Rosie)

     I just watched an interview with Jesse McCartney where he talked about an experience he had where a fan ripped his hair out. Like...RIPPED HIS HAIR OUT! He was bleeding on stage. He mentioned that it was an "Elvis Presley moment" in his career, sounding none too pleased. Why do people do this to performers???

     This is a topic that I feel very strongly about. Y’all, I’m a crazy Elvis fan! I adore him. He makes me smile when I’m sad. I feel like he’s a close friend of mine, because he’s helped me through a lot. But I’ve read the books. ALL of them. The whole sad story. I felt like I owed it to him. I could not accept the “good” parts of who he was and reject the “bad” as if they didn’t exist. He was human, and as a fan, I need to respect that humanity.  

     I’m just going to repeat that. RESPECT THE HUMANITY OF PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC EYE.  

     Since I work in the performing industry, I’ve had the chance to meet several people who have attained some level of celebrity. I’ve gotten some insight into the beauty of that position and the demons that come along with it. I’m going to share a few stories with you. 

     I went to an R5 concert last year. They are one of my favorite bands, and I think their frontman, Ross Lynch, is incredibly talented. After the show, a friend and I waited by the stage door to say hello. I’m an observer, so I was listening and observing the people around me. Next to me was a mom and her teen daughter. This mom overheard me tell my friend, “I don’t even need a picture. I just want a chance to talk to him.” She intervened and said, “Oh, get your picture! You came all this way and waited this long for it.” I said, “No. It’s really all right.” And she replied, “Come on. They’re performers. They like the attention.” I was a bit shocked. I couldn’t believe that this woman didn’t realize that they perform, because they love to write music and sing. Meet-and-greets after the show are special extras that they give to their fans. Fans are not entitled to them. I know that, as a performer myself, after I just played a show, I am usually exhausted. It takes a lot of energy to then face the public with a smile on your face. After that exchange, I watched as Ross came down the line greeting fans. Most everyone snapped their picture without even saying a word to him. He looked tired. The girl right before me in line held up her phone for a selfie and said, “Can you smile with your teeth?” I’m sorry, WHAT?! Now, a fan is entitled to direct him on how to pose for her photo? It felt so dehumanizing. And ugly. And he is someone that I’m sure that girl says she loves. When Ross got to me, I said, “I don’t even want a picture. I just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful show! We had a great night.” I’ll tell you, that man’s eyes just lit up! He gave me a hug and stood there and spoke to me and my friend for several moments before moving on. While everyone else was pushing for their picture, he made a point to keep his focus on us. He really seemed to appreciate being spoken to like he was a human. It was a very special moment for me. And, I was lucky enough that my friend snapped a quick photo while I was talking to him. For artists, our music is about human connection. When that piece starts to get left out, we waste away. If you really love the artists you are a fan of, please consider how toxic it is to forget their humanity and treat them like a trophy.  

This was a genuine moment of human connection.

     Here’s my other story. A dear friend of mine is something of a celebrity in the sphere of performing he does. We were at an event, having a great time. He was walking around and greeting some fans. There was a woman in a wheelchair looking at him like her heart would burst. He went over to her and asked if she wanted a photo with him, beginning to look around to see who could take the photo. She said, “Oh, I don’t want to be in the picture. Just stand there and pose. You look like a wax figure.” I saw his face fall - ever so slightly. That type of comment just feels like shit. There’s no two ways about it. Everyone wants to be seen as human. No one wants to be put on a pedestal. It is lonely up there.  

     When Elvis was asked, “How close does the image come to the man?” he said, “Well, the image is one thing and the human being is another, you know? It's very hard to live up to an image, I'll put it that way.” 

     So, let’s stop this, please. It is beautiful to admire and appreciate another human being. It’s humbling for an artist to know that others like their work and enjoy who they are. But we can show them our feelings in healthy, loving ways. They also do not owe you anything other than the performance that you paid for - the show they just gave you on stage. Period. Grasping, clinging, demanding, expecting. None of these things are healthy for them or you. We want our music makers, our singers of songs, the people who give us their souls daily to live long, happy lives.

    What do you think? I would love to hear about your opinions on this topic. Or, is there anything you'd like to know my opinion on? What questions do you have for me? Comment below!

When was the last time you followed your heart? You know, when you do something a little crazy or spontaneous or impractical, but inside you just know the answer is YES! Comment below with your stories. If you can't think of a story, here and now is the time to create one. If you think you need permission to do so...I JUST GAVE IT TO YOU! 

By the way, almost all of my stories involve buying plane tickets! ;) 

Peace, love and rockabilly,

Amanda Lyn (and Rosie)

I felt the urge to record a cover video today! I've been wanting to put this song up on my YouTube for a while. It's one of my favorites of the heartbreakers that Elvis sang. For a while, I was nervous to post it, because I don't feel I have great piano skills. Well...I'm trying to walk my talk, and this is my year for doing the things that scare me. Here it is, y'all! Please show the video some love. 

I felt led to share some thoughts with you, so here’s a random musing… 

You know that feeling that things never happen fast enough? The feeling like you’re running in place, and what’s all the effort for? That was me a year ago. Total panic, y’all! I had just graduated from college, and I thought that things would fall together immediately, and I’d be set. HA! Looking back, that was such a ridiculous thing to think. When things didn’t come together like I’d hoped, I started doubting....and crying. Lots of crying. A lot of young people struggle, because they have this idea that everyone else is doing great and has it together, and they are alone in their confusion. I can’t tell you how many of my friends came to me in those first few months out of college saying, “So and so got a job, and I’m over here with no clue.” A lot of times, the person they were talking about had just came to me telling me they felt in over their head! We ALL struggle. I guess the question is, what are you doing with the struggle? Are you using it to learn and grow, or are you throwing your hands up and sitting down in the feeling of being stuck?  

We get stuck feeling like we’re not far enough on our journey. Like we’re not good enough, successful enough, healed enough, pretty enough, young enough, old enough, talented enough, lucky enough….the list goes on. Those feelings are false. YOU ARE ENOUGH! Right here and now, where you are, who you are.  

If I feel lost or frustrated, I try to look at where I am through the eyes of a younger version of myself. A 14 year old me would think I am living the dream! I have an incredible, loyal support system of friends in a new city where it doesn’t snow ;). I have performed on stage in front of hundreds of people. I’m recording an album of music that means a lot to me. I have a Chihuahua! Dreams do come true! I heard some great advice, and it goes like this: don’t give up right before the miracle. I can feel the miracles happening beneath the surface, and I’m learning to enjoy the ride before then! 

Sure, I’m not where I’m going, but I’m not where I’ve been! I’m taking some time to celebrate that.

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! What do you do when you feel stuck? What are you grateful for? What miracles have you seen?

Peace, love and rockabilly,

Amanda Lyn (and Rosie)

Hello out there!

Super pumped to tell you I had my first recording session for the new EP on January 8th! I inadvertently scheduled the first day of recording on Elvis' birthday, so that bodes well, right? ;) I'm recording with Wholehearted Productions. Check out their website here. These guys are phenomenal! They recorded my single "Dangerous Man" for me, and I am always impressed by their ideas and suggestions. They make my music sound great, and they are really dedicated to helping me bring my creative vision to life! 

Happy Amanda in the recording studio!

We got a lot done! We were able to lay down my guitar and vocals for two songs and begin tracking some of the percussion and a piano part for one of them. Their neighbors have a pet goat, and I'm not going to lie, I secretly hope that the goat's singing makes an appearance on the album. Haha! We got a little creative with some of the percussion and were pleasantly surprised when a stool gave us a cool sound.

Let's make something awesome! 

YOU can be a part of making this EP a reality! I've already received some support, and for that, I am grateful. We are almost halfway to the goal. If you want to, essentially, pre-order the album and get some other exclusive perks, please consider donating to my GoFundMe by following this link. 

Peace, love and rockabilly,

Amanda Lyn (and Rosie)

Happy New Year, y'all! 2017 has been a wonderful year for this crazy Elvis fan! I’ve hit some important Elvis milestones and enjoyed some beautiful times with fellow fans curtesy of my guardian angel. My other post was about all the other highlights of this year, and this one is dedicated solely to The Memphis Flash himself.

My birthday is in February, and I decided that I wanted to celebrate this year in Memphis and Tupelo. I’d already been to Graceland twice, but you can never see it too much, am I right? They have daily walk-up hours to the Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried, and I spent the morning of my birthday in some peace and quiet with him.

My friend Kristi and I also did a mansion tour. It was her first time at Graceland, and I was excited to share it with her!

We also got to eat at the Arcade Restaurant, one of Elvis’ former hangouts. The above photo is me at the Arcade Restaurant. I was a little bit excited.

Kristi had to leave to catch a flight, and I went back to see more of the exhibits at Graceland. I had to go through the mansion again to get to one exhibit, and the friendly Graceland staff told me, “Just walk up to the front door and walk in like you own the place!” I was a little overwhelmed by that statement (don’t cry, Amanda), but I did as they said! 

My trip continued with a drive to Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi. It was my first time there. They have done a wonderful job honoring Elvis’ life and childhood in Tupelo. At the birthplace complex, they have the house where Elvis was born, his childhood church, several lovely statue tributes, a chapel built by people who knew him and a little lake and nature trail. It was very moving for me to be there, and I was glad that not very many people were around, because I could let my tears flow freely. If a boy born in a shack in Tupelo, Mississippi, can change the world, then I think we all have that potential within us.  

Elvis' Birthplace, Tupelo, MS

I attended the Texas Tribute to Elvis Festival in May. It was my first time in Texas, and I had a great time! By chance, I ended up sitting near a group of women from Germany, and they were very surprised to find an American who spoke German. It always fills me up to attend these events and get to spend time with friends I’ve made through Elvis. I was lucky enough to get to go to Elvis Week in Memphis again this year. It was a big year, since it was the 40th Anniversary of Elvis' passing.

Shout out to my adopted grandparents, Bruce (not pictured) and Pat for being my Elvis family!

 At Elvis Week, I got to talk to one of my favorite Elvis costars, Laurel Goodwin! She is so fierce. 

That's me listening to Laurel Goodwin tell a story about filming Girls! Girls! Girls! with Elvis in Hawaii.

My most special moment of the week was when my friends and I toured the apartment where Elvis and his parents lived when he was in high school. I kissed the wall in Elvis’ room like so many before me, and I played “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and sang right there in his room. It was magical! 

MA-GIC-AL!

Once again, I got to travel to Colorado and perform in 3 sold out concerts with Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Cody Ray Slaughter (view his website here). You can watch our duet of “Islands in the Stream” and my solo performance of “Back in the USA” in the videos section of this website. This year, we performed with the David Fontana Band, which is special, because David Fontana is the son of Elvis’ original drummer, DJ Fontana. We also had a surprise guest, young Elvis performer Riley Jenkins. I feel honored that I got to stand on stage and sing with these talented people. This job is a complete dream come true, and it’s the closest I’ll ever get to singing live with Elvis on stage. Our concerts raised $48,100 for Mt. Evans Home Health and Hospice, and I got to meet some really inspiring Elvis fans!  

And my mom got to come to the shows, which was really special for me!

Maybe it sounds silly, but it’s the truth! Elvis has changed my life. Through Elvis, I have met dear friends, heard beautiful stories, sung my heart out and grown into a better version of myself. I am grateful!

Peace, Love and Rock 'n' Roll,

Amanda Lyn (and Rosie)