The Amanda Emblem Experiment is an Australian rock and roll project fronted by Amanda Emblem herself. They’ve just released a cracking new record titled Farmtime – if you like what you read here, why not give the record a stream below?!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new EP titled Farmtime. What can you tell us about the record?
Farmtime is the latest instalment in a collection of original releases. It is a five track EP that’s quite eclectic, but within the realms of folk, rock, blues, alternative and Americana. Humans performed it and it was recorded in a real studio (rather than AI or pre-recorded beats purchased over the internet). My voice gets the most comments. I can sing well and over time I’ve learned to hold back to get those sweet spots.
Ironic you ask about the record. As Farmtime is actually going to be launched as a vinyl album on June 8. The 5 tracks from the current EP plus 4 from my last EP Power of One and an unreleased track Thunder are coming together for a 10 track vinyl.
I’m very excited to have my music on vinyl after 20 years in the recording industry and I’m so glad the Farmtime EP has brought about that opportunity, being robust enough to take on the title of a record.
The record has quite an interesting name. Where did the title come from?
There’s song called Aphrodisia on the EP, which references Farmtime twice in it’s lyrics. I picked it up for the title because all the songs have been written here on the rural property where I live and it’s a strong theme throughout my songwriting so far. Farmtime is different to city time. Heaps different. I’m enamoured by it and want to share it with the world because its so peaceful and productive.
How has the reception to Farmtime been so far, and where can it be purchased?
The leading track Waterfall has performed better than any track so far in my career, and the streaming numbers are very pleasing to me. I’m still a small artist, but I learnt early on to be happy with successes! Large and small. A step up is in the right direction!
The release is available through all the streaming platforms online but if you’d like to purchase it on vinyl here’s the link to my online shop through my label Wild Weather Records.
Do you have any singles planned for release soon?
I prefer to release a body of work rather than a single. There are enough strong tracks on the EP to keep me busy for a while, so no more digital releases until next year, also because I’m taking a break after the Mitchell Creek Festival in September, which is a big date on my calendar (here in Australia – sorry UK folks) and I’m going on holidays to a tropical island which is pretty exciting. I’ll be back in the New Year some time.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album in the near future?
It’s very possible, I have about 12 new songs half recorded already. There is one absolutely amazing song, maybe it is the best song I’ve ever written. I’m listening to it a lot at the moment. Loving it.
My producer Andy is just amazing. I can spend an afternoon putting down a couple of tracks and he sends them back to me sounding just amazing. An album would be nice in 2025.
Farmtime features a few different genres and styles. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
I have the knowledge of so much music in my head. I’ve played in cover bands, been a blues player on bass, a punk rocker in an all girl band, done heaps of gigs and touring. I’ve opened for some of the best acts in the universe played endless hours as a soloist. The lot. 1000’s of songs… I’m sure it’s all had an influence on me.
I’m most interested now in letting songs be just songs. I rarely listen to my old faves. My favourite band at the moment is a Melbourne act called Elbury. I discovered them on a playlist we’re both on. I get to perform live with them next month in our State’s capital city of Brisbane at a place called Ric’s Bar.
I also love an acoustic act called Haleen. I could listen to their music for hours.
I listen to a lot of the playlists I’m added to. It’s enlightening to hear new music. It makes me realise that my music is relevant being alongside others who are absolutely fantastic but it’s also humbling. So good to understand where we are all at in this crazy industry.
You’ve worked in a few bands. Do you have any other side projects on the go at the moment?
I’m just finishing a collaboration with a Nigerian singer CeePee Roosevelt, but other than that no. I am however hosting a high profile jam at a Festival coming up. Anything could happen, and I’m excited to be playing bass as well as guitar with various artists, just winging it on the night.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
Releasing a vinyl album is a milestone for me. There is a big live launch at the Institute of country music in Gympie (my closest rural township). I’m also running a songwriting workshop as part of our local Mary Valley GourMay Festival in a couple of weeks.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I have never been to the UK and I wish I could say I have plans to come and play gigs, but not at the moment. It’s so damn nice here on the farm… but it I got an offer I couldn’t refuse, I may change my mind!
Any last words for the fans?
If you have got this far in the interview, thank you. Life is so busy and time is the most precious thing you have. Be happy and safe. Respect and it will be returned. Like my socials if you have time. Reach out and say “Gidday!” I will reply!