Name: Amy Sheppard
Birthplace: Papua New Guinea
Current Residence: Australian living in Nashville
Music Style: Country pop (solo artist) Indie pop (my band)
Website/Social Media Links: @amysheppardpie http://www.amysheppardofficial.com

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Amy Sheppard. I am an Australian singer songwriter and about twelve years ago, I founded the band Sheppard with my brother and sister. We have worldwide success writing and performing big anthemic pop songs like Geronimo and Coming Home. I am known for my bright blue hair and spend a lot of time advocating for body positivity and acceptance on social media. While I have been writing songs for the band and other artists for over a decade, about five years ago I began writing songs for myself which has led me to a solo career in country music. I now juggle two careers at the same time and have recently moved to Nashville with my husband and siblings to take our careers to the next level.

Tell us about your newest project. What was the inspiration behind it and where can we check it out?

I am currently writing and releasing singles which will eventually appear on my debut full length album. In 2022, I put out my debut country EP which did really well, but for now I am focusing on singles and getting to know my fans in the US. This latest single in the US is called Overthinking and I’ve loved performing it. It’s an uptempo country singalong anthem about having a guy (or girl) stuck in your head on replay – I think we have all been there. It’s out now on all streaming services plus iTunes!

How would you describe your music?

If anyone compared me or my music to the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson or perhaps Carrie Underwood, I would be thrilled. Catchy, melodic, uplifting country pop music. A few songs I have in the works lean in to country folk and a little more introspective but Overthinking (and my next single Small Town Rumors) is all about winding the window down in the car and singing with your friends.

How did you get started?

Our band famously started when I was studying music at college and I had to write a song for an assignment and enlisted the help of my brother George. We realised (finally) that we wrote really well together, complemented each other’s styles and our voices worked well. That’s how Sheppard was born and continues today!

Who are your biggest musical influences?

The biggest influence in my life was my Dad whose love for country music when I was a child really shaped my musical styles and lit the first fire in me to be a singer and songwriter. He would play The Mavericks, America, The Eagles, right through to Shania Twain, The Chicks, Leann Rimes… these artists can all be heard in my music in various ways. My parents remain our biggest supporters!

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Our collective obsession with going viral and record companies really only supporting acts who have a viral moment. You can’t go to a concert and sing just one catchy chorus of one song. You want a full show, multiple hits and authentic moments with the crowd. Sadly the industry is less interested in that despite the fact that touring is where money is made and connections with fans are created.

What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?

My blue hair! Haha no, I mean I think that I have been part of one of Australia’s biggest pop bands for so long has really helped my solo career. I know what I want to put on a great show for my fans and while it’s weird up there without my siblings George and Emma, I am loving owning the stage and delivering country pop that hopefully people love!

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

I think any musician will tell you… when you love to sing, write, perform your music and it connects with people and an audience knows your lyrics, or buys your CD at the merch stand or follows you on socials and supports your releases… it is the best feeling. I love that I can earn a full time living doing what I love.

What’s next for you?

More music! Currently my next single Small Town Rumors is being played on Australian radio and that will then come here to the US. I’m working with my team on the two singles after that so it’s non-stop. On top of that, my band Sheppard are about to release our fourth studio album so we will be touring that all around the world. A huge 2024 for me!

What are your career goals in the next five years?

The ladies I mentioned before – Kacey, Lainey, Carrie – if my career resembles anything they have achieved in the next five years, I will be thrilled! Fans can expect more music, likely an album or two, bigger shows and probably still blue hair!