Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Sherman.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was young, I loved playing music. My mother taught me how to sing and play the piano, though I don’t play much piano anymore. As I got older and weirder and began to fit in with my peers less, I was drawn to less mainstream genres of music like punk, metal, grunge, and noise rock. I started singing in a ska-punk band with some of my friends as a teenager and fell in love with being on stage. I’ve been creating and performing in different projects ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not really. I’ve faced a lot of the same struggles other musicians trying to break into the scene have, with the added barrier of being female trying to make it in a male-dominated genre. Everyone has their issues though, I don’t think I personally know anyone who’s been successful or done something important without facing some sort of challenge. You know what they say, it’s how you rise to it, right?
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do vocals for a noise rock band called NAW. Our music is heavy and aggressive but also emotional and melodic, and I think that’s what sets us apart. Our performances are known for being raw and energetic and a pretty good time if you’re into heavy music. We released a full length in 2021 and are currently working on our next ep. We play in Atlanta once every month or two, so come check us out sometime. I also play trumpet in a ska band called Bad Leavers, but that’s a newer project. We hope to be playing shows and releasing music soon.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Don’t compare yourself to other people. Everyone is doing their own thing. Energy you spend focusing on other people is energy you don’t spend focusing on your own work. Some people are going to have it easier, some people are going to get lucky, some people might just be in the right place at the right time. None of that has any effect on your art or what you are doing. Comparing yourself to others is a great way to make yourself unhappy and sow self-doubt. And who’s to say you won’t be the person that gets lucky in the future?
Contact Info:
- Website: nawatlanta.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nawatlanta
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/NAWAtlanta
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJZneAO_SXPJN4JFyVw1y3g
- Other: www.facebook.com/BadLeaversAtl
Image Credits
Kevin Phan (image 1), Mike White- Deadly Designs (image 2 & 3), Stormy Henderson (image 4), Jessica Anderson (image 5)
