NORTHERN IRELAND SONGSTRESS @AmandaStJohn_ HEADED FOR NASHVILLE

NORTHERN Ireland songstress Amanda St John is headed for the music capital of the world.

The soul and blues singer from Glenariff, County Antrim has been invited to Nashville, Tennessee to work with well known music producer Charles Yingling, best known for his work on country legend Willie Nelson’s most recent album and highly acclaimed songwriter Benita Hill who has written for super stars such as Garth Brooks.

And as Amanda, 35, prepares for her US visit later this year she is releasing her latest single If I Should Fall on September 22.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to Nashville in November and to be invited to work with such well known and established songwriters is a privilege.

“Charles has worked with stars such as Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers so I’m really looking forward to getting into the studio with him and Benita has written hits for everyone from Garth Brooks and Crystal Gayle to Kirk Wallum and Hal Ketchum.

“I’m really excited about the trip as I will be promoting my new single If I Should Fall while I’m out there.

“I’ve always dreamed of working in Nashville and now I’ve got the chance.  I’m also looking at options in New York too so I may be stopping off there for a few days.

“If I’m honest I’m a little nervous because the other songwriters are so well accomplished but I intend to make the best of every minute.”

Amanda describes her new Motown influenced single If I Should Fall as a “tear-stained ballad” and revealed it’s come straight from the heart.

She added: “We’ve all been there, If I Should Fall is a song which tells the timeless tale of being attracted to someone who is emotionally not available, and wanting them even more as a result.

“It’s about feeling a strong connection with someone but you know they are not emotionally capable of reciprocating. The attraction grows the more time you spend with them though you know you are leaving yourself open to being hurt.”

If I Should Fall follows Amanda’s critically acclaimed 2013 debut EP Where Is The Man and her recent single Big Strong Man, released in March this year.

Already on the playlists of BBC Radio Ulster star Ralph McLean and U105 DJ Johnny Hero, Amanda’s unique fusion of soul, blues, folk and pop sounds have seen her become a well known name in the local music circuit.

Amanda recently supported Brian Kennedy and Eddi Reader as well as being invited to sing backing vocals for Belfast star Duke Special.

Now she’s looking to the future and will release her currently untitled forthcoming album early next year.

“The opportunity to work with the caliber of people I’ll be writing with in Nashville is something I’ve always aspired to and now it’s finally happening” she said, adding: “I’m really proud of my new sound with If I Should Fall and looking forward to releasing a mini album next year.

“I’m delighted to get the opportunity for people to hear another phase in my writing. My new material has more depth lyrically – with not so much heartache this time – and has more of a soul and blues feel than my first EP.

“With the help of my amazing band we’re taking more time to record and produce than we’ve previously done.”

If I Should Fall by Amanda St John is out September 22 on iTunes, Amazon and other digital platforms.

To hear the song log onto: https://soundcloud.com/amanda-st-john/if-i-should-fall

For more information about Amanda log onto: facebook.com/amandastjohnmusic/info