Kristy Cox will be touring with Amanda Cook early next year and playing the Tamworth music festival in January. Here is an interview we produced with Amanda earlier this month.
Is this your first trip to Australia?
This is my first trip to Australia and my first time playing internationally. I’m a little nervous, but certainly very excited.
What are you most looking forward to about your visit?
I’m looking forward to seeing another country. One of the coolest parts of this trip will be seeing Australia with an Australian. I’m looking forward to learning about the Australian culture and making Australian fans.
What part of the USA are you from and where do you play most of your music?
My husband and I are originally from a small town, Pace, FL. We both graduated from Pace High School and we moved to a smaller town, Jay, FL about 15 years ago. We tour nationally and well now internationally, but we do like to play for our “homefolks” here on the Gulf Coast of Florida as often as we can.
How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?
My music can be described as bluegrass music based in tradition, but with a modern delivery. The key to any art-form is making your own style and being unique. I feel that I am making my style of bluegrass music.
Your next CD will be your second release for Mountain Fever Records I believe. It is a follow-up to the very successful “Deep Water” album. What is the difference between your last CD and your new one?
When we finished the studio session, words like mature and growth were used a lot. I feel that my 2nd record with Mountain Fever shows just that. I feel that this new album shows, not only my growth as an artist, writer and producer, but the band members as well. We settled in as a band this last 2 years and it shows greatly.
What do you feel is something about you as an artist or your music, that differentiates you from other musicians and bands in mainstream Bluegrass music today?
I know so many wonderful artists in this genre and it’s hard to compare or differentiate myself to others that I admire so greatly. I would say this however, I feel that I stay true to myself and my music. I think I stand out because I don’t sound like anyone else or try to model my shows to another artist’s shows.
What do you aim to deliver to the audience when you step out on to the stage?
As mentioned before, we love to interact with our fans. Our first priority in a stage show is to bring music to the audience that they can be a part of. I love to see the audience members singing along and just having a great time with us.
Where did your love of music come from and how do you stay fresh and current in the roots music genre?
I grew up with a banjo player Dad and I truly found my love of bluegrass after playing in a band with him for many years. I believe staying fresh and new is easy: Write and create new music often.
What is the hardest part about being a rising star in the music industry today?
I read an article the other day and it mentioned the difficulties that musicians face, that maintaining a positive attitude is at the top of the list. That is truly the hardest part of the music business for me. I am a very “go-for-it” person. I love a challenge and I work very hard to promote my music and “get out there.” But it is extremely hard to stay positive all the time. I am so very thankful for my success thus far, so I have to take myself out of the moment and just reflect on my many blessings.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is meeting people and making new fans. I am very social and I love bluegrass fans they are truly the best ever.
What do you enjoy doing most during your downtime?
I love to cook for my family. I especially love to have company at the Cook Ranch and trying new recipes with my banjo player and best friend, Carolyne. We always find a way to cook together when we have free time.
Amanda Cox will be appearing in Tamworth on:
| Tue. 22nd Jan. | Tamworth Bluegrass in the Park | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Fri. 25th Jan. | Tamworth Capitol Theatre | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Fri. 25th Jan | Tamworth Opry/Capitol Theatre | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
I met Amanda and Kristy at Bec and Billy Bridge home in QLD Friday night, their performance was the best! I’m now a totally obsessed fan.
Rhonda Williams