Amanda Stewart Releases 'Venom' LP Out Now

AMERICANA SINGER/SONGWRITER
AMANDA STEWART
RELEASES FULL-LENGTH ALBUM
VENOM

PROJECT ARRIVES ON A WAVE OF PRAISE 

Above: ‘Venom’ Album Artwork

“We’re hooked from the first moment of this artist’s high level recordings. Impressive.”
– Music Connection, July 2023

NASHVILLE, TN (July 28, 2023) — Today, Montana-based Americana artist Amanda Stewart released her 12-track album, Venom. Noted by music journalist Rachel Cholst as “Americana grit and spare, minimalist pop,” the album is a reflection and celebration of all the complexities of the human experience. Expanding on topics of love, heartbreak and healing through alluring metaphors and wonderfully diverse musical arrangements, the project is sure to resonate deeply with those who take a moment to listen. 

Stream / Purchase Venom  here.

“I just want people to feel ok with whatever they’re feeling,” Amanda says when talking of the message she hopes to portray through Venom. “There are songs about a lot of serious and difficult things, and also songs about fleeting moments in my life, and I know others have had similar experiences. I want people to get these songs stuck in their head, so that they can be reminded that someone else has been where they may be at now, or have been before in life.”

Prior to the LP’s final single “Barn Crazy” — which found praise in an exclusive worldwide social media premiere with Ditty TV — Amanda provided tastes of the record through singles such as “Window,” & “Drugs,” — which Americana UK remarked: “Lyrically heartbreaking, ‘Drugs’ is performed with real emotion by Stewart and her collaborators Collin Elmore and Reuben Bidez of Nashville band Cabin Boys, whose voices are full of character. The trio’s beautiful harmonies ache with compassion over an atmospheric arrangement with a gentle rhythm, swelling keys and moody electric guitar.” 

In March 2023, Amanda shared the LP’s lead single, “Lonesome Mountain,” which had Americana Highways noting: “Amanda Stewart has a powerful voice that will not be denied.” The track was also spotlighted by The Boot where they raved, “Stewart’s voice is mature and multi-faceted, making the song resonate deeply and hinting at what’s on the horizon for a promising songwriter.”

ADDITIONAL EARLY PRAISE FOR VENOM:

Evoking natural imagery of solidity and isolation, Stewart reflects on the experiences that have resulted in hard-won lessons about confidence, strength, and knowing exactly what you want. Stewart's voice is mature and multi-faceted, making the song resonate deeply and hinting at what's on the horizon for a promising songwriter.”
– Rachel Cholst, The Boot, March 16, 2023

“[‘Barn Crazy’ is] A bittersweet reflection on the complexities of human connection, emphasizing the speaker’s resilience and determination to embrace life’s joys, even in the face of disappointment.” 
– Jenna Shaw, Top Shelf Music Magazine, June 27, 2023

“Establishing a tranquil, ambient drone, her tender, gentle voice enters and carries us away on ‘Lonesome Mountain’ in which she likens herself to that symbol, both inside and out. It’s a fascinating metaphor, and as she expands on that theme, the music deftly builds from a lone piano to strings, percussion, mandolin, banjo, and background voices. ‘Drugs,’ where she duets with a growly male singer, is a great pairing, complemented by perfect tones from each instrument, all of which gel effectively. It is on ‘Window’ that Stewart’s voice really blossoms, showing her vocal power, conveying the tune’s bold, catchy chorus.”
– Music Connection, July 2023

Above: Amanda Stewart; Credit: The Whiskey Ginger

Growing up in the mountains of Montana, Amanda spent much of her time on her grandparent’s ranch, being exposed to the acoustic instrumentation and simple yet honest songwriting of Americana, folk and country music styles. The musical notes of her childhood braided with the openness and sequestered life in the mountains allowed her the space and quiet that was integral in her journey of self-discovery as a person and as an artist. “Montana is a hidden gem full of all sorts of genres of music,” Amanda says. “That paired with the slower pace of life compared to other cities I’ve lived in like Seattle, gave me the figurative and literal space for self-reflection.”

It’s hard to believe Amanda wasn’t always honed in on her craft with an album like Venom that’s so honest and raw, but the songwriter took a while to find her own voice and sound. Music has always been a part of her life. “I can remember sitting at the old, slightly out of tune, piano at my grandparents ranch in Montana just plugging away at the keys and singing nonsense,” she reflects, “I was always singing or humming as a kid.” But it wasn’t until she started truly dedicating herself to the art — writing her own songs and playing gigs most nights of the week — that she really started to understand what her voice could do and how singing of things she cared about made her better.

Life doesn’t look the exact same for every person, but through shared emotions we are reminded of how connected we truly are and Venom perfectly encapsulates these synchronicities. 

TRACKLISTING FOR VENOM:
“Another Broken Song”
“Window”
“The Monarchy”
“Drugs” (feat. Cabin Boys)
“Barn Crazy”
“Lonesome Mountain”
“Venom”
“Leave”
“Town Pump”
“Saved”
“Right Next To You”
“When You Know”

CONNECT WITH AMANDA STEWART:
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