EXCLUSIVE: Amy Jack Talks Debut Album and Working With Merle Haggard

Back at the start of 2020 country music talent, Amy Jack released her outstanding debut album ‘Introducing Amy Jack’. During the recording process, Amy worked closely with the legendary and much-missed Merle Haggard and was even lucky enough to cover Haggard’s global hit ‘Got Lonely Too Early’ for the record.

Here we chat exclusively to Amy Jack to discuss her inaugural full-length project in more detail and to also find out what it was like creating music with Merle Haggard:

Congratulations on the release of your debut album, how are you finding the response?

Thank you, on behalf of myself and everyone involved in the making of the album! I’ve been so pleased with the reviews and feedback from listeners. I’m looking forward to new projects coming in the near future!

Can you tell us a little about the writing process for the project?

I visited Nashville and LA several times to write with songwriters that really took the project to the next level. I was able to meet so many inspiring people through the production of the project, and I learned so much from so many people in the industry.

You worked with Merle Haggard on the record. What was that like?

It was an honor to work with Merle. He is such a humble person, and always had meaningful advice to give. He was so thoughtful throughout the whole process and when he spoke up, his suggestions made a world of difference.

How are you hoping to uphold Merle’s legacy?

To uphold musical integrity, you have to keep the music alive. I covered a couple of Merle’s songs on the album, and my hope is that listeners will be able to connect with the messages that Merle solidified in his music.

What do you want listeners to take away from your new album?

Growing up, I would listen to an album and feel like the singer was singing to me and lifting my mood, and instantly, I would forget about all of my troubles and worries. That’s how I want people to feel when they listen to my music. I want to be able to connect with them and uplift their moods.

Do you have a favourite song on the album?

“My Favorite Memory” has been a favorite of mine for years. Having the opportunity to cover the song for Merle as a producer was an honor and it’s one of my most prized memories of Merle.

Where did you find inspiration when writing the songs for the album?

My years living in Nashville played a huge role in the inspiration behind the album. I had the opportunity to learn from so many individuals in the industry before I even knew that I wanted to become an artist. They were so helpful when I put my album together.

How did you get Merle on board for this record?

Merle’s soundman called me one day and asked me if I wanted to produce an album with Merle, and of course I agreed. We recorded the record in Merle’s personal studio and he was always filled to the brim with inspiration and ideas during recording.

Do you plan on touring this album when it’s safe to do so?

Yes, we had plans of touring this summer before the pandemic put things to a halt, but we are looking forward to getting on the road, one day.

What else can we expect from you this year?

I’d love to tour if possible, and we are excited to have put out this new album and we hope that you all enjoy it!

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