Enter to win My Name Is AMES EP!
Enter to win My Name Is AMES EP! To enter the contest, fill out the form below between Friday, May 3 and Friday, May 24.
AMES is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, but she spent her most formative years in San Pedro Sula, Honduras living as a "missionary kid" with her siblings and parents. While being a lesbian in a fundamentalist Christian environment was very difficult, her hardships inspired a wealth of experience that she still draws from today. AMES was also able to hone her skills as a live performer in church, taking part in various praise and worship groups. Being a lesbian has been as much a part of AMES' life as her faith, and in 2004 she moved to Los Angeles to attend The Bible Institute of Los Angeles as a creative writing major.
In 2007, however, Ames dropped out of college because BIOLA was not a gay-friendly environment. Ames wasn't even "out of the closet" at that time, but she was continually harassed by members of student services and, multiple times, forced to switch roommates once they learned of her 'unnatural tendencies'..."It really started taking a toll on my sanity, my energy and my grades. I also just wanted to go on the road and start my career already." AMES thus began her solo career as a singer- songwriter, performing shows around the country and opening for such artists as The Veronicas, Damien Rice, Jason Reeves, Kate Voegele, Andy Grammar and Gavin Rossdale.
In 2012, AMES joined an electronic duo called MYPET, signed a record deal in the UK and played shows both in the U.S. and in Europe. "The band helped purge a lot of inner darkness I'd accumulated over my youth... It was therapeutic for me. I still, however, didn't feel I'd found my voice as an artist. I'd found an angry voice, and that's ok for a time… but it's not me".
After signing with Kobalt Music Publishing in 2015, AMES began co-writing with other artists… "Strangely, co-writing allowed me to find & strengthen my voice as an artist too; I began noticing a common thread through lyrics I wrote for others... I heard me in their songs, and I recognized myself. Co-writing teaches me not to be too "precious" with ideas… they're not meant to be hoarded or perfected...they'll keep coming as long as I'm open to the inspiration."
AMES has had songs cut by the likes of Kelly Clarkson, AKON, Rita Ora, Michelle Branch, Tori Kelly, Lights, Icona Pop, Adam Lambert, Jason Mraz, Jojo, ALMA, LIGHTS and Christina Perri.
"I sincerely believe all these years have been 'practice' for what I've yet to achieve. It's taken me this long to truly find my voice. It's taken my "coming out" to my parents, my siblings, my facing substance abuse, questioning my faith, hitting bottom and getting sober. It's taken failed relationships, guts and about a thousand word documents and spiral notebooks to find not only the words, but the voice to sing them.
I'm incredibly proud of my EP "My name is Ames"- just released last week! The songs range from glossy pop, textured with layers of background vocals like those of "Picture in my mind" to my stripped down acoustic song "Mama its Me". The EP reflects my highs and lows and I consider it a clear extension of my personality.
