Jan. 31 is going to be a big day for Amanda Mae.
Between an EP release, merchandise line launch and jump-starting STEREO, independent singer and songwriter Amanda Mae Wells has never been busier. And, to top it all off, her new single “Love Again” hits iTunes this weekend.
“Everything’s been going really great,” she says. “I’ve had a lot of success with my new song. I’ve also just got through booking some new shows. I have a really big show that I booked on Dec. 14 opening for Kirko Bangz. That’s the biggest thing that’s happened.”
The pinnacle of Wells’ hard work thus far will be her concert/EP release in January at The Bridge. Four other local acts will each play a short set leading up to Wells’ live debut of her first EP, _Girl Talk_. Amanda says she hopes to pack the venue.
_Girl Talk_ features five new songs from Wells, including her radio single “Love Again”.
“The songs on (_Girl Talk_) are mostly dance songs,” says Wells. “They’re really fun. They just kind of embody what girls talk about when we’re together.”
Wells’ EP release will also be the launch of her merchandise and sunglasses line, and a percentage of profits from the event will help jumpstart her charity program for Columbia kids, STEREO.
Even though STEREO is still just a concept, Amanda has a unique vision for the program. STEREO will be an after-school program for kids interested in music.
The nonprofit hopes to get local musicians and producers involved by allowing them to volunteer their time to work with the kids on music skills. Whether it be writing rap or playing the guitar, each child will have a mentor to cater to the area they like best. They’ll be able to record in a real recording studio and perform live, Wells says.
“The show on Jan. 31 is going to really help start STEREO and get this thing going for the kids,” Wells says. “The next concert that I have will showcase the kids and what they’ve accomplished.”
Post-January, Wells has tons of exciting things planned. Her next big move is to tour the Midwest with her new songs. She also wants to film a music video for “Love Again” (she’s holding auditions for backup dancers). So watch out music world, Amanda Mae might just be the next big thing in 2013.