Amanda Rogers
Songwriter, Musician, Artist, Event Creator
Amanda Rogers is a musician who is seemingly always in a state of perpetual artistic motion. She is an artist with intention. It is an intention that begins within – to include her own endeavors, while her intention and vision permeates outward in the expression of community involvement, becoming involved with art and music.
Dig that.
As an artist she’s released a number of albums and other musical works, and continues to write, record and perform, today. In activist mode she continues to produce and host a variety of productions that focus on the health of creative energy within the scope of our city, especially the art of songwriting.
I can go on about it, but so can she. And she’s right here. Let’s just ask her about it.
Chuck Schiele: You write, you create in general, you sing, play music, organize shows and events involving community. What was the seed that grew into what you know as your music world, by now. Where did you start as a musician?
Amanda Rogers: For me personally, being an Artist isn’t just about the creative output. It’s about how and what you are transmuting. So many thoughts, feelings, and experiences boiled down into a sound…what does that mean to the Artist or the listener?
There’s always a point of connection between the Artist and the audience. Artists want to be understood – but on a heart/soul level. Audiences want to be led on a journey to something deep and meaningful. It’s the connection that is the intention. The joy of the creative process is the motivation. The song is tangible proof. Gathering people together and creating a safe space for connection, inspiration, giving, receiving, and reciprocation is the Art I am creating. The seed for me got planted in my youth. The idea of ‘us’ rather than ‘me/you’ has always been a more interesting space to exist. There is a kind of hospitality to my music – an invitation for people to allow for vulnerability within themselves – and safe guidance to explore their interiority. I’ve always curated events and gathering spaces with the intentionality of ‘comfort’ and ‘honesty.’ I started as a musician from a space of seeking safety – I learned to navigate as a young writer, performer, and touring Artist a lot of what is not safe and Artists deserve better. My mission is to build what should have already existed for us.
CS: Please share a brief history of your music path.
AR: Brevity is not my favorite flavor, haha! I connected to musical expression through an introduction to the piano when I was six. It was something I could pour myself into and it was a focal point for all of my attention. I could quiet the chaos around me for hours. I excelled as a classical pianist – the skills of which were not natural ability – I dedicated many hours a day to it – it was that daily practice and dedication each day that was my foundation. I explored and would play what wasn’t on the sheet music. That felt like freedom. I wrote poetry from a young age.
I felt very intensely as a kid but I grew up learning to be quiet and keeping much of what I felt to myself – there wasn’t a safe space for my emotions. There was a school talent show in fifth grade – I was very young for my class – I was nine years old. There was a Top 40 radio song I connected to that I was performing an instrumental version. The school music/chorus teacher (Mr. Hulbert) was one of the organizers and complimented my singing voice suggesting that I try to sing the song as well. This was an exciting idea but not easy. I eventually figured it out for that talent show. By age 11, I was making music and expressing myself. I was home alone when coming home from school each day and this was a quiet time. I would practice my classical lessons and sing and play making up melodies. This was beyond freedom, but an absolute connection to something I didn’t have understanding or language for. I understand now that it was divine. Freedom to express and connect with the Universe/God/The Heavens.
The history of my music is that I never stopped doing that. It took me all over the world and I’ve had twenty-plus years of amazing experiences and connections and opportunities for growth as an Artist and Human. I’ve been in bands playing 300+ concerts a year, I’ve lived on a veg-powered RV traveling coast to coast, I’ve made dear friends and built families of fellow musicians, I’ve traversed genres and expanded upon musicianship and musician camaraderie, I’ve lived in multiple states, I toured solo with a built-in bed in my soccer-mom van, I crossed borders hundreds of times, I’ve been courted by major labels, I’ve worked with famous people, I’ve had my music on TV and in film and reviewed in major music publications, I had a song on the International Billboard Charts, I’ve done radio press circuits, I’ve opened for amazing artists, I have connected to so many fans around the world, I’ve recorded over a dozen albums, I’ve co-written works, and I’ve guest appeared on many projects…It’s a wonderfully long list.
Yet, I still haven’t fully processed all of the brilliant experiences of my young adult life in a large part because it was often marred by traumatic events that interfered with my ability to remember and celebrate the achievements and adventures. The greatest take-away is having found who I truly am as an Artist/woman/mother/human/friend/community member/partner/Advocate and in no particular order – it’s not many hats – it’s one giant elaborate festive hat.
CS: You strike me as a person who had little choice in being a person who’s “way of life” has art and music at the core of it. Yes? Please share.
AR: When you are a child and you connect to something that proves and validates your greatness (because we are all great) and you sense that direction and purpose – but your home, school, social environments are telling you otherwise – a person’s sense of worth gets built on a different kind of foundation. Their determination and empathy is heightened. I’m driven and compelled to create, not out of desire for celebrity or money, but because it is “home.” My Art does not define me – it is one of the many ways I can illuminate others and set a precedent of ‘kindness’ because sometimes amazing things can come from small, quiet, hidden corners if you shine a light. The act of making music is something that keeps me radiating so I can light up others.
CS: What is or are the processes involved when song writing? Does it come to you like a vision? Or do you start somewhere and start mining?
AR: I never sit down with the intention of writing. I sit at my piano with the open-intention of playing. Sometimes I am perfectly situated emotionally and mentally to receive. It truly is a gift. The song is a gift I have received and I get to keep sharing it with others. Nine times out of ten, the song is written in one sitting. Lyrics, melodies, and chords all come at the same time.
CS: Tell us about Pink Rock Culture Co-op.
AR: Pink Rock Culture Co-op is my passion project and my gift to all artists in the community no matter their medium, skill-level, or position in their careers. It is a 1350 square-foot flex-space where I can host 90 seated to 120 standing guests for a myriad of creative gatherings from listening-room concerts, to workshops, and hands-on art experiences and film screenings. It is basically my studio space that I invite others to connect with each other and nurture their creative spirit. I am a collaborative person and I am thrilled to champion others in their ideas. Pink Rock is an inclusive, intoxicant-free, and accessible creative hub in Downtown Syracuse. Bring your ideas and let’s make it happen in a safe and supportive space. It’s truly a lovely place I’ve curated to foster exponential creativity!
My secret side-mission there is to provide a safe space and a wealth of tools and mentorship opportunities for young Artists to explore their craft and develop as any young artist should. That is something I wish I had. Performing songs I wrote as a teenager in a bar setting open-mic was just not a nourishing environment, and was in fact harmful. Much of my young performing experiences were unfavorable, but there was no alternative then. Young Artists need a true sense of security to create and express from. I’m building that for us.
CS: Why do you do it? What are some of the highlights you’ve had along the way?
AR: There is so much joy in experiencing Artists in their element. When the stage is set right, we can all feel that exhilaration emanating from an Artist. The connections and conversations that follow those moments are the epitome of what the human experience should be. It’s the much needed balance in the world as our lives are full of chaos, uncertainty, distraction, and disconnection. Not just from each other, but from ourselves and our spirituality.
CS: Why do you think songwriting is important? …and music in general for that matter.
AR: Songwriting is a powerful means of self-expression that has the power to bring deep connection to others. The human condition is wrought with complex emotions and thoughts that can’t easily be articulated by most – and many Art forms, including Songwriting, can allow for these difficult emotions or experiences to be processed. Songwriting is integral to our culture and social fabric. Lyrics can be something to define a movement of a whole generation. Songs can eloquently elaborate on significant historical moments or social issues. A melody can carry someone through the trials in their life and provide a beacon of light during dark times. Sharing and experiencing music together in large crowds is incredible human connection and perhaps for some, even euphoric. Every time a Songwriter creates something new, it is tied into collective consciousness…it is something of the times and it is important to people who are in need of the healing, catharsis, connection, perspective, identity etc. that comes from experiencing it. Songwriters aren’t just storytellers, they are emotional explorers forging new paths for fellow humans to travel at their own pace which can lead to solace, joy, rapport, and/or fellowship.
CS: What are your thoughts on the music culture belonging to Central New York?
AR: The music culture of CNY, with most of my experience being in the greater Syracuse area, is full of amazing talent and there is a lot of work yet to do in building it into a strong Community. My goal with Sub Rosa Sessions, since 2012, has been to feature our local music community while thoughtfully pairing it with touring musicians from around the US, or abroad. I love the opportunity to focus on the area’s music while expanding connections. Stay tuned in the near future for another plan I have to highlight Syracuse’s original music Artists and bands.
CS: Regarding your own work, please tell us about the projects you’re involved with as an artist.
AR: As a Musical Artist, I am working towards completion of another 6-song EP full-band production. I am a bit backed up with songs I have yet to record after that. I no longer put deadlines on things as I used to. My priorities are much different now. Family first and then next is enjoying the creative process when I can. If something evidential and tangible comes from that process, I will celebrate it and then move on to the next thing that brings me joy.
CS: What’s coming in your near future?
AR: I don’t know. Haha. Today is the day before tomorrow and the day after yesterday.
CS: And how do we stay in touch with you and your music endeavors?
AR: Most of my web presence and social media is under @amandaspiano because there is a 1990’s Star Trek character named Amanda Rogers who had the website URL and I needed a URL for my website. I am a creature of habit, so I didn’t ever depart from that. Aside from my music, you can keep up with many of my events by following along with @pinkrockculturecoop and @subrosasessions and people can reach out with questions and ideas or to get on the mailing list at pinkrockcoop@gmail.com
CS: Thank you, Amanda, for taking a little time to talk with us here at Sounds of Syracuse, today. Keep up the good work.
AR: Thank you Chuck! I appreciate your support!
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