Biography
Born in sunny Gainesville, Florida, Amanda Garrigues developed her skills as a guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist from an early age. Her father, himself a guitarist, sparked her interest in music during childhood by performing memorable melodies that invited her to join in singing. She expanded her reach as a choir member performing hymns at the family church. While enrolled at the University of Florida, she became a singer in the folk ensemble Big Shoals Tract. Subsequent travels with Lynda Stipe’s group Hetch-Hetchy marked her next phase, after which she pursued an independent path and began shaping a solo trajectory.
Her debut EP, Spirit Act, appeared in late 1998 and featured the tracks “Fiddler and the Girls,” “Your Country,” and the hit single “Misunderstood.” Most of her compositions blend folk elements successfully with pop and rock influences. The nine-track album Groundswell followed in 2000 on the Average Sinner Records label. Between composing and recording, Garrigues manages the operational demands of her career, journeys to successive performances, and devotes numerous evenings to live delivery. Her commanding vocal strength has prompted comparisons with accomplished vocalists such as Sheryl Crow and Natalie Merchant.
Her debut EP, Spirit Act, appeared in late 1998 and featured the tracks “Fiddler and the Girls,” “Your Country,” and the hit single “Misunderstood.” Most of her compositions blend folk elements successfully with pop and rock influences. The nine-track album Groundswell followed in 2000 on the Average Sinner Records label. Between composing and recording, Garrigues manages the operational demands of her career, journeys to successive performances, and devotes numerous evenings to live delivery. Her commanding vocal strength has prompted comparisons with accomplished vocalists such as Sheryl Crow and Natalie Merchant.
Albums
