Tag: Amanda Merdzan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Commands” – Amanda Merdzan

Ever since the lead single last September, I’ve been anticipating the release of Aussie ex-pat Amanda Merdzan’s EP Commands. The singles signalled a new sound for Amanda’s music, and I was keen to see how it would play out in a larger collection of songs. With the release of Commands, all the pieces fall together.

The most recent single “Glow” introduces the EP beautifully. It’s such a strong opening number, with its beautiful string arrangement and introspective lyrics.

“All of You” is the EP’s edgiest track, a pledge to love after another has left the object of her affection’s heart in tatters. Again the lyrics are right on point, although the vocal effects take a little of the heart out of the song in my opinion.

That theme of standing on the precipice of love, prepared to jump continues on the EP’s first single “Matter,” although the touch is a little more delicate this time. The gentle treatment with a more stripped back sonic arrangement suits this song’s sweetness. She sings for so many women wrapped up in infatuation when she repeats the line “I know that I can get carried away.”

The ebb and flow of feelings associated with old loves is tackled beautifully in “Flame.”

“Bury the Rest” ends the EP on such a strong note. It makes a powerful statement about moving forward, with pounding drums supporting the potent lyrics beautifully.

It’s so exciting to witness Amanda’s evolution. While sonically this lush electronically charged music is very different from the earnest folk Amanda created when I first encountered her, that heart that first drew me to her music remains. Commands may be Amanda’s most intimate work to date, with songs exploring the challenges in hiding a same-sex relationship, the complications in disclosing the truth, and the breakdown of a friendship. These are very specific events, but Amanda tackles them in such a relatable way. I may not have lived through her stories, but I’ve certainly felt the emotions she draws on.

Commands is released independently today. It’s available on through various online retailers and streaming services including Spotify and iTunes.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanda Merdzan Back with New Single “Glow”

So many different musicians have crossed my path since I started this music blog. Many of them I forget about if I don’t hear from them for a while, but the best stay with me. One of those artists is Amanda Merdzan. I still remember how I felt listening to her debut album years ago, and I’ve loved listening to her music evolve from minimalist folk to lush electronic music. Throughout it all, the heart in every one of her songs has kept me coming back for more.

Amanda’s moved to London since the last time we heard from her, and it seems the change is doing her good. While she admittedly misses the sunshine, her latest single “Glow” may be her most accomplished yet.

This is the latest single from Amanda’s forthcoming EP Commands. I can’t wait to hear it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanda Merdzan Takes a New Musical Direction with “Matter”

I love checking in with artists and watching them evolve. When I first came across the music of Amanda Merdzan in 2010, she was creating beautiful stripped-back folky music. Fast-forward five years and her music is still beautiful, but it’s taken a different direction.

With her new single “Matter,” Amanda’s showcasing more of an electronic sound. The fragility and heart that first drew me to her music is still at the centre, but it has a dreamy new wrapper. This is just the sort of thing I can imagine putting on to chill out after a big week at work, or a big night out.

“Matter” is the first track lifted from Amanda Merdzan’s forthcoming EP, which will drop in 2016.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanda Merdzan’s Stellar New Single

I hear a lot of new artists writing this blog, so it takes a lot for one to stick into my mind for any period of mind. Yet Amanda Merdzan is one of those acts I’ve thought of on and off over the years. I heard this Western Australian songstress’ debut album Into the Gallery way back in 2010, and wondered what she was doing. So I was thrilled to see she has a new single, and an EP on the way.

That EP The Map Has Been Redrawn will be released in March, but until then we’ve got the lead single “Afraid” to tide us over. It’s everything I loved about Amanda’s first release, but with a bit more refinement. The sound is larger, but it doesn’t overwhelm the song’s strong emotional core. Once again her lyrics are right on point. Put simply, I’m in love.

Amanda will launch the EP for her home state at North Fremantle’s Mojo’s Bar on March 2. After that she’s flying off to play Canadian Music Week. No doubt the Canucks will see something just as special in this exciting singer-songwriter. Expect to hear big things from this real talent.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Into the Gallery” – Amanda Merdzan

There’s nothing like that feeling you get when you fall in love with a new musician. You want to shout it from the rooftops and share with the world the way this performer makes you feel. I’m lucky; I have a blog for that. So here it is folks: I am utterly enamoured with the music of Amanda Merdzan.

Now before you ask me who let me fill you in. Amanda is a singer-songwriter living just outside Perth, and she’s just released Into the Gallery, an album which is blowing my mind. On it Amanda sings, plays guitar, keyboards, percussion, and even glockenspiel. And oh yes, she touches your heart.

Her acoustic, organic folk songs are some of the best I’ve heard all year. She paints pictures so vivid that you feel you know the characters inside the songs: the lost love, the potential mother-in-law hoping you’ll stay with her son, Esther and her loving husband. She sings with such conviction and truth that you feel the songs in your gut. I shed a tear on listening to the closing track “The Last Song,” a tale of moving on after a breakup, and thought how rare and beautiful it was to be so stirred by music.

I feel so privileged and thrilled to know about Amanda Merdzan and her music, and I hope it’s only a matter of time before the rest of Australia catches up. She deserves every success, because she’s honestly incredible. Here is the video for one of the album tracks “Undress This State,” so you can see for yourself!