Interviews: Analog Amara

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Rock/Metal band, Analog Amara, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE. 

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name?

Amanda: “I’ve always liked the goddess Amara — she stands for eternal, immortal, grace. To me, she represents a beauty and purity that lives on in a world that’s always changing.”

Jim: “We grew up in an analog world of music. When we were young, all we had were 4-track recorders. Analog tape recordings had imperfections and a raw feel that you don’t always get with digital recording. So when you pair the two together, it represents an eternal spirit of raw music living through a digital transformation.” 

2. Where is the band based?

Jim: “Colorado. We’ve all been here most of our lives, and I run a recording studio — Unity of Noise — up in the mountains.”

Amanda: “It’s the coolest view at the top of that mountain where we record. It feels amazing to get away and just focus on the music up there.”

Max: “Yeah, and last time we were up, there were like five giant elk just hanging out in Jim’s driveway. Those things are absolute beasts!” 

3. Why did you want to play this genre?

Amanda: “Honestly, we found the sound organically. We all come from different backgrounds—punk, rock, metal, singer-songwriter, even EDM. But it really started when I sent a rough demo of ‘Is It All’ to Max.”

Max: “I heard this soulful, vulnerable acoustic song she was writing in 6/8 and immediately thought: the vulnerability of those lyrics deserves to be paired with some absolutely crushing guitars. I love big contrasts—dynamics, tones, moods. I reached out to Jim to help get that sound. He grabbed onto the concept right away, and we just ran with it.”

Jim: “It’s honestly been a lot of fun working with these two. My influences lean toward big, heavy sounds like Smashing Pumpkins, but also the huge atmospheres and textures of shoegaze. We wrapped all that together, and this is what came out. The best part is we’ve always been 100% honest with each other, which keeps the drama low and lets us really take risks and bring ideas from all our backgrounds.” 

4. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

Amanda: “I used to be in a cover band with Max, and he got around and knew a lot of folks.”

Max: “Yeah, I guess I was like the town bike.”

Amanda: “Ha—not that bad! But he did know some of the guys in Record Thieves, and we’d play shows with them.”

Max: “My favorite show from back then was at a place called Devil’s Craft Brewery up in Winter Park, CO. We had the opening set, but about six hours before showtime, Amanda lost her voice. The great thing about being in a cover band is that everyone knows the songs, so the other guitarist sang half the set and then just started inviting random folks from the crowd to sing the rest. The last song was ‘Killing in the Name’ by Rage Against the Machine, and this strait-laced, Jeff Goldblum-looking guy in a full suit struts up and absolutely crushes it. Mountain shows can be fun like that.”

Jim: “That was a fun night! Not too long after, they came into my studio to record a few songs and got used to working together.” 

5. What is each band member’s favorite band?

Jim: “Depends on what day it is. But if I had to lock one in, I’d say Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. The way they balance analog grit with electronic exploration has always drawn me in. I’ve studied them a lot as both a musician and a producer.”

Max: “Why do folks treat music like Highlander — ‘There can be only one!’? But if I’ve got to choose, I’ll go with my first true love: Guns N’ Roses. When I first heard Appetite for Destruction, it completely blew my mind and energized my love for what music can be.”

Amanda: “That question’s too hard! I listen to everything. How about this — Analog Amara. Shouldn’t my band be my favorite band?” 

6. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Amanda: “When I write lyrics, I usually just lock in on a feeling. It doesn’t always have to be something I’ve personally gone through, but once I start structuring the song, it just channels through the pen.”

Jim: “For me, it’s the same—it’s all about feelings. I’ll hear chords, melodies, even drum beats that come from somewhere deep inside. Not everything that comes out is great, but that’s the driving force behind the choices I make musically.” 

Max: “Oh man, it feels like we’re all in a therapy session with our feelings. Maybe that’s what makes it work. I latch onto feelings too, but to me, a song should be more than just a feeling — it should tell a story. I’m good at coming up with raw riffs or progressions that capture a mood, but it’s hard for me to fully complete that thought on my own. If I hear someone else’s idea, though, I can usually expand on it and get more analytical about shaping the story. I think we’re all like that in this band — we build off each other.” 

7. Where was your last gig? 

Amanda: “Individually or as a band? Lol. We all like to keep a few projects going.” 

Jim: “We’re gearing up to play shows now with our EP coming out. We took a different approach to how we formed this band—we spent our time really focused on what we wanted to do musically and making something we’re proud of. I’ve probably played over a thousand shows in my life, but it’s rare to find a group you click with immediately and still have the space to shape your sound. This was a music-first approach.”

Max: “I’m really excited to finally get onstage with this project and try out a new rig. Jim got me hooked on Kippers while we were recording. Kind of sacrilegious though for a band called Analog Amara not to be using tube amps.” 

8. Where would you like to play?

Amanda: “Red Rocks is always the dream venue for me.”

Jim: “I’d love to go back to Japan. I toured there a few times with a previous band, and it was always such an incredible experience. Definitely always on my radar.”

Max: “My mom had the Yanni Live at the Acropolis CD when I was a kid, so I’ll go with the Acropolis.” 

9. Who would you like to share stages with?

Amanda: “I think we’d fit really well on a bill with Evanescence or Coheed and Cambria.”

Max: “Oh, I love Claudio. He’s been a big influence on my playing. He’s using the Kemper live now too… I figure if I mention Kemper enough, they might sponsor me. That’s kind of a trick question, though, because if I shared the stage with one of my guitar heroes, I’d probably end up looking like Nick Jonas at the Country Music Awards. Not sure too many readers will get that reference, lol.”

Jim: “I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with a lot of my heroes already. At this point, just getting up there with my bandmates and having a great time is all I really need.” 

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Amanda: “I get nervous every single time. Honestly, I think if that ever stops, the fun is gone. My tip is just to be as prepared as possible."

Jim: “I usually don’t get stage fright, but one time I looked over during a set and saw Travis Barker standing about 30 feet away watching me play. I didn’t have nerves before the show, but in that moment? Definitely scared, lol.”

Max: “You can’t just tell someone not to be anxious about playing. Amanda’s right—practice and preparation are key. You need that muscle memory. But honestly, the best thing that can happen is having a terrible show. We’ve all been there—one night where everything goes to shit and you’re humiliated… kind of like Nick Jonas at the Country Music Awards. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Once you realize you’ll never play a perfect show, and it’s not the end of the world, you can let go of the bad parts of anxiety. That’s when you can really live in the energy, and it becomes the best feeling on earth.” 

11. Which bands/artists have inspired you the most?

Amanda: “I grew up in a house full of musicians, so I was surrounded by every genre you can imagine — Luther Vandross, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Black Sabbath. Bonnie Raitt is a huge influence for me, along with Susan Tedeschi. And of course Pink and Hayley Williams have had a big impact too.”

Jim: “For me, it comes back to Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. The way they merge analog grit with electronic exploration has always influenced me as both a musician and a producer. Primus really inspired me as a drummer when I was just starting out.” 

Max: “Inspiration is a continual thing, so I’ll focus on newer stuff that’s been driving me lately. Spiritbox and As December Falls are dominating my playlists, while Mike Dawes and Stevie Ray Vaughan are two guitarists I’ve been really admiring and studying. It’s a broad spectrum, but it all feeds into what I do.” 

12. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Amanda: “Feet pics! (Just kidding.) But I did sign someone’s ass once.”

Jim: “I don’t really have a good one. Most fans over the years haven’t asked me for anything too weird.”

Max: “Sleep with her best friend, whom I’d never even met. And just to point out, this was many, many years ago, before I met my wife.” 

13. What do you think of your fans? How important are they to you?

Amanda: “My favorite part about music is the human connection. I could make music just for myself, but then I’d be alone in the feeling it gives me. Sharing it with fans is what it’s all about.”

Max: “Agreed, there’s nothing wrong with writing and playing music for yourself. But there’s nothing like sharing a human experience with someone through music. It’s not easy to do, and we really appreciate everyone who makes that connection with us.” 

14. What do you think of our website?

Amanda: “It’s pretty badass.”

Jim: “I’ll admit, it intimidated me a bit at first. I’ve never been that ‘metal,’ even though I love the genre. Looking around, I wasn’t sure if we were worthy of being featured there, lol.”

Max: “Your breakdown of the genres is fantastic. You’re a Djentleman and a scholar.” 

15. Anything to add? New music, gigs, etc.?

Amanda: “We’ve got a new album coming out in November, and there’s already tons of music in the works for the one after that.”