Listening to Nashville singer-songwriter Amanda McCarthy, the oft-used term “pop sensibility” comes to mind. What exactly does that mean you ask? How ‘bout that its music that is very relatable and catchy? For the proof, give a listen to her recent single “Don’t Stop Me.”

Amanda released her debut LP “Road Trip” in 2019 just before moving to Music City when she also had the honor of being named “Songwriter of the Year” at the 2019 New England Music Awards. Since then, she’s released a handful of tasty singles and has been performing regularly at some of our local night spots. In fact, you can catch her at The Listening Room on July 9.

 Thanks, Amanda, for filling us in with more info about yourself. We look forward to hearing more great “relatable and catchy” tunes!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I grew up on the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts and spent time equally in both states. I moved to Nashville in August 2020, because while the music scene up there was wonderful and helped me grow, I wanted to explore the songwriting environment that only Nashville can offer.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

The first CD and cassette I ever owned was …Baby One More Time by Britney Spears. The cassette broke, so my mom bought me the CD. The last record I bought was The Long Haul by April Cushman, which was a digital release.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First concert I saw was My Chemical Romance in 2007. Last concert I saw was Clay Walker, last year.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

I was truly surprised to not see Ronnie Dunn, Garth Brooks, LeAnn Rimes, Trisha Yearwood, George Strait or Linda Ronstadt on that list. I think they are more than deserving of a spot!

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Five Points for pizza, and Frothy Monkey for coffee.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

For 13-year-old me, who was just really getting into music and songwriting, the answer has to be Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut album, since I quite literally wouldn’t be here without it.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

I wish I had a Nashville local place to recommend, but most of the time, only Waffle House is open, so that’s usually where we end up! And with no regrets, I love Waffle House!

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

I have to choose four as I don’t want to leave anyone out, but I would choose my closest friends and co-writers: Kristian Veech, Sam Ferrara, Lauren Rose Thayer, and Emily Myers.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The Local has been my favorite that I’ve had the privilege to play at so far. But I also have really enjoyed the NashHouse, Dee’s Lounge, Bridgestone Arena’s Barrel House, and The Sutler (when it was still open.)

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

April Cushman, Katie Dobbins and Prateek Poddar – fellow songwriter friends from back home who I think would absolutely thrive here in Nashville.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

My next album is almost fully written – a mix of co-writes and solo writes – and I hope to secure the funding to have it released prior to my wedding in Spring 2023. I am working on gathering the courage to open up about parts of my life that I’ve been afraid to talk about thus far, as I believe that breaking down walls and being your truest, most authentic self is what ultimately will lead me to further connection, and spreading my music and messages of strength, hope and resilience.