At her essence, Amy LaCour is a soulful singer-songwriter who croons with raw emotion, refreshing elegance and classic influences. Her robust voice emotes grace, power and pained passion like an old soul. Bitter Suite, LaCour’s five-song debut EP, explores the expansive range of her musical wanderlust, including traces of R&B, jazz, pop, modern rock and country music. “In order to remain inspired, I have to listen to all types of music,” she explained. “Everything that I hear influences me in some way. Sticking to one genre is far too creatively limiting.”
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington to an African-American father and a Portuguese mother, LaCour and her sister were nurtured in a safe and supportive environment by parents who set clear boundaries and high standards in all areas of life. “I naively thought the world beyond our front door would be the same. I’m still dealing with the resulting neurosis,” she shared with a chuckle.
Her father introduced her to classic soul, pop and jazz records with a playlist that boasted Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Chaka Khan, The Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire. While watching the television series Fame, she dreamt of moving to New York City to live an artist’s life. When it was time to go to college, she got her wish when her parents agreed to send her to Columbia University, which is where the bulk of her formal musical education began. LaCour performed, recorded and toured with local bands while honing her own style. “I sang in an acid-jazz band throughout college. When I graduated, I put those suburban piano lessons to good use by starting to write songs,” she recalled. She also took vocal lessons, which helped her gain confidence. While anchored in New York City, LaCour performed in such venues as New York’s Knitting Factory, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Chicago’s House of Blues and London’s Royal Festival Hall.
At present, LaCour anxiously awaits the chance to return to the recording studio. “One of my major goals is to be able to keep up with my influences. In other words, I'd love the opportunity to be in the studio to develop my sound in response to all of the new things I hear and feel inspired by. There are new things everyday,” she stated. “Most of my songs come from the same old neurosis. As it turns out, the world is not always a fair place. Nothing and no one is perfect, but there is great beauty in the imperfection. Life is complicated, challenging and rewarding, and subject to our own interpretation and direction. Writing and performing allows me to express and understand this. It’s like magic; it is a gift.”
Dropping by to wish you the best day ever and tomorrow do the same. If you have the means please give a couple of dollars to charity. Be it to fight Diabetes, Asthma, Cancer, Hunger, AIDS, or any other cause that touches your heart. I know of no better feeling than what you feel when you make another person’s day a little better. Bill
So this is it, it's that day that we all knew would come. The end of an era. BUT how exciting for you! Betcha Odessa, Sally or whatever you pick sticks get's a ton of use. GOOD LUCK!!!
Hello Amy, how's life? I just wanted to stop by and show some love on your page. When ever I need a fix, (one man's stone) is the cure. And I thank you for that great song!
Bless your heart for reaching out, Amy. The clarity of your voice nabbed me instantly, but the deep expression of your lyrics set my soul adrift. Thanks for the sweet journey. Mucho amor de Texas, ~Jimmy
Thanks for the request. Very glad I had a chance to listen to the wonderfully melodic flavor of your songs. This is what I'd call pure ARTISTRY. There's such sonic clarity, passion & emotion in your vocals. Methinks I smell a STAR in the making.
