A Weyburn musician has hit the charts, as Amanda Jane Duncan's song "Lilacs" has been released on the radio. The song was featured on SaskMusic's 2011 compilation "In Tune". "It's very exciting.
A Weyburn musician has hit the charts, as Amanda Jane Duncan's song "Lilacs" has been released on the radio. The song was featured on SaskMusic's 2011 compilation "In Tune".
"It's very exciting. It took me a while to hear it the first time on the radio," said Duncan. "I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more and cried some more."
"Lilacs" debuted at No. 135 across Canada on one industry chart before reaching a high of 65 in just four weeks. It also cracked the Top 100 on a second chart that follows just 64 Canadian radio stations. As well, it also has received radio play on stations all across Canada.
Born and raised in Weyburn, Amanda grew up on a grain farm in what she likes to call the "Texas of the North". Out on the farm the only station that came in was country, and those songs that played on the kitchen radio would prove to greatly influence who she became as an artist.
Amanda merged her musical and writing abilities, song-writing while still in high school. Growing up the youngest of nine had given her valuable insight into tackling songs about love and life, all of which led her down the road towards a career in country music.
"I kind of knew when I was a teenager that singing was what I wanted to do for sure, but getting there was a different story," said Duncan. "As a song-writer I needed to experience a little more of life to write the types of songs that I am writing now."
"Not everything I wrote about was something I experience, I lived vicariously through a lot of songs, and there is a lot of happy songs and angry, female songs."
Last year, Duncan released a self-titled debut album that focuses on love and the taste is bittersweet. From "Only a Harbour" to "Ambrosia", the songs are raw with honesty and the delivery at times is fiery.
Having the CD is a "dream come true" for Amanda Jane. She started it as a demo CD with three songs, and then was encouraged to add more songs, until the final number was seven.
Her writing skills are also on display, with all songs having been penned by Amanda Jane, including one co-write.
The seven-song record features many talented musicians, including Doc Walker's Murray Pulver. "It's amazing to note how the music industry has changed, and you don't need to be in the same place as another musician," explained Duncan.
During her country-singing career, Amanda was showcased at the SCMA awards weekend, Craven Country Jamboree and the Gateway Festival. One of her memorable moments from the SCMA was performing on stage with Brad Wall, premier of Saskatchewan, who played guitar for a song he wrote.
She has been to Nashville once before where she did some co-writing and a bit of recording, and plans on returning this summer. Duncan is supported in her career by her family and husband Dustin. "I am grateful for the support I have received, especially from country music radio, and in particular Glenn Rogers who has been a big supporter of my music."
To contact Amanda to order a CD, visit her website at amandajaneduncan.com.
