Amy Fitz Doyley: “One woman musical army”
I've been waiting a long time to write this article, and I am happy the time is finally here. So.. music. This is something that is intrinsically woven into my very existence. It inspires my creativity, encourages my work, fuels the weekend, lulls me to sleep, and impacts my mood. So many motions. I love the term "letting" as a mindset when listening to music; it allows me to let go of myself completely to trust in the process of listening to something new. It's really about connecting to the music and sound. Again, that's when you see how music can transcend boundaries, break down barriers, and connect people from different walks of life. It speaks to our souls, evokes emotions, and creates a sense of unity. In the vast realm of music, some artists possess a unique talent for touching the hearts of listeners. I've had a few special moments I have shared with songs, and one was how I connected to a song without even realising it, and I have a handful of artists that evoke that feeling.
This particular artist is Amy Fitz Doyley, a gifted musician who, through her music, is so captivating with her soul-stirring performances. You know, there's this thing with authenticity and emotions; one of the special things about Amy Fitz Doyley's music is her ability to convey vulnerability and authenticity. Her heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery create an intimate space that allows listeners to connect with their emotions.
Photo credit Jonny Bosworth
https://www.jonnybosworth.com/
HOUSEKEEPING.... I like to soak a little in the different types of creatives, and how I view them before delving into the conversation, so here we go.
Music is more than that- a medium that transcends languages, countries and cultural boundaries. I've seen music bring a sense of community. —it tends to unite people, forming bonds that might not exist otherwise. It connects different cultures, promotes diversity and growth, and encourages creative thinking, discipline, leadership, and problem-solving. And it's a medium for individual and group expression—where words fail, music speaks. It's a fundamental part of the past, present, and future. I think it's safe to say many of us turn to music as a creative outlet. It's a universal way to express, allowing people to tap directly into their imaginations and vibrate their thoughts and feelings. But what is it that makes music creative? At the heart of the creative music process lies composition—a breathtaking endeavour that allows musicians to sculpt their thoughts, emotions, and experiences into melodic landscapes. Whether it be the intricate harmonies of classical compositions or the modern-day amalgamation of electronic beats, composers wield an unparalleled ability to weave together sounds and rhythms that resonate deeply within us. Through their artistry, they manifest their unique perspectives and reshape the fabric of our collective consciousness. As a boundless realm of creativity, the field of music holds an extraordinary power to inspire, provoke, and unite.
Coming back, I am excited to share the conversation I had with Amy, and we get insight into her journey!
The Conversation…
As you’ve been releasing music, how has the creative process of ideating your music evolved over the years?
It’s an interesting question. What I’ve learnt over the years, whether it’s on the production, songwriting or instrumental side, has all fed directly into the creative process. The more I find out about music and my capabilities, the more I want to explore. It’s fun but it does take take time and cannot be hurried, rushed or forced.
Do you write everything yourself, or do you work collaboratively with other people to create songs?
Both. It really all depends on the project. I often have an array of ‘private’ projects swirling around my world, buried or parked somewhere in a note book, on a hard drive or, in a mobile phone voice note. With these ‘projects’, they remain in a sacred space and it usually stays that way until I decide whether I want to enlist the help of others to support the embellishment of them. Or not. Working with other people in music, can either be extremely fulfilling or terribly challenging or, a complex mix of both. There’s definitely something like chemistry involved, and when that ‘click’ happens, it’s like you’re residing in other people’s thoughts. I love it! That special spark is somewhat rare and can take months or even years of regular playing with the same people to develop. Also, it often doesn’t take much to tip the scales - for things to fall out of kilter. Seems to be a bit of a science. I like working alone a lot, at least in the initial stages when I’m just trying to get my ideas out.
I have a good ear too, obviously, because I love your music! You definitely have a unique sound and voice—and by this I mean both a gorgeous musical voice, which extends to that vulnerability in your lyrics. What is that process like?
Oh thanks! How sweet! One thing I know is that engaging in music makes me feel really good. I don’t usually sit down and say ‘oh yeah well now I’m gonna write a song about x..’
I know that method can and does work for some songwriters but for me, it’s incredibly restricting. I’d much rather set up an environment that’s conducive to writing, where I can let it flow through me, instead. I love the idea of just letting the ideas come, and being there to catch them in what ever format is most convenient. Then retrospectively, going back over it all, with an analytical fine-toothed comb, and picking out the best bits. The making sense of things is often one of the last parts in my songwriting process.
Photo credit Jakob Winterborne
Is it challenging for you to get so deeply in touch with your own experiences and emotions? 5. And do you get nervous about presenting your feelings, however personal and intimate, to your listeners?
Not really. My emotions live quite close to the surface so I’m often noticing myself thinking and feeling things at various points in any given day. The only real challenge is considering what people might think. Effectively, thinking about thinking! I have worried about my work being too honest, too dark, too real, too happy, too sad and everything in between but I’m learning to let go of that. The older I get, the less I’m bothered, and I see that as a real positive. What I find to be really precious is my work being open to interpretation.
Like, ‘what does this song mean to YOU?’ and ‘what does it invoke in YOU?’
To me that’s an exciting element which gives my work all the more depth and value.
Amy, can you remember the first time you were moved by a song’s lyrics?
Strangely, I think I’m more moved by sound than I am lyrics. It’s what grabs me first. I have been moved by The Sorcerer's Apprentice after hearing it in Fantasia, Mars by Gustav Holst, Friday Morning by Khurungbin, Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence by Ryuichi Sakamoto, any/every piece by Studio Ghibli and in a slightly different way, Just by David Lang.
Regarding lyrics it’s really hard for me to say...
I was definitely moved by Toni Braxton’s Unbreak My Heart growing up. Mainly because the idea of ‘unbreaking' something totally baffled me. Then there’s Chrisette Michelle’s Love Is You because not only does every word fit perfectly, but the whole song takes you on a winding journey as you imagine love being all these different things, and in all these different places. Plus, her tone is full of loving raspy warmth.. Then there’s India Arie’s Brown Skin. I love it because at the time of first my first listen, I’d never heard anyone else sing about identity in such a sultry way. It was and still is very powerful. Then there’s Lauryn Hill's - Ex-Factor which is extremely raw and timeless and we’ve all been ‘there’.
I watched your most recent Sofar set, and I didnt realise you play the bass. What inspired you to play instrument as well?
Oh! Thanks for watching! Yes, I play bass but it’s a relatively new thing for me which came about after experiencing a sense of disempowerment in my younger years. I have always loved working with other people but didn’t enjoy not being able to speak the same musical language as instrumentalists in rehearsal rooms and (albeit unintentionally) being excluded from some key conversations within the creative process. It was also a challenge doing live gigs when players pulled out last minute. Picking up the bass opened my mind up to new possibilities, from owning the stage as a solo artist, to equipping me with more expansive writing tools, helping me in developing my listening stills and ultimately bridging the gap to become more confident in the work I produce for myself, as well as in collaboration with others.
Photo credit Tom Scott
Listening to your earliest song on soundcloud, “Without Sound,” there is a raw simplicity to the lyrics. Since then, you’ve released several more songs, including my personal favourite “Another.” There is quite a bit of time between the two songs. has the writing process changed since then?
Again, thanks for listening - you’re the best fan EVER haha! Readers, take note [Bombastic side-eye]
I have found my writing style and processes ebb and flow, evolving over time. I don’t really know what my writing ‘style’ is because so much of what I do is dictated by things I’ve heard, read or experienced and that feels 100% right to me. There’s a book called ‘How To Write Better Songs’ by Pat Pattison which contains some really valuable writing tools that changed the way I approach writer’s block and writing in general. In the past I’ve been dubious of resources that teach you how to write songs because of how deeply personal the process is, but I do think there’s something to be said for trying a variety of tactics and being open to adapting. Journalling helps in gaining perspective on what is going on in my mind, and decluttering it.
I want to encourage people to experience your music for themselves, but before we get there, I would like to ask where to start. If you could only pick three songs out of your catalog, which songs do you feel would best introduce your music to a new listener
Well that’s easy because my catalogue of songs is teeny tiny haha!
Go and listen to Another, even if only for the harp by the stunning Marysia Osu and general haunting feeling.
Listen to Eye Of The Needle for more haunting (lol) and atmospheric rocky guitars. Then noodle through my unreleased stuff on Soundcloud and YouTube.
That should keep you going for a while.
Amy, as a singer-songwriter and musician, what does success look like for you?
This is a huge question. Success is being able to work on my music whenever I want as well as having access to quality resources and connections. As an unsigned and unmanaged artist, my existence revolves heavily around navigating an artist life alongside and parallel to a ‘normal’ non-artist life. In other words, spinning plates or planning meals, social media, submitting taxes, managing my mental health, and the rest!
Photo credit Yulia Hauer
Photo credit Yulia Hauer
In Unscripted fashion, if there were 5 rooms with singer/ song writers, how would we know which room was yours?
Hmm, there’d be some weird sounds and lots of harmonies coming from my room haha!
I do enjoy experimenting with different sonic elements and I love the sound of the human voice singing in harmony. I’m quite curious about how weird my music can go. There’d be a lot of post-it notes too because I find them helpful when jotting down quick ideas.
Any projects you might want to plug? Record Store Day release perhaps?
Yes! I’ve just released my first single on vinyl for Record Store Day 2023 with the help of Sound Performance and Blue Loop I’m so proud of it! For those interested, you can get it through my Bandcamp page.
