Interview with Bluegrass Artist Amanda Cook on her New Single ‘It’s Almost Over’

MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?

Amanda Cook: I officially began my journey in bluegrass music in early 2007 with the band High Cotton, alongside my dad. I started on mandolin, which was my first bluegrass instrument. When our bass player left, my dad bought me a bass, and I took on that role until I left the band in 2014. I played the flute throughout middle and high school and enjoyed singing, though I kept that part of my life private for a while. Music has always been a significant part of my life—from attending bluegrass events with my dad, who played banjo, to dancing with my mom while she played her favorite tunes, and participating in school band performances.

Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?

Amanda Cook: Before I dove into bluegrass, my mom played a lot of Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, and Linda Ronstadt, which remain some of my favorite artists today. Throughout my childhood, my dad played banjo and provided me with a thorough bluegrass education through the music of The Bluegrass Album Band, Flatt and Scruggs, Reno and Smiley, and The Stanley Brothers. I can definitely hear the influence of both my mom’s and dad’s musical tastes in my own sound today.

What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?

Amanda Cook: My goal has always been to carve out a unique sound and identity in the bluegrass world. I think we’ve achieved this, but it’s been a collaborative effort. My band, which has been with me for 10 years, and our producer, Aaron Ramsey, have played a crucial role in developing that sound. I’ve always aimed for us to have a distinct voice rather than mimicking others. That’s why I chose to record with my touring band—to ensure that our live performances reflect the sound of our album.

What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to or performed?

Amanda Cook: This is an easy question to answer: on July 7, 2024, my band and I made our debut at the Grand Ole Opry. It was an absolutely thrilling experience—playing on that legendary stage was a dream come true, and it’s a night I’ll cherish forever!

Your latest release is the single ‘It’s Almost Over’, which is a beautiful track. What inspired this song? What’s it mean to you?

Amanda Cook: The song ‘It’s Almost Over,’ penned by Jeff Partin, resonated deeply with me from the moment I first heard it. The song beautifully captures the idea that through His sacrifice, we find hope for an eternal life free from pain and sorrow. The line ‘take a breath, can’t you feel it, we’re not in control’ encapsulates this truth: while we face hardships beyond our control in life, we find healing and completeness upon our arrival to heaven.

You have been on the bluegrass seen for over a decade now. It seems like the genre is stronger than ever, how have you seen bluegrass grow over the years?

Amanda Cook: I’m thrilled by the exciting changes happening in bluegrass right now. The genre is expanding its reach more than ever before, drawing in new fans and gaining broader recognition. It’s a small community, and I’d love to see it achieve the prominence of country music. Artists like Billy Strings and The SteelDrivers are helping to establish bluegrass as a significant force in music! I’ve often been asked why I’ve chosen to stay with bluegrass rather than crossing over into country. For me, bluegrass represents authenticity and allows that genuine quality to shine through. I also deeply appreciate the genre’s heritage, and I believe that as we welcome more fans and artists, we’ll ensure that this rich tradition continues to thrive.

Being part of an independent label, what do you think it takes to be successful as an independent artist or band these days? What advice would you give to other artists?

Amanda Cook: Promotion, promotion, promotion—though not in the way it was 10 years ago. Social media has become the new PR specialist, with fans craving quick and frequent interactions with artists. Being authentic and sharing your genuine self is now one of the fastest paths to success in the music industry, alongside creating outstanding original music.

What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future?

Amanda Cook: Next spring, my band and I will head into the studio to work on our next album. This is part of my strategy for staying ahead—preparing material for each new release. Every album tells its own story, and I’m excited to see what narrative our upcoming project will unfold. I’m also eager to explore potential collaborations with other artists; who knows, this might be the album where that comes to fruition!

Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?

Amanda Cook: I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the fans, media outlets, and broadcasters who have supported the band and me from the very start. 2024 has been an extraordinary year for us, and we know we wouldn’t have achieved this without the unwavering support. It truly takes a village, and we’re fortunate to have the very best one!

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