Amanda Lowe. Photo credit: Adrienne Row-Smith
The Bluesfest locals series will introduce you to the talented music makers from the Ottawa area performing at this year’s RBC Bluesfest. Come on out early to Bluesfest and discover some great new music!
Amanda Lowe
Friday, July 8
6:30pm to 7:30pm
Barney Danson Theatre
Bio
Born in Sri Lanka, raised on Prince Edward Island, and based in Ottawa, Amanda Lowe Warnakulasuriya writes enchanting and heartbreaking experimental-folk music. Blending in her folk roots – from both islands that raised her, she builds sentient walls of sound that help you grieve and love, making you feel both nostalgic and at home, all at once. With a voice like honey, Amanda breaks your heart open, only to make you feel whole again.
The Talent
Amanda Lowe – Vox, Guitar, Pedals
Q&A
What was your reaction to the news you’d be a part of Bluesfest and who was the first person you told?
I was happy and excited to perform! I was booked to play in 2020 but the pandemic had other plans – so I’m excited to perform this year. First person I told was my mom, of course.
Please describe your sound.
My music is the soundtrack you’d hear in your head if your life was a movie. I build walls of haunting and ethereal soundscapes that make you feel your emotions on a deeper level – whether that’s grief or joy. It’s a nostalgic and comforting, wholesome and heartbreaking. Lots of live guitar loops that blend north american folk sounds and south asian folk sounds. The loops sound like a dream, a trance, being engulfed in the waves of the ocean. Essentially it’s xperimental-folk or ambient-folk.
How did you get started on your musical journey?
It came naturally to me. I used to write poems that I’d transform into songs, and create a melody along to whatever instrument I learned or taught myself how to play. I was lucky to have been raised in a musical household and grown up in a province (PEI) that valued the arts and encouraged you to explore it no matter your academic interests. My family and school encouraged me to perform at any opportunity and I sure did!
What can music fans expect from your show? Will you be playing any new music at Bluesfest and/or releasing new music ahead of your performance?
My shows are always very relaxed, emotional, and healing – we will go through all stages of love and grief together! The show will be paying homage to three elements: the past, the present, and the future – I’ll be playing a couple older songs/crowd favourites, a few of my most recent ones, and a handful of new unreleased songs. If you’re attending my show, you better warm up your singalong voice for two special songs that always sound magical when everyone joins along. Yes, I recently re-recorded my debut album and it will be released around the same time as the show!!
What artists are you hoping to catch during this year’s Bluesfest?
As any 90s kid, I cannot wait to see TLC!! Another favourite is Tash Sultana who is playing the same night as me!! Oh, and cant forget Jeremy Dutcher, Janette King, OK Naledi, and The National!