Local musician takes regional ‘Songwriter of the Year’ award

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Amanda McCarthy was named 2019 New England Music Awards Songwriter of the Year. Courtesy Photo

New Hampshire singer/songwriter Amanda McCarthy received the coveted New England Music Award in the category of “Songwriter of the Year” at 2019 awards ceremony on September 7.

McCarthy, who grew up in Londonderry and currently resides in Hampton, has pursued music seriously since her high school years and has been a full-time working musician since 2015. She was also nominated in this year’s New England Music Awards for Album of the Year (“Road Trip”) and for Song of the Year (“Folk Song”).

Other notable achievements McCarthy has gathered for her songwriting include the first-round nomination ballot in the 59th Grammy Awards in 2016 for her songs “Elephant in the Room” and “Bad News,” Cornell University’s Emerging Artist Award in 2017, being named a finalist in NYC’s Coffee Music Project competition in 2018, and five 2019 nominations in Nashville’s Josie Music Awards. The results of the Josie Music Awards will be announced on Sept. 21 in Pigeon Forge, TN, which McCarthy will also be attending.

With a few smaller music releases in the past, McCarthy released her first full-length debut album, “Road Trip,” this past June to praise from fans, local music outlets, and a few international outlets as well.

“Road Trip tells the story of how I’ve grown through my young adult years, with the oldest song on the album being written as a senior in high school and the newest being written this past spring,” McCarthy said.

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Amanda McCarthy has found her songwriting groove. Courtesy Photo

Describing the lyrical content of her album covering all aspects of her life, McCarthy said, “From falling in love, to navigating my way out of an abusive relationship, to juggling my core values with the demands of the music industry, and challenging my inner desires to run away from my problems by learning to face them head-on.”

When asked what receiving this New England Award means to her, McCarthy said, “It really means a lot to me because I have built my self-confidence in many stages. In high school, I barely had any faith in myself, and it wasn’t until maybe a year ago that I really truly believed that I have great capabilities that will take me as far as I want them to. Anyone who knew me in high school knows that my abilities were a bit rough around the edges and that I wasn’t a child prodigy by any means. I definitely had something there, but I had no idea how to use it yet. I’ve really had to work hard to become skilled at my craft, and for the first time in my life, I really feel like I deserve this.”

Next up on McCarthy’s schedule includes tour dates in TN, NY, PA, NJ, RI and VT, along with her usual NH and MA performance spots. She will also be releasing a new uplifting single later this month titled “I Love Who You Are.” You can find out more about McCarthy and her upcoming show schedule at www.amandamccarthy.com as well  @amandamcmusic on Facebook and Instagram. All of her music releases are available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, and all other online music stores.


Upcoming local shows:

Fri 9/27: Manchester, Penuche’s Music Hall – 9 p.m. ( 21+)

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