Amanda is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a degree in English/Writing from Geneva College (Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania). When she's not listening to jazz and pop standards from the '40s and '50s, she's obsessing over classic movies. She has no musical ability whatsoever except for a short stint as a saxophone player in the sixth grade.
Moses On A Motorbike: Biblical Figures In SongsWhen biblical figures like St. Peter and Delilah show up in song lyrics, how do they compare with what's actually written in the Bible?
Howie D of Backstreet BoysHowie D on his album of kids' music, and how he handled getting pushed to the back of the Backstreet Boys when their sound shifted.
Sarah PotenzaNashville blues belter Sarah Potenza talks about her powerful anthem "I Work For Me" and explains why songwriting is a bit like kissing.
LissieThe singer-songwriter Lissie on her Twin Peaks performance (David Lynch = big fan), hitting #1 in Norway, and creating a life-changing song in a moment of despair.
Laurie BerknerLaurie Berkner, the Queen of Kindie Rock, on writing meaningful music for kids and landing an unlikely gig: singing the theme song to Weeds.
We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsWith the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.
Vanessa DaouThe electronica artist revisits her landmark 1994 album Zipless, based on the works of feminist poet Erica Jong.
A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsWhen singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.
Women Who RockEvelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.