Texas-born singer/songwriter Amanda Shires joins the podcast to discuss her collaboration with Bobbie Nelson, her comfort singing about societal issues with The Highwomen, and her wild experience gambling in Vegas.
Amanda Shires collaborated with Bobbie Nelson, Willie Nelson's sister, to create an album of covers called 'Loving You'
Shires feels more comfortable singing about society's big issues alongside The Highwomen
Shires once gambled away her band's tour money in Vegas but ultimately won it all back after playing craps through the night
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Amanda Shires: Collaboration with Bobby Nelson and Musical Inspirations
In this interview, Amanda Shires discusses her collaboration with Bobby Nelson, Willie Nelson's sister and longtime piano player. The episode explores how they came together to create an album of covers called 'Loving You.' Amanda also reflects on her experience in the music industry, discussing her comfort in singing about societal issues alongside her group, The High Women. The conversation touches on personal anecdotes, including a memorable gambling experience in Las Vegas and Amanda's journey as a singer-songwriter.
Imposter Syndrome and Confidence in Music
Amanda Shires opens up about imposter syndrome and the balance between confidence and self-doubt in music. She discusses how her confidence has evolved over time and her realization that not everyone truly cares about her work. Amanda emphasizes the importance of creating music that aligns with her values and finding joy in exploring different themes and experiences. The discussion touches on the challenge of sharing personal and vulnerable stories through music, and the need to strike a balance between personal growth and artistic expression.
Amanda Shires is a Texas-born singer/songwriter who got her start at 15 when she joined Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys on fiddle. After starting her solo career in 2005, Shires continued to play with a number of other bands including her husband Jason Isbell's band, the 400 Unit. In 2019, she started the all-female country supergroup The Highwomen, which includes Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Maren Morris.
After the 2022 release of Amanda Shires’ seventh solo album, Take It Like A Man, she released an album of covers with the late Bobbie Nelson—who’s primarily known for playing piano in her younger brother Willie Nelson’s band. Amanda initially enlisted Bobbie to play on her version of Willie’s classic, “You Were Always On My Mind,” but they continued to record together. The resulting collection of songs became the album Loving You, which was released this past June, nearly a year after Bobbie’s death.
On today’s episode Justin Richmond talks to Amanda Shires about Bobbie Nelson’s unfortunate start in the music business. Amanda also talks about why she feels more comfortable singing about society’s big issues alongside The Highwomen. And she remembers the time she went to Vegas and gambled away all her band’s tour money—only to win it all back after playing craps through the night.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Amanda Shires songs HERE.
