LCM Song of The Day: ‘Muscle Shoals’ - Amanda St. John

'Muscle Shoals' is the powerful lead single from Amanda St John's upcoming album 'The Muscle Shoals Sessions' which was recorded in the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Ever since she first set foot on stage at the tender age of 14 it was obvious to anyone in attendance that blues and folk-informed, soul-infused, Belfast-based songstress Amanda St John had a voice that could charm the stars from the sky. After learning her trade performing in cover bands for a number of years, the chanteuse, who has collaborated with some of Northern Ireland's best and brightest talents (such as Duke Special, Gareth Dunlop, Ben Glover, ex-INXS frontman Ciaran Gribbin and Simon McBride), reinvented herself in 2012 as a singer/songwriter and, a year later, released her debut EP of original material 'Where Is The Man' to much critical acclaim.

Born out of a near death experience which prompted her to re-evaluate her life, the collection of torch songs saw St John put her apprenticeship to good use and it captured the hearts of many music lovers. Buoyed by extensive radio play and a sold-out show at the Black Box in Belfast, the singer, who was born and raised in the rural village of Glenariffe, then released the rockabilly and jazz-tinged 'Big Strong Man' on March 2014 and the infectious number firmly established her as a versatile artist with a keen ear for a hook.

Now a much-loved and sought after regular on the festival circuit, Amanda St John has performed at Sunflower Festival, the Maiden City Festival, Hilden Beer Festival, the East Belfast Arts Festival, the Lammas Fair, the Atlantic Sessions Festival, Tanglewood Music Festival and Belfast Music Week. Other gig highlights for St John have included sharing a stage with US Grammy Nominee Tift Merritt, being invited to sing backing vocals for Duke Special, performing a two night support slot for Brian Kennedy and playing support for Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction) and Mary Coughlan.

Photo credit: Glen Norwood