Amanda Bantug: Stealing the Show

Amanda Bantug, Lilburn resident and 2011 Parkview graduate, has spent the last few weeks sharing her music with friends and family after her solo EP was released last this month. Bantug’s alternative rock Friends EP is warm, upbeat, and lively.

Bantug’s first single from her Friends EP is titled “Slow Down.”

“The meaning of ‘Slow Down’ is about a person who is caught up with the dating scene," Bantug said. "In other words, going from girl to girl almost like it's a game and things become insubstantial. What they need to realize is that they need to take time for themselves and get away from all the things they are caught up with that aren't important. They may be a great person, but they need to be true themselves so that they can be true to others.”

This song reflects a rare professionalism in such youthful music. Bantug was able to restrain herself by not letting her strong voice overpower the songs. The vocals, drums, and guitar are perfectly equalized to create a pulsating and emotional album.

Bantug is a real talent in Lilburn’s music scene. We asked Bantug a few questions about her beginnings, current EP, and her future plans.

When did you start your solo singing career?

My first performance was in the seventh grade at a coffee shop open mic. It's a funny story, I was really just going to play guitar and do some back up vocals. But I ended up singing two of my own songs of the three-song set list. I might have stolen the show.

How would you describe your musical style in your Friends EP?

I couldn't really put it into one genre. I really love a rock and alternative vibe, but I also really love jazz music. In my EP, all my songs have a different style that shows my versatility, so I guess it's up to the listener because that's a hard question for me.

Who are there other members involved in your project?

Well, I'm not in a band currently, but hopefully I will find some people soon. I was fortunate enough to even have these musicians work on this EP with me. The producers from Century Studios, where I recorded my music, are also some of the best musicians. I had help from Brian Meadows, Josh Manuel, Grant Cowan, and Tom Hernandez.

How was the recording process?

I absolutely loved the recording process. Three of these songs were already fully written before I started recording. The fourth one was actually written right at the beginning of the recording process. Brian Meadows and Josh Manuel helped write the music to "Slow Down." All of the songs wouldn't sound as good without them.

What motivates you to write and sing?

Not too long ago I came across why I should write music. I saw someone post on Twitter how they didn't feel loved and how their friends weren't being great friends. I wrote a song that related to that, but it was never completed. Later that night, I finished it and I literally wanted to go and sing that song to that person to cheer them up and give them some hope. In my opinion, you could only write and sing for yourself for so long. It's other people that motivate me to sing and write.

How did you develop your first video?

It wasn't even my idea. Josh Manuel saw an Adele music video and he wanted to do something similar. I'm always up for anything, and it sounded like a lot of fun.

Will you be playing any shows anytime soon?

I hope to. I have been playing acoustic shows for all of high school, and I think I am ready to do full band shows. I love acoustic shows and they are more intimate, but I'm just anxious to get all the instruments on stage and have fun.

What are your plans moving forward?

Getting signed would be a dream. I've never strived to get signed. I want to find some great musicians that I can really click with and start writing with. I've always written music by myself, and it can get really hard when I'm stuck and have no help. Hopefully, one day I will be able to tour all over the world to share my experiences through my music and meet some incredible people along the way.

Where can we get the Friends EP?

I won't have any physical copies of the EP for right now. But the four song EP can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon, and at http://amandabantug.bandcamp.com/

Listen to her album here.

Watch her video on youtube by following the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3jtL2RX17w