9th IMA Submission Spotlight: Amanda Kaletsky

ARTIST NAME: Amanda Kaletsky

HOMETOWN/CURRENTLY BASED: Bethany, CT

WEB SITE: www.amandakaletsky.com

INFLUENCES: Sarah Mclachlan, Sam Cooke, Coldplay, Carole King

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Opening for Coldplay at the XL Center in my home state of CT; Singing the National Anthem at both Shea Stadium (final season) and CitiField (inaugural season); Hearing my music on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance this past season on several episodes.

I SUBMITTED TO THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS BECAUSE: The IMA’s allows artists to get their music in front of a great range of people in the business who appreciate good music and good artistry, without making it a popularity contest. I’m honored to get my music in front of them…and hope they like it

9TH ANNUAL IMA JUDGE I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Aimee Mann and Tom Waits

I’M PROUD TO BE AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST BECAUSE: The freedom of being an independent artist is that you get to be the artist you want to be, not who someone wants you to be. Hopefully we’ll get to a point where you can do that regardless of the type of label you’re on, and I think we’re getting back to that.

WHAT’S NEXT: My new album, which should be ready this Fall.

SUCCESS = Being loved and appreciated. Also, feeling fulfilled-whatever that means to you.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BAND STAND OUT: The honesty and raw emotion of the lyrics mixed with the richness of the music, and hopefully it gets stuck in your head too!

WHERE DO YOU TOUR? Throughout the Northeast, and hopefully beyond!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE VENUE TO PLAY AND WHY? Locally, my favorite is The Space in Hamden, CT. It’s a small, all-ages venue with a great vibe. Most recently, I had a great show at The Fillmore Irving Plaza and the crowd was incredibly into the show. That’s a great feeling.