Amy Heffernan

Alberta raised artist Amy Heffernan never doubted music is what she was born to do.  From the moment she saw the music video for the No Doubt song Just A Girl Amy said “That’s it - that’s what I want to do!” Years later, she is living out her childhood dream. 


In early 2009, Amy along with her brother Doug and writing partner Steve began work on the brand new CD – her second - Being Awesome.  The album features everything from the radio-friendly party anthem “Being Awesome”, to a love song “I Do”, a Lady Gaga cover “Just Dance” and exposes Amy’s soul with a rip-your-heart-out break up song “The Word”.  The CD has earned Amy an LA Music Award Nomination and a spot on Music Connections Top 100 Unsigned Artists of 2009.

The moment Amy had waited for finally happened when she was invited to perform at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, Ontario, which caught the attention of several industry notables.  Her performance also corresponded with the long awaited release of her debut single “Being Awesome”.  Canadian Radio responded immediately to the infectious lyrics of the song which continues to build momentum on playlists from coast-to-coast.

Starting out as a drummer touring Canada and the US with Juno nominated artist Janelle for two years, Amy then packed her gear and left her oil city home, Fort McMurray, AB, and headed south to L.A. to team up with her older brother, Doug Heffernan.  Doug is an accomplished singer/songwriter who saw radio success in 1996 with the group 3 Penny Needle.

While in Los Angeles Amy attended the Musicians Institute Recording Artist Program winning the “Best Project Award” and began writing and recording her self-titled EP with Doug and good friend Steve Giles.  After her debut release Amy returned to her Northern Alberta home to share what she learned with her home town fans and family.  After playing over 100 shows in six months including her so called “Johnny Cash Prison Tour” (playing to countless Northern Alberta work camps) Amy decided to move back to sunny California to begin writing her first full length album.

 “My debut EP is my baby, but it’s way too serious.  I can be serious, but not ALL the time”.  Amy immersed herself in the music scene of L.A. going to as many clubs to watch as many different acts as she could.  Steering away from the typical singer/songwriter artists, she and went to watch such acts as Lady Gaga, Robyn and Juliet and The Romantiques. 

Amy currently splits her time between Alberta and Los Angeles and has appeared with such acts as Metric, Kim Mitchell, Chilliwack, Trooper, and the Road Hammers.  

How do you describe your music to people, Amy?
I describe my music as you know that music you really, really like...well that's what I sound like so go ahead and buy my songs on iTunes!  OR I say pop/rock that has a similar sound to Katy Perry and Pink.

Tell me about how you originally got into your craft.
I saw Gwen Stefani on TV and said "I wanna do that!"  Began playing drums at 11 and then picked up the guitar shortly after but didn't start singing until I was around 15.  I moved around a lot growing up so if I was invited to a party I'd bring a guitar so I'd get friends faster...Whatever works!

What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
I'd have to say my favorite thing to do is to be on stage.  I feel most comfortable and at home when I'm there and of course I always have my friend Bud Light or sometimes Vodka and Soda there with me!

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your business?
The biggest challenge is making non-believers into believers and to not take and not be hurt by the word "No".  Also, making sure those non-believers have money so they can help fund your next record or tour when they start believing in your product!

When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
My Dad asked me this question when I was around 10, I told him I wanted to be a singer.  He then replied "But Amy you don't sing" so I told him, "I'll learn!" 

In what way has your community impacted your development as a musician?
Being from Alberta, Canada has given me plenty of opportunities and resources to play music.  My LA community is made up of my family and people the feel like family who push and inspire me to grow.

What other artists out there do you love?
Of course am into Lady Gaga. But currently been listening to a lot of Robyn, Florence + The Machine, Boney M, I Blame Coco, Tegan & Sara.  Pretty much anything that sounds good to my ears I'll listen to!  Juliette Lewis does take the cake for me on live performance though...LOVE HER!

What does your future hold?
Releasing a new record early 2011 called "Friggen Little Know It All", shooting a video for my latest single "Dance Ourselves Sober" and playing as many live shows as I can get my hands on.

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