The Verve: Angela Marie Project aiming to give ‘Spark’ with music
The Angela Marie Project is amped; full of energy and plugged in to every person and every place the band members’ songs reach.
They’re also amping up for the release of their new CD, “Spark,” with a gig at nYne Bar and Bistro, 232 W. Sprague Ave., at 7 p.m. Jan. 10. Sparkly attire is optional but encouraged and so is letting your hair down, forgetting your troubles and connecting to the music. For the members of AMP, it’s all about connecting.
“We hope that our music might allow others to disconnect from the daily grind for a minute and connect to our music,” said drummer Jonathan Tuckness. “Music is universal and it brings people together. Angela’s songs are relatable, upbeat and positive. Even the sadder songs contain hope.”
Angela Marie sports an acoustic guitar and is the driving force behind the band. It is her project and, again, everyone else’s project because life is a project and her songs tell the stories of life, from love to loss and everything in between. In “Travel Song” she sings, “The world’s a classroom without the walls. From Spokane to Victoria Falls, fatal to bigotry, meeting each other is the key.” And in “Truly Smile” she sings, “The ants keep marching, through the storm. My head is hurting and I am so worn. Gotta keep it together and be free of all this worry that’s plaguing me and truly smile.”
She believes in good and her songs reflect that. She believes in helping others and her life reflects that. The band performs at many fundraisers in support of the planet and the less fortunate, and she has traveled to other countries to aid others. To Marie, everything should be and feel as beautiful as a song.
“I do it because when someone tells me they feel moved, uplifted, or a little better about life after hearing our music, I have served one of my purposes in life.”
Collectively, the band has a hard time describing its sound. It could fit anywhere from the 1960s to the present; they are hippies, flute and all, who rock out, they are alternative yet old school, and they are high energy and a slow groove. They do not discern, and when they ask others what they think they sound like, people usually say, “You’re you.”
Talmadge McCamment plays lead guitar. He also grabs a bass when bass player and harmonizer Kat Hall picks up the flute. McCamment has played in a handful of bands but AMP is different.
“Angela’s writing is what makes a difference and so does the way we gel,” he said. “We’re good friends, we’re family. There are no egos, just a desire to spread our music and our belief that we’re all in this together.”