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Evanescence's Amy Lee
Evanescence's Amy Lee: "It's Not All Sad"
The singer chats with SPIN.com about her band's infighting, a new solo album, scoring films, and more.
By William Goodman 10.17.08 8:31 AM
Evanescence's Amy Lee
With Nightmare Revisited, Evanescence's Amy Lee has released her first new material since her band's 2006 multi-platinum hit, The Open Door. Add that to the departure of two Evanescence members and Lee's ever-growing musical independence, and the songstress has some explaining to do.
More on SPIN.com:
>> Exclusive Album Stream: Marilyn Manson, Sparklehorse, KoRn on 'Nightmare' Soundtrack
>> Evanescence's Amy Lee Speaks Out
>> Drummer, Guitarist Depart Evanescence
Lee, who is busy writing new material, talks with SPIN.com about the messy split of Evanescence's guitarist John LeCompt and drummer Rocky Gray, writing a solo album, scoring films, and "Sally's Song," her contribution to Nightmare Revisited, the new collection of covers from Tim Burton's 1993 film, The Nightmare Before Christmas.
On the state of Evanescence:
"It's a difficult situation, as is every dramatic
situation our band has gone through. John [LeCompt, guitar], Rocky
[Gray, drums] -- we outgrew each other. When they joined the band, Fallen was just completed and they
were excited to be a part of something really big. From the beginning,
their musical styles were very different from Evanescence. I think to a
degree they got bored or frustrated. They weren't part of the creative
process and were like, 'Why are we doing this?' Their writing just
didn't work for Evanescence, and I have to do what's best for the band.
I've had a little bit of contact with John since and it was positive.
Very few bands have been able to maintain their original members
forever."
 On new songs and a solo album:
"I need to show that I’m more than a one trick pony. I'm writing here at the house by myself and it's been really good. But I'd really like to do something different next. [The new songs] are definitely different. I feel like I'm going back to my really old roots. They have more of my folky and Celtic influence than ever before. And it's not all sad -- it's nothing I would categorize as Evanescence."
On scoring films:
"My biggest dream from the beginning -- besides Evanescence -- is scoring film and writing music for film. And I've definitely had that in my head and have been trying to connect with the right people to get involved with the right project. I really feel like it would be great to get into a project that's bigger than myself and be the creator and not necessarily just the performer."
On Nightmare Revisited:
"The Nightmare Before Christmas is my number one biggest influence artistically in every way. [When I was young] I literally would sit in my bedroom and sing 'Sally's Song,' or in the car driving to school. The best part about it [recording the song] was that I had no restrictions or direction or anything. I picked the producer, who's a friend, and we just made the song however we wanted together. [We recorded the song] three months ago, in Fort Worth, TX."
On the state of Evanescence: Although I do love Evanescence, I think Amy Lee should really go solo for now. Evanescence should really take a break before it self-destructs. On new songs and a solo album: I'm so glad that Amy is writing new music. With her harp skills, she could really make some interesting and beautiful music. On scoring films: I love the idea. I think her music would be best for drama movies. On Nightmare Revisited: I think she did an amazing job covering "Sally's Song". I honestly wouldn't have bought that album if Marilyn Manson or Amy Lee were on it. Great job! Dani Delish <3
I wish her luck, she's amazing!
Amy, your work is beautiful, as always! I'm eager to hear some of this new original material. I trust your musical evolution will continue to bring you onward and upward. Thanks for making the world a more beautiful place.
I love Amy. I dont think it would be a big deal if she went solo. After all Evanescence is Amy Lee, she's the heart and soul. The band is just the background. She can always find new band members, but you will never find another Amy. I have no doubt that she will continue to do great things. One of the things that I love about her is that she seems to always stay true to herself, you dont really see that anymore. I'm definitely a faithful fan.
what ever Amy thinks is right i guess we as fans can only wait to see the outcome. i hope it all works out for her in the end!
ROCK ON AMY!!
SiLver~TwiLight
I'm glad that Amy is trying new things and trying to fulfill her dreams and ambitions. She is truly an artist.... not just someone who says they are an artist for having a couple of hits, but she is capable of creating masterpieces. Its hard to find people who are as multifaceted as she is. She doesn't just sing, she writes her music, plays her songs (and not just one instrument). I greatly respect what she does and how much she's done for her band. A lot of times bands change their sound to what is modern, but she has tried to keep the band from pretending and trying to be something they shouldn't. Evanescence is original and I'm proud that she has stuck up for that. It allows more people to connect with their music since there isn't anything else like it. I wish her good luck with all of her endeavors, and can't wait to hear her new material.
wow...I've been so busy that I didn't have enough time to check on ev.com! sally's song is amazing...and Amy's version in incredible...I'm happy to heart that Amy's working on some new music... she's a real musician...and i'm sooo sure whatever it is that she's doing its gonna rock. nevertheless i feel so sad... like...i'd love to hear that she's working with Tim... to hear that she's doing some new stuff with evanescence. she's sooo right when she said that just a few bands make it to the end with the same ppl...same musicians. but... God! i love ev ( i know Amy does). what i'm trying to say is that I'm happy for Amy... she's doing what she loves, and... she has freedom to do so. but... wow... i'd love to hear some new stuff from ev. anyways... whatever it is that she's doing...i know that she'll do it with all her heart...and... i know she would never ever do wrong to ev..! love you guys!
Amy, I am super happy to know that you are writing new songs since I was a long time without news about you and about Evanescence and was already worried before.
Continuing in Evanescence or in solo career can be sure that I will support you in whatever their choice.
You could rewrite some old songs such as the album Origin.
I think the music October is beautiful, wonderful and I know you've changed and will improve if the rewrite.
Bueno como primeras palabras voy a aclarar algo,yo soy de Argentina,no se nada de ingles y para leer la informacion de la pagina y los comentarios estube traduciendolos con un traductor de google,y devo suponer que si alguien lee esto es por que sabe castellano o uso un traductor.
Yo soy re fanatico de Amy,y la verdad me pone muy contento saber que esta trabajando en nuevos trabajos.Coinsido con lo que dijo alguien ahi mas arriba, que amy es evanescence y eso es lo que importa.A mi lo que me fasina principalmente es su hermosa voz y las canciones.Yo escuche todos lo temas en los que canta(inclidos covers y todo) y la verdad que ninguno tiene desperdicion,son todos exelentes y Amy es muy joven,tiene mucho talento para regalarnos todavia,espero que lo siga haciendo.Para los que buscamos un estilo de musica original tal y como el que ella nos afrece...
Ojala que tengamos evanescence para mucho!Amy Lee,no creo conocer a alguien que se le asemeje en estilo.
Sindulfo Faustino Rojas "Chiqui"
I have always loved Amy Lee's amazing musical talent and voice and will follow her solo career as well. But I hope she'll still have a few Evanescence albums coming out, because I love the big, dark, symphonic sound that is Evanescence. Although, given that Amy is a fantastic singer-songwriter, I can see that she wanted to take her music in a bit of a different direction for now, I think eventually she will return to writing Evanescence songs. Considering she is one of the most talented young music artists today though, playing various instruments and having a beautiful, emotional voice, I think she will have a very long career writing music and performing. Thank goodness we still have some truly talented and gifted musicians out there today!
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