Striking out on her own was a smart decision for Battle Ground musician Amber Sweeney.
The 32-year-old, who until 2012 played in the band Everly with actor Bethany Joy Lenz, just signed her first recording contract as a solo artist.
Sweeney self-released her first solo single, “The Starting Line,” last spring on iTunes.
Since then, she’s been playing across the Pacific Northwest and getting the word out about her music. On June 23, she signed with Seattle’s London Tone Music, which will produce her first single, called “Lone Sailor.”
“I think this is the first time I’ve signed a label in any capacity,” Sweeney said.
The track will be produced by Geoff Ott, Pacific Northwest chapter president of the Grammy Awards and one of London Tone Music’s owners.
“He’s amazing,” Sweeney said. “And they’ve definitely had some great success with the label.”
The label’s website is www.londontonemusic.com.
Sweeney will lay down the song at London Bridge Studios, where bands 3 Doors Down, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden have all recorded albums.
The single is part of London Tone Music’s 52×52 program, which will launch 52 singles by 52 artists over 52 weeks in 2014. Sweeney’s single will probably come out this fall at the earliest, she said.
“The song is really about getting focused on one outcome in life, and how there are several paths and things change,” Sweeney said. “It’s me talking to the younger me.”
Some of the singles released so far have been featured by Starbucks as free downloads and have been promoted on National Public Radio.
She hopes her single will lead to a bigger recording contract, but either way she plans to release a new album in the next six to 12 months, Sweeney said.
The music industry is very different from when she started, Sweeney said.
Along with recording, she’s working on social media, promotion and creating a scene around her music. One of her favorite places to play is the Alberta Street Pub in Portland, she said.
“You have to make it as much about the other people as you do about yourself,” Sweeney said. “You’re not just up there in front of an audience. You have to connect with them. It has to be real.”
Her next gig on this side of the river is Aug. 9 at the Clark County Fair.
And even if she hits the big time, she says there’s no way she’ll ever leave Battle Ground.
“I love it here,” Sweeney said. “It would take an act of God for me to move out of Battle Ground. I’m grateful for this entire community. Clark County has been so supportive. I love this place so much.”
To find upcoming shows, listen to songs or get more information on the new single, visit Sweeney’s website at www.theambersweeney.com.
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