Amy Millan
Origin December 3, 1973
Genre(s) Indie rock
Years active 03.05.1988-present
Label(s) Arts & Crafts

Amy Millan






Amy Millan (born December 3, 1973) is a Canadian indie rock singer and guitarist. She records and performs with the bands Stars and Broken Social Scene. Her debut solo album, Honey from the Tombs, was released by Arts & Crafts Records on May 30, 2006.

Contents

  • 1 Biography
    • 1.1 Early Life
    • 1.2 Stars
    • 1.3 Going solo
    • 1.4 Collaborations
  • 2 Discography
    • 2.1 Solo
      • 2.1.1 Albums
      • 2.1.2 EPs
      • 2.1.3 Singles
    • 2.2 Collaborations
    • 2.3 Stars
      • 2.3.1 Albums
  • 3 Footnotes
  • 4 External links

Biography

Early Life

Amy grew up in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto [1]. As a teen, she attended the Etobicoke School of the Arts, where she formed the short-lived band Edith’s Mission with Emily Haines and Ibi Kaslik [2]. She later formed the band 16 tons where she developed a roots-rock sound and wrote many of the songs that she would use to launch her solo career several years later [3]. At the age of 23, Amy moved to Los Angeles. While living there, she contributed the song “Bury Me” to the soundtrack of the film Drowning Mona. However, living in Los Angeles did not work out, and Amy returned to Toronto [4].

Stars

Stars were formed by Torquil Campbell and Chris Seligman in New York in 2000. The line-up subsequently grew to incorporate Evan Cranley, with whom Amy had played gigs while a member of 16-tons. Feeling that Amy would be a good fit for the group, Cranley invited her to New York to audition [5]. After receiving assurances that she would be actively involved in the songwriting process, Amy agreed to join Stars. As much of their debut album had been written and recorded prior to her joining, Amy’s involvement in 2001’s Nightsongs was limited, although she did sing lead vocals on “Toxic Holiday”. Subsequent Stars albums have featured Amy’s talents to a far greater degree.

Going solo

Amy released her debut solo album, Honey from the Tombs, in 2006. It consisted of songs largely written before 2000, from when Amy was a member of 16-Ton.[6] In contrast to her work with Stars, Amy’s solo work is largely derived from country and folk influences. Thematically, many of the songs deal with loss and loneliness, and taking solace in alcohol is sung about numerous times.

Contributors to the album include Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene and Dan and Jenny Whiteley from Crazy Strings. Amy has toured extensively to promote Honey from the Tombs, and plans to record a second solo album in 2008.

Collaborations

From 2002, Amy has often performed live with Broken Social Scene and appeared on their 2005 self-titled album. She has also contributed vocals to recordings by Jason Collett and Montag.

Discography

Solo

Albums

  • Honey from the Tombs (2006)

EPs

  • KCRW Presents Morning Becomes Eclectic (2007)

Singles

  • Losin’ You (2006)
  • Baby I (2006)


Collaborations

  • Memphis: A Good Day Sailing (2002)
  • Broken Social Scene: Live at Radio Aligres in Paris (2004)
  • Broken Social Scene: Broken Social Scene (2005)
  • Jason Collett: Idols of Exile (2005)
  • Montag: Alone, Not Alone (2005)
  • Montag: Going Places (2007)
  • Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew – Spirit If... (2007)
  • Amos The Transparent – Everything I've Forgotten to Forget (2007)

Stars

Albums

  • Nightsongs (2001)
  • Heart (2003)
  • Set Yourself on Fire (2004)
  • In Our Bedroom after the War (2007)

Footnotes

  1. ^ Opening up the Tombs. ottawaxpress.ca. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  2. ^ [http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2004-05-13/music_feature3.php Novel New Act: Montreal Writer Ibi Kaslik Gives The Skinny]. nowtoronto.com. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  3. ^ Stars: Trial By Fire. exclaim.ca. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  4. ^ [http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2006-06-01/cover_story.php Amy Millan A little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll, Stars siren's solo flight soars with help from friends in high places]. nowtoronto.com. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  5. ^ Stars: Trial By Fire. exclaim.ca. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  6. ^ Opening up the Tombs. ottawaxpress.ca. Retrieved on 2007-10-28.



 
   

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