Emerging Artist Of The Month: Amy Jolliffe

This month’s Emerging Artist is a 20-year-old wunderkind who has made an increasing impact on the local scene over the course of 2023.

Amy Jolliffe is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Binstead who has recently performed on stages at the Isle of Wight Festival, Rhythmtree and Wolverton Folk & Blues Fair, where she was the opening act on the main stage.

She spoke to Isle of Wight Radio shortly after releasing her debut single "Don't Ever Leave Me Baby."

Hi Amy, when did you first become interested in music?

I grew up listening to a lot of my dad's music — U2, Fleetwood Mac and the like.

I have quite an eclectic taste in music, I also love Taylor Swift and Maggie Rogers.

My brother first taught me guitar at the age of 11, and it was mostly Oasis songs, while my music teacher was obsessed with Coldplay, so every lesson was spent playing "Clocks"!

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

I'd say it's kind of folk/pop — folk music but more modern and with pop elements.

I feel empowered on stage and it's almost like I become a different person — I wrote a song called "Sunflower Girl" about that actually.

You’re a student at Newport’s Platform One music college – how integral to your development has that been?

It's been really important and I've met a lot of talented musicians and made a lot of friends there.

I've learned a lot by being part of Platform One.

Are you hoping to enter Wight Noize again next year?

I hope so, it was a really good experience and I'm very grateful to have been shortlisted.

You recently performed at the Isle of Wight Festival – how did that go?

It was really good — the P1 tent was completely packed and all of my friends and family were there.

It's the third time I've played at the Isle of Wight Festival.

What inspired your recently released debut single “Don’t Ever Leave Me Baby”?

I'd spend a lot of summers with my friends on Fishbourne beach and it was about a relationship coming to an end.

She wanted to leave but her boyfriend wanted them to stay together — it was about the feeling of not wanting someone to go.

It's a positive track about new beginnings.

Are there any plans for a follow-up track or album in the near future?

I probably have about 20 songs I've written and it's just about getting them all recorded!

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?

Stereophonics at both Isle of Wight Festival and Victorious (in Southsea).

They were amazing on both occasions.

Who are some local musicians you’d recommend people keep an eye out for?

Beth Brookfield — she's really nice and incredibly talented. 

I wrote a song with her actually and she let me perform it with my band, which was really nice.

Are you looking to go into song writing predominantly in the future?

I feel like my main strength is writing songs and I love it as well, although I do also love playing the songs with my band.

What is your dream in the music industry?

I'd love to tour lots of places and meet lots of people, write lots of music and perform at festivals!

Finally Amy, how can people catch you live or find you online?

I'm on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Twitter and my music is on all major streaming platforms.