Amanda Coleman, singer, violist

PDAP: How long have you been involved in your creative project/art form?

AMANDA: I’ve been playing and singing in my church’s choir since I was 8 years old. I’ve been a performer all my life, but I didn’t start creating music until I was in middle school. I played viola in my middle school orchestra class and played until I moved to high school. Because my high school didn’t have an orchestra program, I then switched to chorus, where I continued to grow as a musician. It was in my high school chorus that I realized that I enjoyed writing music as much as I did singing it. From there, I started writing my own songs and haven’t looked back since.

PDAP: What inspired you to start creating?

AMANDA: I wanted to create songs that would give me the same joy I felt when listening to other artists’ music. I wanted my music to move others, the way that different songs moved and lifted me.

PDAP: Where/what audiences have you most enjoyed performing for?

AMANDA: Every time I did a pre-show at Ruth Eckerd Hall, I had a blast. I had plenty of space on the stage and because of its location, I could interact and hold the audience’s attention until they walked into the main theater.

The audience I most enjoyed performing for was at my cousin’s wedding. I arranged a viola and cello duet of “Why I Love You” by Major and played with my brother as my cousin walked down the aisle. It was such a special moment to be performing for such an occasion surrounded by my family and close friends.

PDAP: What are some things you’ve learned along the way in doing your craft that help you relate to the world in a larger sense?

AMANDA: I’ve learned that failure is not something to be ashamed of. A mistake does not define me, or who I am as a musician. As a musician, I’ve had my fair share of rejections and emails not responded to. But for every door that closes, another one opens, and I get another opportunity to do what I love.

PDAP: What are some important things young people wanting to go into your field should know?

AMANDA: Your dreams are valid. If you want to be a pop and gospel singer, go for it. If you have an idea for a song you feel strongly about, do it. Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait for someone to tell you that your dream is worth working for.

PDAP: Major inspirations/people who inspired you?:

AMANDA: I find inspiration in gospel, musical theater, and pop songs. With each song I listen to, I try to identify what elements cause me to feel a certain way and why. I then experiment with my own songs and try to create sounds that cause me to feel something. Kirk Franklin has always inspired me with not only the complexity of his songs but with the unique style and flavor that each song brings.

PDAP: Why is art important for humans?

AMANDA: Art is important for humans because it’s how we express our creativity and make meaningful connections. Art provides an outlet for us to express and work through our feelings and celebrate our individuality at the same time. On and off social media, we connect with one another over movies, music, and cooking. We find people like us, people that love the same artist, or went to the same concert, or watched the same movie and we talk. Art, in all its different forms, creates these spaces where we can make connections.

PDAP: What are some ways we can support more Black and Brown folks doing creative work in Tampa Bay?

AMANDA: We can support more Black and Brown folks doing creative work in Tampa Bay by reaching out on social media to one another and lifting each other up. We can do this by reposting our fellow artists’ work and collaborating with them on projects when possible.

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