Born to two teachers in Silver Spring, Maryland (her father a self taught classical pianist) Amy played keys by age 4, trained to be a concert pianist for ten years while singing in choirs, and began composing her own music in high school. After winning several vocal arts & music competitions, she chose an academic scholarship to Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service to broaden her knowledge of global affairs. There, Amy took advantage of every opportunity to create and shape music at grand pianos in hauntingly beautiful acoustics of historic campus chapels. Graduating with a Lifetime Membership in the M&B Dramatic Society, she performed at The Studio Theatre & other professional stages in DC, singing her original music only at full moon gatherings, local clubs, and underground house parties. However, as skilled DJs, producers, and record labels discovered her musical talents, Amy was encouraged to move to New York City to further her artistic development.
Amy Clarke emerged on the downtown NY underground music scene in 2004, opening in residence as an experimental synth keyboardist & vocalist at DJ parties in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She played extensively on the downtown circuit - from solo acoustic grand piano shows to electronic synth sets to a hybrid of both (Rose Live Music, Rockwood Music Hall, Bitter End, etc.) and independently produced and released her debut "After The Fall" EP in 2006 to rave reviews and notable acclaim. Amy's music has been featured on national, cable & internet TV; FM, Internet, & Sirius Satellite Radio; she has been interviewed on both TV and radio and played numerous high-profile gigs at top festivals and venues including SXSW, Burning Man, Burning Man Decompression, The Viper Room, King King, The Red & The Black, The Bitter End & The House of Blues - Sunset Strip. Amy released the single MARY (her story) from her forthcoming album project in Spring '09, receives her 4th ASCAP Plus award in January 2010, and continues her album project in Hollywood, CA, for a spring release, producing & recording both solo and in collaboration with select partners.
Clarke has performed her original music at: SXSW Music (Mar'08) South Park Music Tour (Jun'08 Festival Performance) Indiegrrl!/HC Festival for Change (Aug '09, Sep'07) Burning Man 2008 - American Dream (Black Rock City, NV) LA Burning Man Decompression '08 & '09 (Los Angeles State Historical Park), The International Alchemy Conference 2009, Indiegrrl/HC Festival for Change ('09 & '07), & notable rooms from NYC to LA, DC to Denver, Austin & Nashville. In New York City: Amy has performed at The Bitter End (repeat solo & band shows), Rockwood Music Hall (repeat solo shows), The Cutting Room, Pianos, CBGB's 313 Gallery, Marion's on the Bowery, Rose Live Music, Mo Pitkins House of Satisfaction, Caffe Vivaldi, The Triad, The Duplex, P.S. 122, M Shanghai Den, BAP (Bushwick Art Project '06), Hope Lounge, outdoor concerts, and benefits for Theatres Against War International, Planned Parenthood, The FCW Society, GoGirlsMusic, Habitat for Humanity International, The Tree of Life Grove, the Amazon Conservation Team & Conservation International. In Washington, DC: Amy has performed from the downtown underground club scene of The Black Cat and The Red & The Black to All Souls Church & the National Ellipse of The White House. She has also performed at Studio Theatre, Georgetown University, Catholic University, & The National Theatre while also producing a benefit concert for Americans For A Department of Peace. In Los Angeles, CA, Amy has performed at The House of Blues (Sunset Strip), The Viper Room, King King, The Hollywood Renaissance Hotel, The Derby, The Bel Age, Tangier, Genghis Cohen, Home, The Talking Stick, Cafe Muse, Karma & The Verity Room, as well as the Methodfest Film Festival, The LA Convention Center, & in benefits for non-profits such as Tree People, Indiegrrl, Songsalive!, GINA/SWT, Code Pink For Peace & The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. In 2008, she played for the environmental non-profit Zonas Verdes de Punta Banda in Mexico. Amy has also starred Off-Broadway, appeared in feature films, and has been featured and interviewed on network TV, cable TV, HFM Radio UK & Sirius Satellite Radio.
While primarily a solo artist, on occasion Amy enjoys experimenting live with guest musicians and in producing music events and concerts to benefit various environmental non-profits through her developing initiative GAIA GROVE (www.gaiagrove.org) which aims to benefit both local communities and the environment at large.
Amy's label MAAT Music invokes an Egyptian goddess of truth, justice, balance, and healing, reflecting Amy's passions for global culture, social/political activism, and modern day spirituality. Amy currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, where she continues to compose, create, perform, produce, grow a sustainable base, and plan eco-music tours. She is currently drawing in strategic alliances, grants, partnerships, and sponsors for her international sustainable tour come to fruition.
Clarke also has earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University (with a focus on Culture & Politics in International Affairs), and a certificate in Electronic Music Production from the SAE Institute of Technology.
BOOKING
Amy is always interested in new opportunities and performs frequently in LA, NY, DC, and on tour.
Direct requests to:
booking@amyclarke.com
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ABOUT GAIA GROVE
After getting its humble organic roots in the ground in a Brooklyn backyard circa 2006, Gaia Grove (http://www.gaiagrove.org) is a living web of resources founded by Amy Clarke dedicated to helping heal the earth, living in greater harmony with nature, and educating on sustainability, equality, and justice for all. Gaia Grove is dedicated to advancing the ideas, practice, and development of socially responsible artistry and living. Gaia Grove's members include entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, DJs, photographers, writers, shamans, dancers, visionaries, teachers, poets, healers & more. Gaia Grove is vibrant, evolving and ripe with possibility.
www.gaiagrove.org
(c) ScorpFaery Productions Publishing 2010