Amanda Hagel’s earliest memories are set to music. Life on the family farm near Lancer, Saskatchewan revolved around music. “I grew up in a musical home. I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to hone my musical skills. I had lots of role models to look up to,” says Amanda.
“As a kid, I remember asking for a guitar instead of a toy. I always knew I wanted to sing and play.”
She credits her big brother with showing her how to play that guitar. “I’d sit in my room and play my guitar for hours and hours.”
She found the guitar became her outlet for creative expression. “The words and music kind of came naturally. I think you have to have a connection to music to deliver it. It’s an instinct I’ve always had.”
Amanda’s first opportunity to perform came when her older siblings invited her to play in their family group, The Chokecherry Band. She describes her first time on stage in front of an audience as “amazing!” There was no looking back after that.
With her rural roots, Amanda has always felt connected to country music. Major musical influences in her life growing up were Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Faith Hill and Patti Loveless.
Amanda joins us on the Saskatchewan Country Closeup to talk new music and what’s on the way this summer.
