Spotlight on Music: AMFORTE Clarity

Living in and broadcasting from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is AMFORTE Clarity. This Canadian (and fiercely proud of it) singer/songwriter combines pleasing vocals and a strong guitar with a sweet humility that endears all who listen to her play. I recently got to ask AM some questions that have become the first Spotlight on Music for this blog. Enjoy this new feature and AMFORTE's music in and out of world!

Mikalis Karas: Who have been your main influences in your musical life and how long have you been creating music?

AMFORTE: It's hard to say who has been the main influence because i listen to different types of music. I'd have to say in the beginning, my major influence was Alanis Morrisette and Jennifer Knapp, but since then they've changed throughout the years to Radiohead, U2, My Chemical Romance, All American Rejects, Elliott Smith, etc., and I enjoy writing different styles of music, like Rock, Pop, Punk, I don't just want to be one style, I think it's ridiculous to stay with a specific genre. I write what i feel, and if I feel like writing an angry punk song, I'll do it, if I feel like writing a cheesy melodic song, I'll do it, if I feel like writing a rap song, hell, i'll do it. }: ) <-----unibrow smile (and in no way shape or form do I, in RL or in SL have a unibrow....just to make things clear) hehe

Mikalis Karas: Is there any type of music that you'd consider your specialty and which instruments do you play?

AMFORTE: No, there is no specific type, i write all genres and it feels good to be free to do so, i love it. I mainly play the guitar but would like to start playing the piano again soon.

Mikalis Karas: What brought you to perform music in Second Life and why do you keep performing here.?

AMFORTE: A friend of mine told me about it one day how musicians can play shows and get out there so I decided to try it and so far it's been great. I think I've made a mark so far and my group continues to grow. I just think of sl as another way to get my original material out there. I'll be hopefully touring in RL next year, hopeing I get enough sponsors...even maybe one?...umm, any takers? Let me know:) muahahamauahahaha(evil british laugh) I try to be amusing but not sure it's working.....umm, let me know....hehe

MIkalis Karas: Those of us who have had the pleasure of hearing you perform have heard you putting Eminem on notice that there is a new MC in town. You usually joke so right before singing your rendition of TLC's "Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls." Have you always liked this song and what led you to take on the challenge of Chilli's rap (which I think you pull off quite well)?

AMFORTE: When I was younger, I use to listen to T.L.C so when I came across it a few weeks ago, I decided to add it to my playlist. I decided that as a musician, I didn't want to stay in one genre and that singing different styles will only open myself up to write different styles of music.

ROCK ON!

}}: = ) <-----BUCK TOOTHED UNIBROW SMILE (TM)

Mikalis Karas: Who are some of the other musical artists you enjoy in Second Life?

AMFORTE: OMG, there are so many...not in any particular order, but I when I do have time to check out some shows, i enjoy Raspbury Rearwin, Mimi Carpenter, Maximillion Kleen, Taunter Goodnight, Amereth Popstar(<---where are you buddy, haven't seen you around, i hope you're not laying on the side of the road dead somewhere...if you are, let me know!), IggyKings Solo (<---still waiting for the bloody songs Iggy! Stop blaming your dog for eating them! Get with the program, damn you! ) <---i definately say it with love iggy. hehe.....Harper Messmer and those are only a few that are in my head at the moment. Sorry, I know I'm totally rambling!

Mikalis Karas: If there was something you could do to better promote artists and venues in Second Life what would that be?

AMFORTE: Hmmm, that's a very good question....if you have ideas, let me know, I'm all out of answers on this one:)

Mikalis Karas: Thank you for being our first Spotlight on Music! Check out AMFORTE's music by going to her website at AMFORTE.com.