Schugar and Musical Spice
Muirsical Conversation with Amy Schugar
Singer, songwriter, arranger and guitarist Amy Schugar has the musical spice of life in not just her veins but her background.
Her Godmother was Amalia Mendoza, one of Mexico's most famous traditional singers (and a member of the Tres Señoras with Lola Beltrán and Lucha Villa) while her mother, Carla Lee, was also a singer (and a famous Bullfighter in the ‘50’s).
Amy Schugar developed her musical skills during the metal-scene days of the Sunset Strip in LA but it was a chance encounter in 2003 with uber-guitarist Michael Schenker that led to the collaborative album Under Construction.
Following the release of the album Amy toured/ guested with MSG and has since gone on to write and perform material in the rock, fusion and bluesy melodic genres, both vocal and instrumental, and is busier now than she has ever been.
FabricationsHQ chatted with the talented and accomplished singer and six-stringer to revisit Under Construction and discuss earlier and current projects.
Ross Muir: If we could start with the album and collaborative project you are most known for, Amy. In 2003 you recorded Under Construction with Michael Schenker.
How did that association and recording come about?
Amy Schugar: Michael and I met at an Eric Johnson Concert. And funny enough, I got to see Eric and visit with him again in the last couple of weeks.
Michael came up to me when I was playing Eric's old Stratocaster. Michael liked what he heard in regards to my singing and playing. He then decided to see what I could do writing lyrics and melodies to some clips and ideas he had.
He and I worked very well together and the album came about.
RM:Under Construction was only an eight track album, however. Did scheduling and time restraints restrict recording time or was is it intentional to keep it short and sharp?
AS: Yes, there were a few different issues and we had a tour coming up.
There was another song that I had been working on, but it never came out the way I had hoped for. There is a Bonus Track for the Japan release.
RM: And that's where the original release was distributed.
AS: Yes, official release was in Japan.
RM: Michael Schenker has worked with a large number of lead vocalists in his career but you are the first and, as far as I know, only female singer to have recorded with him. Did that put any pressure on you, as regards bringing something a little different to the table?
AS: Yes sometimes it did when it came to the touring part of it. I noticed when introduced, and I came out on stage to do cuts off the album, many of the guys in the front row had a look about them that did not seem kind and welcoming!
But after I got to playing and singing it all changed.
RM: Your voice and the song writing gives Under Construction a whole different vibe and is therefore a true collaborative album. Although there are some traditional riff-led songs it’s a very melodic album with some great hooks.
Was that a conscious effort, to steer away from the riff-rock-by-numbers scenario?
AS: No, not on my part. For that album there was no conscious effort to do anything, only to sing and write what I felt. And Michael was kind enough to let me have free expression.
It is interesting also, that I got him to sing on two or three of the songs.
'Back Through The Window,' he sang back up on and I think that is a first. What a great chorus that song has. 'I Need This Feeling' he sang on also and 'I Need You.' Take a listen Ross, you can distinctly hear his voice and what a nice airy voice he has!
RM: I've given Under Construction fair few plays over the years but never realised that Michael sang on any of the numbers. Primarily because I would never have expected it so wouldn't be listening for it.
But for now, let's feature the opening number from the album, High Cost...
Her Godmother was Amalia Mendoza, one of Mexico's most famous traditional singers (and a member of the Tres Señoras with Lola Beltrán and Lucha Villa) while her mother, Carla Lee, was also a singer (and a famous Bullfighter in the ‘50’s).
Amy Schugar developed her musical skills during the metal-scene days of the Sunset Strip in LA but it was a chance encounter in 2003 with uber-guitarist Michael Schenker that led to the collaborative album Under Construction.
Following the release of the album Amy toured/ guested with MSG and has since gone on to write and perform material in the rock, fusion and bluesy melodic genres, both vocal and instrumental, and is busier now than she has ever been.
FabricationsHQ chatted with the talented and accomplished singer and six-stringer to revisit Under Construction and discuss earlier and current projects.
Ross Muir: If we could start with the album and collaborative project you are most known for, Amy. In 2003 you recorded Under Construction with Michael Schenker.
How did that association and recording come about?
Amy Schugar: Michael and I met at an Eric Johnson Concert. And funny enough, I got to see Eric and visit with him again in the last couple of weeks.
Michael came up to me when I was playing Eric's old Stratocaster. Michael liked what he heard in regards to my singing and playing. He then decided to see what I could do writing lyrics and melodies to some clips and ideas he had.
He and I worked very well together and the album came about.
RM:Under Construction was only an eight track album, however. Did scheduling and time restraints restrict recording time or was is it intentional to keep it short and sharp?
AS: Yes, there were a few different issues and we had a tour coming up.
There was another song that I had been working on, but it never came out the way I had hoped for. There is a Bonus Track for the Japan release.
RM: And that's where the original release was distributed.
AS: Yes, official release was in Japan.
RM: Michael Schenker has worked with a large number of lead vocalists in his career but you are the first and, as far as I know, only female singer to have recorded with him. Did that put any pressure on you, as regards bringing something a little different to the table?
AS: Yes sometimes it did when it came to the touring part of it. I noticed when introduced, and I came out on stage to do cuts off the album, many of the guys in the front row had a look about them that did not seem kind and welcoming!
But after I got to playing and singing it all changed.
RM: Your voice and the song writing gives Under Construction a whole different vibe and is therefore a true collaborative album. Although there are some traditional riff-led songs it’s a very melodic album with some great hooks.
Was that a conscious effort, to steer away from the riff-rock-by-numbers scenario?
AS: No, not on my part. For that album there was no conscious effort to do anything, only to sing and write what I felt. And Michael was kind enough to let me have free expression.
It is interesting also, that I got him to sing on two or three of the songs.
'Back Through The Window,' he sang back up on and I think that is a first. What a great chorus that song has. 'I Need This Feeling' he sang on also and 'I Need You.' Take a listen Ross, you can distinctly hear his voice and what a nice airy voice he has!
RM: I've given Under Construction fair few plays over the years but never realised that Michael sang on any of the numbers. Primarily because I would never have expected it so wouldn't be listening for it.
But for now, let's feature the opening number from the album, High Cost...
RM: You didn't just sing lead on the album though, you were also playing guitar. Including some lead work?
AS: Yes, that is correct.
RM: That's quite a compliment to your six-string talents because although there have been occasions when Michael Schenker hasn't been the only guitar player, whether live or in a recording situation, his own lead abilities tend to take centre stage…
AS: Oh... yeah, maybe you are correct. It was mighty generous of him to not only have me sing but to have me come out and showcase some lead playing as well.
I guess I never thought of it before, but maybe it was kind of unique. Mmm...
RM: I’m going to feature another song from Under Construction and would like you to choose the track.
AS: 'Back Through the Window,' then you can hear Michael sing back ground!
AS: Yes, that is correct.
RM: That's quite a compliment to your six-string talents because although there have been occasions when Michael Schenker hasn't been the only guitar player, whether live or in a recording situation, his own lead abilities tend to take centre stage…
AS: Oh... yeah, maybe you are correct. It was mighty generous of him to not only have me sing but to have me come out and showcase some lead playing as well.
I guess I never thought of it before, but maybe it was kind of unique. Mmm...
RM: I’m going to feature another song from Under Construction and would like you to choose the track.
AS: 'Back Through the Window,' then you can hear Michael sing back ground!
RM: Women in rock who are lead singers and musicians are usually known by voice first and instrument-of-choice second. You however are not just a versatile rock vocalist but a very accomplished lead guitarist. Who inspired you vocally and musically?
AS: Jeff Tate, David Coverdale, Aretha Franklin... there are so many great vocalists and I really love to sing. Eric Johnson is one of my all time favorites with his gentle voice and guitar skills. 'Dear Prudence' is so wonderful the way he performs it! When I was very young, Michael Schenker tunes were the all-time favourite thing as well for guitar. However, the lyrical melody really makes the tunes.
AS: Jeff Tate, David Coverdale, Aretha Franklin... there are so many great vocalists and I really love to sing. Eric Johnson is one of my all time favorites with his gentle voice and guitar skills. 'Dear Prudence' is so wonderful the way he performs it! When I was very young, Michael Schenker tunes were the all-time favourite thing as well for guitar. However, the lyrical melody really makes the tunes.
Schugar and Schenker "It was mighty generous of him to not only have me
sing but to have me come out and showcase some lead playing as well."
AS: When I had first started out, it was on acoustic guitar. I saw a couple of live bands and one in particular, Bad Axe. Man, the guitar player David Boerst was and is amazing, still. He is a rock player and that got me going.
That was my first experience seeing a live bar band and I knew from there I wanted to learn more rock and get into solo playing more.
Then as time went on Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, I just absolutely love. They make the guitar the lead vocalist, kind of...
RM: Oh I agree with that analogy. The best exponents of their chosen instrument have the ability to give it voice or make it sing.
sing but to have me come out and showcase some lead playing as well."
AS: When I had first started out, it was on acoustic guitar. I saw a couple of live bands and one in particular, Bad Axe. Man, the guitar player David Boerst was and is amazing, still. He is a rock player and that got me going.
That was my first experience seeing a live bar band and I knew from there I wanted to learn more rock and get into solo playing more.
Then as time went on Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, I just absolutely love. They make the guitar the lead vocalist, kind of...
RM: Oh I agree with that analogy. The best exponents of their chosen instrument have the ability to give it voice or make it sing.
RM: Going back to your formative years and musical background, can you tell me a little about Sass and the Sunset Strip back in the LA ‘metal scene’ days…
AS: Ross, Sass was the beginning for me in regards to fronting a band. Great band, but we all went separate directions. I think that is one thing that makes a person or band succeed, is tenacity to stay together and stick to it.
We are still friends, but we all live in separate places, etc. When you see bands that have hit big, most or many of them have stayed together for years.
Bands and musicians come and go, it is just the biz kind of... and that is why standing on your own is so important.
RM: But that band and that whole scene must have been a good way to hone your live voice and guitar skills?
AS: Well, those days were ok, but not like you think. The last couple of years have been my most in progress so far, Ross. I do occasional cover work and that has really really opened some doors.
I have done tons and tons of traveling and have had to front not just a one-and-a-half-hour shows but four hours a night, over and over again and most with covers.
I feel I have grown much more in the last couple of years. I have had to really push the limits of endurance physically and musically. Touring in a big outfit with many roadies and sound people and guitar techs is a breeze compared to some of the stuff I have had to do. So I have grown.
RM: You are not just a singer and guitarist. You play keyboards too and I hear you are no slouch behind a drum kit?
AS: Where are you hearing this and from who? Because, yes, I do play the other instruments a bit but never talk about it and only people close to me, kind of know.
I have to say that I really have focused more on the vocals and the guitar however, because I do not think I can give 100 percent to everything.
And focusing on my strengths rather than my weaknesses seems to be better for my strong points, such as guitar and vocals and writing.
RM: With those talents and, as you just mentioned, your song writing abilities, would you like to record again or can we expect a solo album at some point in the future?
AS: Yes, I would love to record another album, but money and budget issues have really set me back. That has been the biggest road block. I want to be able to use the best musicians and producer and do it 100 percent, or not at all.
I need a good booking agent also that I could trust and that could really get me out there more.
RM: As regards the present, what have you been up to recently, musically speaking?
AS: I am playing constantly, I have learned so many other styles of vocals and other styles of music and even love bluegrass stuff.
I am out playing occasionally helping bands out if they need a singer or player and I just keep working around music. I even had a call to play an acoustic bluegrass gig for a city town council member. That was a lot of fun. I am actually working now, more, on acoustic guitar. I really love picking up an acoustic and singing.
RM: Amy, thanks for chatting to FabricationsHQ and all the best in future musical endeavours. I look forward to hearing what’s next for Amy Schugar…
AS: Well I have been in some negotiations for playing Europe and it looks like there will be a European tour soon. I got word from the booking agent.
I need and want to be out playing some festivals... man, this economy is just so bad right now, it is crazy. And if there is a producer out there, that wants to see about working together, lets talk! Feel free to drop me an email. Please have a website, some credentials and something I can take a look at!
And I thank you, Ross, for taking time out to talk, it has been nice!
Ross Muir
Muirsical Conversation with Amy Schugar
February 2012
Amy Schugar would like to thank her sponsors and endorsers Adam Revier at/ and Floyd Rose, Voodoo, Keeley, Best Electronics/ Guitarcable.com, Daisy Rock Guitars, Kld, Fernandez Sustainer's, Seymour Duncan, Randy Fuchs at M x I, D'Addario Strings and Crate Amps.
Amy Schugar website: http://amyschugar.com
Under Construction is available from Amazon, iTunes and CDBaby.com
Photo Credits: Axeslinger.com (Michael Schenker and Amy Schugar),
Libby Wendt (Amy Schugar)
Featured audio tracks are presented to accompany the above Conversation article and to promote the work of Amy Schugar. No infringement of copyright is intended
AS: Ross, Sass was the beginning for me in regards to fronting a band. Great band, but we all went separate directions. I think that is one thing that makes a person or band succeed, is tenacity to stay together and stick to it.
We are still friends, but we all live in separate places, etc. When you see bands that have hit big, most or many of them have stayed together for years.
Bands and musicians come and go, it is just the biz kind of... and that is why standing on your own is so important.
RM: But that band and that whole scene must have been a good way to hone your live voice and guitar skills?
AS: Well, those days were ok, but not like you think. The last couple of years have been my most in progress so far, Ross. I do occasional cover work and that has really really opened some doors.
I have done tons and tons of traveling and have had to front not just a one-and-a-half-hour shows but four hours a night, over and over again and most with covers.
I feel I have grown much more in the last couple of years. I have had to really push the limits of endurance physically and musically. Touring in a big outfit with many roadies and sound people and guitar techs is a breeze compared to some of the stuff I have had to do. So I have grown.
RM: You are not just a singer and guitarist. You play keyboards too and I hear you are no slouch behind a drum kit?
AS: Where are you hearing this and from who? Because, yes, I do play the other instruments a bit but never talk about it and only people close to me, kind of know.
I have to say that I really have focused more on the vocals and the guitar however, because I do not think I can give 100 percent to everything.
And focusing on my strengths rather than my weaknesses seems to be better for my strong points, such as guitar and vocals and writing.
RM: With those talents and, as you just mentioned, your song writing abilities, would you like to record again or can we expect a solo album at some point in the future?
AS: Yes, I would love to record another album, but money and budget issues have really set me back. That has been the biggest road block. I want to be able to use the best musicians and producer and do it 100 percent, or not at all.
I need a good booking agent also that I could trust and that could really get me out there more.
RM: As regards the present, what have you been up to recently, musically speaking?
AS: I am playing constantly, I have learned so many other styles of vocals and other styles of music and even love bluegrass stuff.
I am out playing occasionally helping bands out if they need a singer or player and I just keep working around music. I even had a call to play an acoustic bluegrass gig for a city town council member. That was a lot of fun. I am actually working now, more, on acoustic guitar. I really love picking up an acoustic and singing.
RM: Amy, thanks for chatting to FabricationsHQ and all the best in future musical endeavours. I look forward to hearing what’s next for Amy Schugar…
AS: Well I have been in some negotiations for playing Europe and it looks like there will be a European tour soon. I got word from the booking agent.
I need and want to be out playing some festivals... man, this economy is just so bad right now, it is crazy. And if there is a producer out there, that wants to see about working together, lets talk! Feel free to drop me an email. Please have a website, some credentials and something I can take a look at!
And I thank you, Ross, for taking time out to talk, it has been nice!
Ross Muir
Muirsical Conversation with Amy Schugar
February 2012
Amy Schugar would like to thank her sponsors and endorsers Adam Revier at/ and Floyd Rose, Voodoo, Keeley, Best Electronics/ Guitarcable.com, Daisy Rock Guitars, Kld, Fernandez Sustainer's, Seymour Duncan, Randy Fuchs at M x I, D'Addario Strings and Crate Amps.
Amy Schugar website: http://amyschugar.com
Under Construction is available from Amazon, iTunes and CDBaby.com
Photo Credits: Axeslinger.com (Michael Schenker and Amy Schugar),
Libby Wendt (Amy Schugar)
Featured audio tracks are presented to accompany the above Conversation article and to promote the work of Amy Schugar. No infringement of copyright is intended
