Amanda Kind Unveils New Single, “The Good Fight”
Canadian country artist Amanda Kind has unveiled her single, “The Good Fight (Acoustic).”
“The Good Fight ”is a powerful tribute to going through difficult times to get to the good. It is the final single and title track from her debut country EP, which also includes her previous singles: “Love Used To Live Here,” “Slow Dance,” “Rebel Spirit,” “Jumping Through Hoops,” and “Distant Memory.”
Kind was inspired to write the song after watching the first episode of MAID on Netflix. MAID follows a young mother as she escapes a bad marriage and tries to make a better life for herself and her daughter.
Amanda shares,
“I watched the debut episode of MAID and felt immediately drawn to the lead character. Her will to survive was visceral. Change is terrifying, but sometimes, staying in the same situation is scarier. I call that “the good fight” because the fight for a better life, as hard as it is, is worth it. There’s something universal about doing things in pursuit of something great or better. I hope people will be inspired and feel connected to the song because of their own journey through the good fight. Sometimes you have to defy all odds and trust your gut because you know you’re meant for something different.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi Canadian Beats readers! If you’re a fan of country music or soaring pop voices like Adele, I hope you’ll give my tunes a listen. My name is Amanda Kind. I’m a country artist who’s a little bit classic (think Patsy Cline or Dolly Parton) and a little bit contemporary (think The Chicks or Chris Stapleton). I grew up by the beach in White Rock, British Columbia, and now I call Waterloo, Ontario home … but part of my heart will always belong to the breezy West Coast. I am a fan of many genres of music, but I especially love the way country music blends melody and instrumentation with storytelling.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
I watched the debut episode of MAID on Netflix and felt immediately drawn to the lead character. Her will to survive was visceral. It reminded me of something I think so many of us have faced – sometimes you have to struggle through hard times to get to the light at the end of the tunnel. Change is terrifying, but often staying in the same situation is scarier. I call that “the good fight” because the battle for a better life, as hard as it is, is worth it. There’s something universal about doing hard things in pursuit of something important to you. I hope people will be inspired and feel connected to the song because of their own journey through the good fight. Sometimes you have to defy the odds and trust your gut because you know you’re meant for more. “The Good Fight” has helped me through some tough moments. I feel honoured when people tell me that the song has touched them or made them feel less alone when they listen to it.
This song is the title track on my debut country EP. The making of it truly encapsulates “The Good Fight.” A few years ago, I turned my life upside down personally and professionally to pursue music full-time. Since then, I’ve been writing, recording, and releasing music, as well as playing tons of shows. I’ve also been collaborating with Stratford Country artist James Downham on a few duets including “We’re Okay,” a recent holiday song “In The Mood For Christmas,” and another tune we have coming out this spring. I love singing with other people in harmony, so those special projects have been really fun.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I am a thoughtful songwriter. I take my time to craft every element. I believe simplicity is often more impactful. I am drawn to melodies that have movement and range. I love it when a chorus lifts off and soars. I lean toward themes that feel authentic to me. I don’t generally sing about beers or boots, but I can appreciate a good bar song. I’m making music for people who have loved, lost, and lived a little. I’m of many minds when it comes to country music – I love songs with an authentic story that feel timeless (“I Will Always Love You” is a staple for me), AND I love songs that kick up a little dirt (“Done.” by The Band Perry is one of my favourite covers).
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
I’m looking forward to connecting with more fans and playing these songs live at a ton of gigs this year. I just released a stripped-back acoustic version of “The Good Fight” that I feel makes the song even more vulnerable. We recorded it live off the floor at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener, which is a beautiful bare space. I am so grateful to my co-writer Sam Hillifer for producing the stripped acoustic version and for having Matt Koebel (who produced the full version) play grand piano alongside Chris Bray on guitar. All those guys are incredible artists and friends of mine.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
It’s hard to pick between a few really cool moments I had this year. In April, I was thrilled when my song “Slow Dance” hit #1 on SiriusXM Top of the Country. As an indie artist, those small wins are treasured. Tons of new fans discovered me and my music through that song so I’m very grateful for the radio play it received. In July, I opened for Steven Lee Olsen, Robyn Ottolini, and Owen Reigling on Canada Day. I played to a huge crowd and lots of people connected with me after that show, so it felt like an important milestone. Then in November, my EP release concert sold out. Playing all the songs off my EP along with some meaningful covers to a roaring crowd of 300 people was special. Lastly, I got into my car late at night after a show and suddenly I heard my name on Rogers Country 106.7 as part of the Boomer’s Canadian club show. It was serendipitous that I would start my car and tune in just as Wendy Boomer played “The Good Fight.” I was exhausted from a busy weekend of shows and that lifted me up so much. It’s always exciting to hear your own music on the radio.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
I am a fan of lots of styles of music. I am into an incredible indigenous pop singer right now – Siibii (formerly known as Angel Baribeau). I recommend people listen to the song “YOY.”