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Amanda launches Libre in the USA with new video featuring Kellylee Evans!
For her 4th album Libre Amanda Martinez called on her good friend and Canadian Juno award winning singer Kellylee Evans to collaborate.
“We had been speaking over the years about writing a song together and when I was in the process of creating Libre I called Kellylee to see if she would be interested. The next thing I knew I was on a train to Ottawa to meet her and make it happen. I remember chatting for a long time before we got down to coming up with a melody but it all ended up being part of the process as our conversation led to the lyrics. “Libérame” means free me and it speaks about freeing ourselves from fear. Often that fear is self imposed and can often come from how we think others are judging us.” explains Amanda
The two singers met in 2006 at Global Divas, an annual concert in support of St Stephens Community Centre put together by Grammy winning musician Jane Bunnett and former Executive Director of St Stephens Liane Regendanz. “We had both just put out our debut albums and were getting to know the musical community in Toronto. I remember being so blown away that Kellylee was doing all she was doing with 3 kids in tow. I never imagined I would be calling her for advice when I became a mom of 3 having had twins 6 years later”
The video was shot all in one day during the pandemic down in Ottawa at Origin Community and Arts Centre, wearing masks between shots. “I was lucky to have been funded by FACTOR for this video and we had a deadline so everyone came together to make it happen.”
The music was produced by Amanda’s longtime guitarist Kevin Laliberté and features her band- Alexander Brown (trumpet), her husband Drew Birston (bass), Rosendo “Chendy” Leon (percussion) and Osvaldo Rodriguez on violin. The video was produced and directed by Jake Roels and Adrienne McLaren
Says Kellylee “What an absolute dream to work with Amanda on this project. She’s a dynamo! Each step of the process represented growth in some way for me. I learnt so much about creativity, collaboration, perseverance and the strength of the human spirit”
Amanda agrees. “I am proud of this song and grateful for the friendship and experience behind it.” She says she has been inspired by her friend who over the years has overcome so many challenges and faced each one with determination and grace. “ For me the song represents picking yourself up again and not being afraid to reach out to one another for support.”
