In 2011/2012 I have been busy cleaning out the clutter of my songwriting hoard. Heavily influenced from 7 years living in the UK, my songwriting style has moved through folk, alt.country, indie pop and twee pop to arrive at a mashup of styles, featuring synth and homemade percussion elements alongside traditional acoustic sounds such as ukulele. I pay particular attention to crafting great melodies and catchy hooks. Stephin Merrit from the Magnetic Fields has had a profound influence on my lyrical and songwriting abilities, plus other great artists and bands such as Eels, Grandaddy, Kathryn Williams, Architecture in Helsinki, Patrick Wolf and Bachelorette. Through songwriting, I offer an insight into my own personal experiences, thoughts and ideas, from comic references to everyday situations, to musings on life and its mishaps: 'I'll compliment your dancing/but there wont be romancing' (Too Drunk To Kiss) 'Microwave meals are your style/I look depressed in the health food aisle' (Safeway Parking Lot) 'The doctor knows you will die/if you dont let love lie/what remains, when youre free?A saccharine eulogy' (Broken Down Dumping Ground) My EP trilogy 'Spare Parts' features a mix of synth and acoustic instruments on jump-around pop songs, smooth alt. country/folk and glitchy synth ballads, recorded in my home studio in Melbourne and produced by Colin Huggins (Ergo Alt). The first instalment - 'Spare Parts I: Alternator' (released June 2012) is a synthified knock-up of four songs I've been playing around with in the last few years. It represents the change in direction I have been seeking, an exciting newness from which my own style is emerging. I am very fortunate to work with Colin Huggins, a talented musician and producer, who has helped me shape this EP and produce something I am truly proud of. I hope you enjoy it. "Amy expertly uses the tingly, jangly effusive sound of varied instruments like guitar, ukulele, and the undeniable British indie, twee-pop and alt country/folk setting of Casio keyboards, drums and effects" - Heidi Everett LYRICS Hill’s Hoist On my hill’s hoist, in the pouring rain I’m hanging it up to dry, but it just gets wet again On my hill’s hoist, in the pouring rain I’m hanging it up to dry, but it just gets wet again Oh, I tried - But I’m just fighting a losing battle (and) My advice - If it doesn’t work, then find something bettera Kid’s sports, in the pouring rain I’m going to the back of the line, so I don’t have to bat again Took a wrong turn, now I’m on the freeway I’m heading to the Chandler bottleneck, I will be here all day Oh, I tried - But I’m just fighting a losing battle (and) My advice - If it doesn’t work, then find something bettera On my hill’s hoist, in the pouring rain Peg me up, swing me round Dump me on the ground Oh, I tried - But I’m just fighting a losing battle (and) My advice - If it doesn’t work, then find something bettera Oh, I tried - But I’m just fighting a losing battle (and) My advice - If it doesn’t work, then find something bettera Thankyou very much, I might just take your advice. Too Drunk To Kiss I love what you’ve done with the place Matching curtains and commendable Feng Shui Greet me in a suit, and a glass of champagne It’s my lucky day, today Do you recall back in the days when we were wild We had a dog, a fine replacement for a child Am I a fool or has the drink gone to my head? I thought we were dead I’m too drunk to kiss, but I’d be happy to talk all night I’ll be sober at first light I’ll complement you’re dancing, but there won’t be romancing ‘Cause I’m too drunk to kiss, is that alright? This situation is perplexing, at best You crawlin’ back to me, I never would have guessed This drink is rocket fuel, it puts hair on your chest But I will stay dressed I’m too drunk to kiss, but I’d be happy to talk all night I’ll be sober at first light I’ll complement you’re dancing, but there won’t be romancing ‘Cause I’m too drunk to kiss, is that alright? You think I’m yours, what an assumption I’m just a victim of excessive consumption Broken Down Dumping Ground Broken down, dumping ground Not a scratch, not a sound All you hear, the sound of tears Miseries invade your ears Service life, read: unknown Expiry date: a month ago Maximum holes, rusty shell It’s your own, private hell Broken down, dumping ground You’ve been here, before now Now you’re back – impossible Someone call the hospital The doctor knows you will die If you don’t let love lie What remains, when you’re free? A saccharine eulogy. Safeway Parking Lot I met you in the parking lot You’re wearing crocs but your jeans are so hot Are you comfortable in your own skin? I need a ten-tonne truck to get me in It’s all happening, at the Safeway parking lot It’s all happening, at the Safeway parking lot Microwave meals are your style I look depressed in the health food aisle Through the checkout, out the double doors You throw a picnic rug on the concrete floor It’s all happening, at the Safeway parking lot It’s all happening, at the Safeway parking lot I’ve never had a hunch like this I’ve never had lunch like this Ooh, you’re crazy, ooh, I’m a sucker for you baby Now for the grandiose – you’re taking off all of your clothes Ooh, you’ve burst my bubble I’m getting outta here and outta trouble It’s all happening, at the Safeway parking lot