Fall “In Love” with Amy Gore & Her Valentines

By: Toni Cunningham | January 23, 2013
In the D placeholder image

Amy Gore is no stranger to the music scene. The Detroit native has been churning out tunes since she founded her first band, the Gore Gore Girls, in 1997.

As the singer, songwriter and guitarist of an all-girl garage rock band, Gore helped pave the way for female musicians alike. The band recorded three studio albums between 2000 and 2007 and found success on Michigan’s radio waves.

Since her debut over 15 years ago, Gore has toured in 17 countries, rubbed elbows with celebs like Tura Satana, and formed two additional bands. In 2008, she and Nikki Corvette released an album under the moniker Gorvette. Today, she fronts her first solo project, Amy Gore & Her Valentines.

The Valentines are made up of Leann Banks (bass, vocals), Joe Leone (drums) and a rotating guitarist, a position currently filled by Brett Lucas.

This is how you Traverse Michigan. With cutting edge technology, tons of cargo space, and advanced safety features, Chevy Traverse is your key to unlocking the mitten state.

The project happened accidentally when Gore signed up for the Metro Times Blowout festival in early 2011. The band, originally named Amy Gore and the Squires, was assembled just for the show and had no expectations of going beyond that performance.

“It was as if everyone in the room knew something special was happening… I couldn’t ask for better band mates, so we decided to move forward,” Gore said.

The band’s sound has been described as “powerful garage rock with power pop touches,” all of which can be heard on Gore’s debut album, “In Love.” Gore is “beyond grateful” for anyone who listens to her music, and loves interacting with fellow music lovers. Her passion is evident, and it’s obvious the band has a good time on stage.

“Playing music makes me feel like nothing else: complete, alive and connected… I love the feeling of my hands on the strings. I like feeling the pain in my fingers after I’ve played a lot. It satisfies me. The energy between my band and I and a full house is overwhelming. It’s spiritual. It’s magic,” Gore said.

Gore draws from personal experience when it comes to songwriting, for example, the tune “I’m Addicted,” which she penned about her one true love—coffee.

“Mostly this album is about love and relationships. You know, the stuff that tortures you,” Gore said. “I find the best way to deal with emotions is to write. It’s like the songs come out of my subconscious; everything kind of stays inside until it comes out in a song.”

Gore finds inspiration from all the people, places and things surrounding her, as well as blues musicians like Chuck Berry and Eddie Cochran.

“Great things come out of adversity. The most inspirational things are difficult situations and times,” Gore said. “Life is hard. I write songs about it!”

As a seasoned veteran of the music scene, Gore knows what it takes to make it in the industry.

“Figure out what your motivation is for playing music. Be honest,” Gore said. “What do you want to achieve with it? How do you want to live your life? If you just want to be famous, make a sex tape.”

To listen to Amy Gore & Her Valentines, visit the band’s website at www.thisisamygore.com.

RELATED STORIES