Amy Studt Parts Ways with 19 Recordings

Photo by Andy Fallon (via MySpace)

I was sad to read that Amy Studt, a favorite British pop star of mine since I first heard her second single "Misfit," (off her fabulous 2003 album False Smiles) has parted ways with her management and record label (19 Recordings) and will be venturing out into the world as a free entity. According to Amy on her MySpace blog:

Photo by Andy Fallon (via MySpace)

"It just came down to them not being the right company for me and it being the right time to part ways. They have been wonderful to me over the last 10 years I have been with them and I wish them all the very best."

This isn't the first time Amy has been dropped by a major label. In 2004, Polydor dropped her after her album and latter single failed to match the success of her first couple singles).

Photo by Andy Fallon (via MySpace)

I guess things seemed to be heading in this direction, when her most recent album, My Paper Made Men (released digitally May 5, 2008 & physically March 2, 2009) and subsequent 3 singles failed to impact the British Charts. Frankly, I was surprised when the label decided to release the album in physical form to begin with, given that "Furniture" and "Chasing The Light" failed to chart at all.


I bought the album digitally on 7Digital (back before international licensing issues halted that from happening) and would love to get my hands on a physical copy. It's definitely a departure from the poppy sound that comprised False Smiles. Darker, more lyrically & melodically complex, I wouldn't necessarily describe it as a fun album (though I love the dance remixes that were done for third single, "Nice Boys").

Scott Archibald photography for Who's Jack Magazine, via MySpace

What I like about this album is that it shows us who Amy Studt is as an artist, songwriter, etc. I love when artists take risks and show their true selves. While Amy probably would have sold more records had she gone the pop route again, she didn't want to compromise her artistry. Unfortunately, it's a risk that didn't pay off in the long run.

Photograph by Kate Sullivan (via MySpace)

What's next for Amy? According to her blog, she's taking part Sony Erickson/Vodaphone Inside Tracks project, where you can follow her and a few other artists as they go out eating, shopping and partying around London.

Additionally, Amy is off to New York next week with her guitarist Connor McDonald and his band mate from Napoleon. She's also aiming to hit up LA for some songwriting, time permitting. Best of luck Amy. You're a true talent.

Check out Amy Studt on the web: Official Site/Official Forum/MySpace/YouTube/Bebo/Facebook