They say dynamite comes in small packages and this is definitely true when it comes to Glencairn singer and songwriter, Amy Tjasink.
At the tender age of 23, Amy is a go-getter and will be launching her debut extended playlist (EP) titled Average Jane, next week.
However, there is nothing average about Amy.
She started writing songs at the age of 15 using her father, Brian’s antique guitar after her cousin taught her a few cords at a family braai.
And to date, she has funded her work as well as the launch of her EP by working as a music co-ordinator on a cruise ship.
She returned home from a three and a half month work trip last week.
“Working on a cruise ship is not easy. I work 10 hours a day without a break but it helps me to realise my dream and I get to see the world,” she said.
She initially wanted to follow in the footsteps of her mom, Beverley and become an accountant but soon realised that she was a natural at playing the guitar and sing- ing.
“I surprised myself. It came very naturally to me and I developed the skill really quickly. I would always play sad cords and sing about school crushes,” she said laughing.
After school Amy’s passion for her music led her to the Campus of Performing Arts (COPA) in Cape Town where she studied music.
When speaking about the release of her EP next week, her eyes glimmer.
She explains that the purpose of releasing an EP rather than a CD is to get noticed.
Speaking to her father Brian, it is clear that Amy – an only child – is the apple of his eye. “I would always sing her lullabies when she was little and she would pull at the guitar strings while I was playing,” he said.
His guitar, a collector’s item, is about 60 years old and although Amy owns her own guitar, she only uses his guitar to write on.
“I am very proud of her and support her all the way. I am her unofficial sound man,” Brian said laughing.
Amy encompasses folk-country and pop style music with a unique vocal twist.
Her launch will take place on Monday August 8 at the Suikerbossie Restaurant in Hout Bay. For more information about the launch, email Melissa melissa@ redcarpetconcepts.co.za or call her on 021 422 0961.
