LIFE HAPPENS was produced and released in Amanda's first year of motherhood. It is a compilation EP of sorts, pulled together from various unfinished musical projects and recordings in a recognition of, and offering that, "life happens", and sometimes when you simply give what you have, beauty is born. This rich, multi-textured album offers five tracks in a delightful cross-section of the variety of music Amanda can create, supported by the skilled engineering of her multi-instrumentalist partner, Pete Solomon. "So Does Love" and "Anyone Could Do It Better" set a new standard for their studio work together, in levels of production and polish. Both "The Summer You Were Born" and "Habit" have since been made into visually and emotionally stunning music videos."Before Electricity" offers a quirky and surprising commentary on modern world conveniences, using the recorded drone of an electric toothbrush. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM THE LINER NOTES... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Songs can be written anywhere - while washing the dishes, between gigs, folding laundry or changing diapers. But making a record takes a certain kind of time that I guess we haven't found much of in the last few years. I never expected these songs to be on an album together, but here they are, offering the vulnerability and strength of honesty: this is where we are now, this is what we have. Life happens, and here it is!" ~ with love & song, Amanda May 2013, Felton, CA ---------------------- Heartfelt Thanks: to all the musicians, to everyone we've met on our travels these last five years and everyone who believes in our music; to Syd for the photos, to Shivani for above and beyond; to baby Solas for rockin' our world; and to You, the most wonderful listener ~ may these songs bring you connection and joy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ released June 1, 2013 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AMANDA WEST vocals, harmonies & guitar PETE SOLOMON soprano saxophone, piano, percussion, harmonies, electric appliances BABY SOLAS fetal heartbeat & one month gurgles (track 1) MATT BOHN upright bass (track 2) BILLY KEMP banjo (track 2) PETER YOUNG upright bass (track 3) DANIEL VEE LEWIS electric bass (track 4) MIKE SHANNON drums (track 4) Recorded at Bear Creek Studios, Bonny Doon, CA & Grandview Studios, Felton, CA between the Springs of 2011 and 2013 Recorded, mixed and mastered by Pete Produced by Pete Solomon & Amanda West All songs written by Amanda between fall 2007 and 2012 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~