Nashville: Amanada Kate & Riley Braker

Roger the Wild Child Show

On this episode of Roger the Wild Child Show: Nashville edition, we are joined by singer/songwriter’s Amanda Kate and Riley Braker!

AMANDA KATE

Born in a no-stop-light-town in Red River, NM, Amanda Kate Ferris grew up equally inspired by her small-town upbringing and her mother, Kathy Wright, an artist and entertainer herself. As one of the original “Dean Martin Golddiggers” on the 1960’s TV show, 18-year-old Kathy often collaborated with The Rat Pack's crooners, embracing the era's glamour. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, and young Amanda was singing as early as two years old. Inspired by her mother’s tales of performing on the stage and screen, she developed her own voice in the church. Amanda added songwriting to her repertoire at age 14, looking again to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a full-time musician and artist. During her mother’s long sets at Honky Tonks between California, New Mexico, and Texas, Amanda fell in love with the music of The Judds, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, Leanne Womack, and Brooks & Dunn, all of which heavily influenced her current sound.

Her love of Country music led her to chase her dreams in Nashville. Over the next few years, she went through multiple groups, opportunities, and countless hours spent on her craft in Music City. On the brink of letting these long sought-after dreams go, Amanda decided that she needed a change of pace and settled in with her family. After she and her husband welcomed their first child, Amanda was back on stage, this time performing Carrie Underwood songs in a national touring cover band, Blown Away. Their incredible renditions of Underwood’s hits led to an unsolicited and highly coveted spot on Executive Producer Jimmy Fallon’s new show for E!, “Clash of the Cover Bands.” Through Underwood’s iconic songs, Amanda was able to fulfill her love of entertaining and singing, but she felt a calling to again create her own original music.

The show was a full circle moment for Ferris, appearing on the same network that gave her mother her start over 50 years ago. Off-screen, this allowed Amanda the opportunity to highlight her new original music, simultaneously releasing her self-titled EP to rave reviews, including editorial placement on Spotify’s Texas Country Now, the largest Red Dirt Playlist. In early 2022, Ferris’ love for traditional Country sparked the interest of renowned producer Jimmy Ritchey (Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt), with whom she recorded five new tracks reminiscent of the traditional country stylings of Ferris’ favorites from the 90s. Look out this fall for “Baby Don’t,” Ferris’ debut on Texas radio. “Baby Don’t” honors her Texas Country roots and showcases her captivating vocals. This lead single will be followed by an EP in early 2023 to reflect upon her western influences and love of Country music history. A cowgirl at heart, she spends any free time riding her horses with her family at Rockin R Ranch in Palmer, TX. On the road, Amanda has graced the stage with such acts as Tracey Lawrence, Bailey Zimmerman, Deana Carter, Warren Zeiders, Chase Rice, Priscilla Block, Casey Donahew, Josh Abbott Band, and more.

RILEY BRAKER

Riley is a gifted singer-songwriter, with a voice tailor made to tell her heartfelt stories of life as a young adult. She crafts her tales of love, woe, and regret, and infuses her characters with so much life, the listener feels as if they are experiencing the events first handy