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Analog Amara is a Colorado band led by vocalist Amanda Hawkins, joined by Jim Wilcox (ex-Authority Zero) and Max Powers. Their sound combines soulful, vulnerable verses with soaring, anthemic choruses and lush shoegaze textures. Get to know them, below:
“A rocket scientist, American Idol alum, and former Atlantic Records drummer walk into a room and make one of the most honest rock debuts of the year!” So, who is who? And how many times has the rocket scientist used the line “well, actually…” in an online argument?
Jim: I don’t think we’ve ever actually gotten into an argument, per se. The three of us have great chemistry and always focus on what’s best for the music. That said, if anyone says “well actually” the most, it’s probably me — occupational hazard of being the producer! We push each other constantly to get the best take, the best mix, the best everything.
Max: Well, actually, I’m an engineer. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. But yeah, that’s basically the day job. Though if I find myself in an online argument with someone, I’ve made poor life decisions!
Amanda: I did Idol in 2007, and it was a wild ride. You know when they say, “When one door closes, another one opens?” I believe in that wholeheartedly. When I left Hollywood week on Idol, I went back to Colorado, and that kicked off an amazing journey making music that I love, with some of the coolest people. Jim and Max included. And I stay out of it when they start talking about theory and plugins. It’s a perfect balance.
What are the origins of the band? How long have Analog Amara been playing together?
Jim: We’ve been working together for about two years now. I met Max and Amanda when I tracked a few songs for another project they were working on. The chemistry in the studio was instant, and it just felt easy from day one.
Amanda: Yeah, I sent Max one of my solo acoustic songs to mess around with, and he came back with this really heavy version of it. It totally flipped the mood, and I loved it. They constantly bring my little acoustic songs to life.
Max: It was supposed to be a one-and-done thing, but we had such a good time working together that we just kept going. One song turned into five, and before we knew it, we were a band.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Analog Amara?
Jim: At this point, we are working on our discovery of our sound. We have all said that we like the idea of a heavy female-fronted rock act with a taste of alternative and a sprinkle of emo, but this is just the beginning — stay tuned…
Max: We talk about what kind of sound and songs we want to write a lot. While I’m excited to see how our sound evolves, it’ll always be driven by large contrasts — sonically, emotionally, rhythmically. I really like songs that can cover a lot of range. Amanda’s voice is so good it really pulls it all together across those changes.
Amanda: I think Analog brings a certain emotion to our music. We all have been in the industry for a long ass time. And now we are making music that moves us. We hope the audience feels the same vibe.
‘Slowly Falling Apart’ is your debut EP, set for release in November. What was the gestation period like?
Jim: We honestly didn’t work super long on this record. Amanda had a few acoustic songs already done that Max and I turned into heavy rock tunes, and then Max and I both had a song of our own that we fleshed out with Amanda.
Amanda: We all brought in ideas and helped each other expand on them. I think only one song started completely from scratch. The rest were things we’d been sitting on and finally got to develop together. It felt really collaborative — no ego.
‘Is It All’ is edging ahead as the standout moment on the EP. What can you tell us about this one?
Amanda: I wrote the bones to “Is It All” after having my first daughter. I always loved that 6/8 Paramore type feel, and I just picked up my guitar after mom-ing for months, and it came out in one sentence. I sent it to Max YEARS later, and the guys chipped away at it. When they played it back to me, I almost cried! To be honest, I never thought that song would leave my home office. [laughs]
Max: Well, actually, the song is in D minor, but the solo starts in D Dorian. Obviously, that’s what people want to hear about.
Jim: This one even live just feels amazing. It was the first one we worked on together, and it really helped us see the potential as to what this band could be. It will always have a special place in my heart for that.
Listening back to the completed EP for the first time, what moment gave you the biggest goosebumps?
Jim: For me, those moments usually happen during demos. That first playback when something hits — when you know it’s going to be amazing — that’s where I get goosebumps.
Max: Goosebumps don’t lie. When I heard the first rough cut of As Good As You, I got the tingles.
Amanda: For me, it was So Far Away. This was another song that the guys rebuilt out of an idea I had. We wrote the chorus together, and it completely shifted the song for me. I couldn’t wait to play that one live.
Which band do you feel Analog Amara would be best suited to open for right now?
Jim: If we could convince Amy to put Evanescence together for a live show, that would be perfect if you ask me.
Amanda: Spiritbox would be amazing. I love that balance of heavy guitars with melodic, emotional vocals. Runner-up would definitely be Paramore. Coheed would be a dream.
Max: Alestorm. 100%.
Amanda: Don’t you mean Halestorm?
Max: I stand by my answer.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Max: Our PR manager, Rob, pointed me towards As December Falls. I’ve been listening to them in heavy rotation lately. They’ve got a song where the hook is about crying on the bathroom floor, and my daughter loves it. It’s adorable to watch her sing along.
Jim: My other band, Record Thieves. Yeah, I’m selfish like that. [laughs]
Amanda: I’ve been really into Winona Fighter lately. They have a following, but I hope they blow the fuck up. They are a super-talented trio. I also just found Buffalo Farm on TikTok and they are really dope. Locally, I’m a big fan of Jim’s other band, Record Thieves. My friend Nick is in Light in the Sky, and I really love their sound too.
What frustrates you about the music business?
Jim: Spotify.
Max: I love how the barrier to distribute music is so much lower than it’s ever been, but AI music scares me. While it’s funny to hear an Eminem song get mashed up into a ’50s jazz style, I worry the industry will just manufacture entire artists for the masses.
Jim: Spotify.
Amanda: I just wish authenticity mattered more than algorithms. It feels like sometimes the best songs don’t rise to the top — just the most optimized ones. I know all artists say this, but it’s really hard to stay in a creative space when you have to keep pushing content out.
Jim: Spotify.
What are your first musical memories? And what was your lightbulb moment that made you say, “I want to do that”?
Jim: A friend handed me a pair of drumsticks and said, “Even if you suck, it’s fun!” I picked them up, made some noise, and somehow it just clicked. Five years later, I was signing a deal with Atlantic Records.
Max: Okay, my first musical memory was my mom taking me to an Alabama concert at the York County Fairgrounds — York, Pennsylvania, not England. It was awful. I hated country music, and I was surrounded by middle-aged women, who weren’t exactly York County’s finest, screaming “We want Alabama!” But I’ll never forget going to a friend’s house in 8th grade and hearing “The Brews” by NOFX. By no means is that a song that’ll make anyone’s Top 100 list, but it was so obnoxious, and the guitars were so fuzzy and overdriven — it blew my mind. That’s when I knew I wanted to play loud music.
Amanda: I grew up in a household where music was always playing. My parents would meet up with friends monthly, and they would all play music and hang together. Just being in the environment taught me a lot. I started training at age 11 and competed in contests year-round. Being on a huge stage and losing myself in the training and performance made me instantly addicted to creating and being on stage.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Jim: Nine Inch Nails. Still one of the best live shows you can see.
Max: Deftones — and Record Thieves, of course.
Amanda: I just went to the Warped Tour in Long Beach and got to relive my teen years. Couldn’t mosh or crowd surf like I used to, but damn it was fun. Seeing Sublime (w/ Bradley’s son), Four Years Strong, Ice T, and all the elder-emo bands I love was incredible.
What current social issues are you particularly passionate about?
Jim: We’re artists in the U.S.A…. pick one.
Max: I’ll pick one… I.C.E. It’s the most fucked up shit I’ve seen in my life. It’s not so much that our government has created it — which is fucked up — but that people sign up for it. Like they saw the ad for I.C.E. and were like, “Yeah, that sounds like a fun and rewarding opportunity that will in no way backfire in the future or have me face any consequences with my friends and family.” Like, WTF? Who does that and lives with themselves?
Amanda: Mental health & addiction, especially for creatives. So many musicians deal with burnout or anxiety trying to keep up with social media and expectations. I think being open about that helps people feel less alone. And yes, FUCK I.C.E. I’m so heartbroken with the climate in our country right now.
What album in your collection would surprise people the most?
Jim: Kiev – Falling Bough Wisdom Teeth. It’s way more experimental and textured than what people expect from me.
Max: The Dead Milkmen – Big Lizard in My Backyard. Don’t ask me why. It just reminds me of being a dumb, goofy kid.
Amanda: Maybe all the old school hip hop. And I jam a lot of country these days. [laughs] Sierra Ferrell is a BAD B*TCH.
Everybody is a fan of something. Who or what are you a fan of?
Jim: Golf, I got obsessed with it a few years back and play as often as I can these days. It’s such a challenge against yourself, and I think that’s why I like it the most.
Amanda: I’m a fan of human connection through music. Empathy. Being kind in a not-so-soft world. And Mexican food. Could eat it every day!
Max: I’m pulling a random one here, but Kitboga. His whole schtick cracks me up when he gets scammers to lose their minds.
What new music have you been enjoying this year?
Jim: There’s a band I record at my studio called Public Piccasso, and I’ve really loved hearing what they are doing. Two young brothers just starting their music journey, and it’s great to see them grow.
Amanda: I’m really into Julia Wolfe’s new music. She is a dope songwriter. I’m really late on the Bring Me to the Horizon train, but I saw them recently and they are incredible. Amyl and the Sniffers has been on repeat lately. Tobe Nwigwe is a vibe as well.
Max: Analog Amara obviously.
What does 2026 hold for Analog Amara?
Max: New music, new shows, more social media engagement. But I’m looking forward to pushing ourselves musically and sonically going forward.
Amanda: We already have some new music on deck. We have some shows coming up, and we hope you all can come see us play this shit out. Keep an eye out for deets!
Jim: Agree with Amanda. I want to start playing live as much as we can and getting more music out there.
How active are you on social media, and where can people connect with you?
Amanda: You can find us mostly on Instagram (Instagram/AnalogAmara), but we have some fun with TikTok as well (TikTok/Analog Amara). For your readers, follow us and send us a message. We’d love to have you as a fan.
Photo Credit: Carnefix Photography
