In this episode of The Hang! host Scott Saldinger sits down with Analog Amara, one of the most dynamic new rock bands emerging from the Denver scene. Featuring Amanda Hawkins (vocals), Jim Wilcox (drums, formerly of Authority Zero and Record Thieves), and Max Power (guitarist and rocket scientist by day), Analog Amara has quickly carved a reputation for blending fragile beauty with explosive force. Their songs drift from shimmering ambience to riff-heavy catharsis, creating a sonic tension that mirrors the highs and lows of lived experience.
The Birth of Analog Amara
The band’s story began with Amanda and Max playing together in a cover band called Bar Chord Bangers. Their chemistry grew when they collaborated with Jim’s project Record Thieves. What started as Amanda bringing acoustic emo-inspired songs quickly evolved into a full creative partnership. Writing together felt natural and effortless, with egos set aside in favor of one central question: Does this song sound awesome?
Songwriting as Collaboration
Unlike many bands where one member dominates, Analog Amara thrives on shared creativity. Amanda contributes lyric-driven emotional intensity. Max provides technical guitar work influenced by both Tom DeLonge’s melodic instincts and Slash’s fiery solos. Jim anchors everything with his punk-shaped drumming and producer’s ear, ensuring each track has clarity and punch.
The process is simple yet effective: someone brings a song idea, the others finish it. Amanda’s acoustic sketches become layered rock epics. Max’s riffs inspire fuzzy shoegaze arrangements. Jim’s older demos, like Saving Grace, find new life with Amanda’s soaring melodies. Together, they shape dynamic songs that balance restraint with urgency.
Remote Recording Across States
Though Amanda and Jim are based in Colorado, Max now lives in Florida. The band embraces technology, using shared Logic Pro sessions via iCloud to record parts remotely. Despite being miles apart, they achieve a “live studio” warmth in their EP, avoiding the sterile feel that plagues many modern home recordings.
Analog Amara draws inspiration from across genres.
Amanda cites Paramore and Spiritbox for dynamics and lyrical honesty.
Max finds influence in Manchester Orchestra’s ability to swing from quiet vulnerability to explosive power.
Jim credits The Mars Volta for teaching him that music can be unpredictable, shifting from silence to chaos in a heartbeat.
Their collective influences also include Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins, Peter Gabriel, Bjork, Massive Attack, Portishead, Sneaker Pimps, Morchiba, Billy Talent, and ska/punk roots like Real Big Fish. The result is a sound that feels familiar yet entirely fresh.
Looking Ahead: Covers, Singles & Touring
Analog Amara isn’t standing still. With their debut EP released, they’re already preparing two new singles and a daring cover of a 1970s classic reimagined in a swinging 6/8 groove. Beyond studio work, the band is eager to bring their music to the stage. Amanda calls live performance her “happy place,” and the band is strategizing content creation, social media engagement, and eventually touring in the U.S. and Europe.
Rather than chasing hollow metrics, Analog Amara is focused on cultivating genuine fans. They’ve hired a UK-based PR team, recognizing that European audiences still embrace rock music at scale. Their goal is simple: connect with listeners authentically through songs, live shows, and creative online content.
When asked about dream studio partners: Amanda named producer Rick Rubin and songwriter Ryan Tedder. Max chose Aaron Barrett of Real Big Fish and Eminem, admiring his relentless work ethic. Jim picked Butch Vig, best known for producing Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins, wanting to study his creative process firsthand.
Fans of emo, shoegaze, alt-rock, and dynamic modern rock should take note: Analog Amara is a band you’ll want to follow closely.
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