Matt Simons Debuts Powerful Video for "Amy’s Song"

(NEW YORK, NY, November 9, 2018): "Amy's Song," written by singer/songwriters Matt Simons and Amy Kuney (Ames) is inspired by Kuney's real-life experiences around being gay. The song meditates on the idea that love is love, no matter what.

The one-take video features Kuney along with 40 people from the LGBTQ+ community standing in solidarity (watch the video and read their stories at https://amyssong.com). The powerful, heartfelt voice of Matt Simons sings, "Does your God really give a damn / Does it make her less of a woman / Does it make him less of a man / Being who I am." All proceeds from the“Amy’s Song” music video will be donated to the U.N. Foundation in support of their equality-focused initiatives. 

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLwDnRoS_Lg

“Amy’s song is very special to me. It’s my story as a gay woman who grew up in a very conservative Christian environment where being gay was considered a ‘choice’ and an abomination,” said Kuney. “I know that thousands of others experience this, or similar struggles and I hope this song can offer comfort and hope to them. I also pray that the song raises a tough question for those who are so fearful and close minded that they can’t understand the love they condemn. 'Does their god really give a damn?' Matt Simons could have written a song about anything else on the day we met to collaborate, but he selflessly helped me write my own story and he’s using his voice and platform so that people will hear it. For that, I’m forever grateful,” said Kuney.

The compelling video shows members of the LGBTQ+ community holding up cardboard lyric signs over their their faces, capturing the conflict many confront when deciding between coming out and keeping their identities hidden. As the song progresses, faces appear, the couples no longer hide their love and participants become at peace with who they are. 

What makes "Amy’s Song" special for me is the beautiful group of people involved, says video director Kris Pouw. The notion of 41 individuals, each with their own story, coming together to share this important message of equality. The group of volunteers started small, but then quickly grew organically as everyone began sharing their stories and relevant connections. This project feels like a collective work of art and I’m very proud of it.

Simons, who has seen global success with 500 million streams to date, will embark on his 10-date North American tonight at Montreal's Bar le Ritz PDB with stops in Nashville, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition to hits like "Catch and Release," a No. 1 hit in Europe, and his latest singles "We Can Do Better" and "Made It Out Alright," the multi-platinum artist will also showcase new material from his forthcoming album on the cross-country trek.

MATT SIMONS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:

Friday, November 9th– Montréal, QC– Bar le Ritz PDB

Satruday, November 10th– Toronto, ON– Rivoli

Monday, November 12th– Boston, MA– Great Scott

Tuesday, November 13th– Philadelphia, PA– Boot & Saddle

Thursday, November 15th– New York, NY– The Mercury Lounge

Saturday, November 17th– Nashville, TN– The Basement

Sunday, November 18th– Chicago, IL– Subterranean

Tuesday, November 20th– Hollywood, CA– Hotel Cafe

Friday, November 23rd– San Francisco, CA– Brick & Mortar

Tuesday, November 27th–Portland, OR– Doug Fir Lounge

Giving Back:

All revenue from “Amy’s Song” music video will be donated to the United Nations Foundation to support equality-focused initiatives that advocate for the rights and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex people worldwide. 

More on Matt Simons: 

Matt Simons grew up in Palo Alto, Calif., studying classical piano, guitar, clarinet and saxophone, obsessed with jazz music and performance — a traditional training that shows in his classical song structures and hook-filled harmonies. After earning a degree in jazz saxophone performance from The Purchase College Conservatory, Simons released his debut album, “Pieces” independently and began playing shows in New York City and Europe.

His sound struck a chord overseas and he found himself with a rapidly growing fanbase in the Netherlands when his single "With You" was selected as the theme song as Dutch soap television series Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden and he appeared as a guest judge on the Dutch X-Factor. “With You” landed in the top 30 best-selling songs of 2013 in the Netherlands, outselling other hit singles, The Lumineers' “Ho Hey” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

Matt’s greatest commercial success was yet to come on his sophomore album Catch & Release. The title track, “Catch & Release” and its Deepend Remix became a runaway international smash, amassing over 200 million-plus Spotify streams and counting, while the remixed version soared to #1 on HypeMachine twice. Stateside, the single went Top 5 at AAA radio and Billboard pegged it as one of “Tomorrow’s Hits.” Globally, it clinched #1 in seven countries including France, Germany, Belgium and Spain, reaching platinum in Germany, Belgium, Holland and Switzerland, and gold certifications in Italy, Sweden, Brazil and South Africa. Sold-out tours and festival appearances followed, including Pinkpop and Frequency. 

More on Amy Kuney:

An Oklahoma native and the daughter of two Christian missionaries, Kuney began songwriting at age 14. She made her way to LA and carved out a path as a sought-after songwriter and touring artist, opening for artists such as Damien Rice and writing with the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Michelle Branch. Supported by AWAL and Mateo Sound, Amy will release new music this winter.