Amanda Earhart is a visionary artist, vocal producer and founder who is transforming the music industry with a focus on love, authenticity and groundbreaking sound. With over 27 years of experience, she’s worked alongside industry legends while mentoring emerging talent and spearheading projects that challenge conventional norms. Earhart’s mission is to create an “Empire of Hope” that elevates culture, awakens hearts and drives lasting impact through music.
How did you get started?
Unlike some kids who grew up on the lake, I grew up on stage. While others were into sports, I was always training or performing somewhere—every single day. Whether it was dance class, acting, vocal lessons, rehearsals or shows, I lived and breathed it. By age 11, I was winning “overall” awards and was quickly “put to work”—they must’ve thought I was ready, and within a couple years, I was vocal-producing shows and arranging vocals. My younger brother joined professionally at age seven (he grew up watching me and started singing at three—cutest boy in the world, by the way!).
As I reflect on those years and where I am today, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—thankful to be alive and to have walked out this musical life so far. My dad built us a home studio and we began recording at a young age. I would lay down all the vocal parts for each singer. At age 12, I recorded my first cassette album—self-titled Mandy. I recorded a lot of gospel music, covering artists like Amy Grant and Crystal Lewis, with songs like “Amazing Grace,” “This Little Light” and classics like “Lean On Me.” A custom arrangement of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is still a favorite I perform today.
At 14, I began writing songs in a piano-based songwriting class after finishing my classical training. When my vocal coach retired at 16, I kept singing professionally. As my voice matured, I started experimenting—fearlessly covering big songs by Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan and Celine Dion. I had always sung every genre—pop, gospel, country, R&B, funk and soul—everything except rap and opera. I covered Christina Aguilera and MJ in high school talent shows (complete with backup dancers, lol).
After high school, I chose the University of North Texas for vocal performance and jazz studies. I knew I didn’t want to study opera and musical theatre in college, even though I had once dreamed of Broadway—and even played the lead in The Secret Garden at Lyric Theatre at age 11 (which, at the time, was a dream come true).
At 19, I began working with a celebrity vocal coach who lit a fire in me and gave me the language for what I was beginning to explore in my voice, allowing me to start mastering it. I became obsessed with the technique, applying it in college and in the field. By my second year, I landed a gig as the lead singer of a 12-piece high-end party band, performing at weddings and private events. After two years of college, I stepped into the field full-time, learning more through real-world experience. Those seven years leading the band helped me truly hone my craft, playing up to four nights a week in nightclubs (yes, underage) and private parties.
Three years later, that same coach asked me to become his associate teacher. I laughed at first—I didn’t think I could teach. But when I finally said yes and quit my other (non-music) jobs, everything changed. That was 2007. I went full time into music—teaching and performing—and eventually had as many as 80 students between Dallas and Oklahoma City.
Artist development and A&R came naturally to me. I started taking singers into the studio to write, record and produce music, connecting them with the right producers and engineers to help them grow. A mentor, a respected entertainment attorney, once told me, ‘Amanda, do you realize you’re running a record label? It reminds me of Motown.’ I hadn’t realized it at the time. I was just filling a need—with heart and passion—and began seeing the potential in the artists I worked with, often before they believed in themselves.
I got my start in music through lessons, performance and songwriting, which led to studio sessions, vocal production and mentoring. My education came not only through private training but through decades of hands-on experience, collaborations with industry giants and spiritual growth.
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
Yes, I knew from a very young age that music was my purpose. I grew up in a musical family and started piano lessons at the age of three. I began vocal lessons at seven, started performing and competing by nine, and landed my first paid summer gig at twelve. That’s when I knew—this was what I was born to do. It was the moment I said yes to my purpose, though I wouldn’t understand the depth of that yes until much later in life. Over time, I’ve come to realize it’s not just what I do—it’s who I am. I’d say, the head Maestro has pursued me. What began as a childhood dream has become a sacred space where I express truth, unlock healing and spark something eternal. Music has never just been a career. It’s always been a calling.
What are your most recent successes / placements / accomplishments / projects and or career highlights?
When it comes to success, my definition has evolved. I’ve had incredible collaborations—working with Grammy-winning producers—but my greatest successes go far beyond those moments.
Seven years ago, my life changed through a spiritual awakening born out of a place of deep pain. In a moment of surrender, I encountered a love that shifted everything—a divine romance with my Creator that brought joy unspeakable and opened the door to a supernatural life I’d never known.
Five years ago, I faced what many might call a near-death experience after almost being taken out by Covid. I couldn’t move. I didn’t know if I’d wake up the next day. But in that stillness, I encountered something profound—rest. “Be still and know that I am God” are some of the words that kept me and brought me back to life. I began to see just how deeply connected our bodies, minds and spirits are—and how that connection transforms us as artists and creatives.
After a life-saving brain echo treatment and two years of physical recovery, I stepped back on stage. Now, I’m singing better—and more effortlessly—than ever before. It’s true restoration.
This journey taught me that success isn’t something to chase. True success is discovering who you are on the inside. It’s not about striving to become who you “should” be, but awakening to the truth of who you already are. That revelation has become the foundation of everything I do.
I’ve had the honor of working with incredible artists—alumni from “The Voice,” “American Idol” and most recently, OK3, a local pop trio. Training them from the ground up and witnessing their reunion on “The Voice” was a deeply meaningful full-circle moment.
One of my recent highlights was being part of the New Year’s Eve Eve show with the Oklahoma Opry as part of their Brick-by-Brick Capital Campaign. Sharing the stage with artists I’ve mentored over the past 16 years made it a celebration on every level. Since returning from California, I’ve developed a newfound love for Oklahoma that I didn’t have growing up. For me, success is also when you know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be, fully aware of your purpose in being there.
And then—this week—something wild happened. Three years ago, during my post-Covid recovery, the first part of this hook fell out of my mouth during a top-line session with a friend. We finished the chorus and two verses, and months later, on a whim, I decided to record the demo. As I recorded it, I wondered who the song was for—and in my heart, I heard Katy Perry. During the session, the end of the song seemed to fall from the sky. Fast forward to this week: Katy launched into space—just days after I was asked to do this feature. The song we wrote is called Beyond the Sky… and she went there. Watching her flight while listening back to the song left me speechless. It became a reality—for her, for me, and for anyone brave enough to rise. Dreams—and songs—do come true. Right on time.
What many may not know is that I’ve been developing multi-disciplinary collaborations in dance, visual art and music over the past several years. The work I’m doing now surpasses anything I’ve done before. It’s no longer about chasing traditional success—it’s about creating in real time, transforming lives, finding true artistic freedom and doing work that carries eternal impact.
These are the moments I cherish most. And as I look ahead—especially for Oklahoma—my heart is full. The future is incredibly bright.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store or recording studio?
There are some amazing spots here in Oklahoma—and I believe even more are on the horizon as the local music scene continues to grow.
One of the most exciting venues rising in visibility right now is the Oklahoma Ranch. With the largest dance floor in the state, along with top-tier lighting and sound, it’s quickly becoming one of the most impressive spaces for live music in town. My brother, Kyle Earhart, serves as the entertainment director, and our family has long supported the Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma—so it’s been meaningful to watch these threads of our story intertwine. With recent high-profile moments, like hosting Blake Shelton’s upcoming reality show, “The Road” (premiering this fall), it’s clear the Ranch is poised to become a major destination for touring artists.
Another favorite of mine is The SoundBar in Automobile Alley. It’s primarily a vinyl listening lounge that also offers select records and vintage audio gear. I love the atmosphere—it’s intimate and thoughtfully designed for serious music lovers. The sound system is stunning. I’ve cried more than once just taking in the richness of a record there. It’s one of the most immersive and moving ways I’ve ever experienced music.
Networking and connecting with others who share your dream or vision is a vital aspect to the music industry. Can you share which Oklahoma organizations (if any) have contributed to your success and are there Oklahoma organization you would recommend other connect with? To help further their craft or promotion?
There are a few organizations that have been instrumental in my journey, and one stepping into a bold new season is the Oklahoma Opry. I grew up in that space—cutting my teeth as a child on live performances with a full band, surrounded by a community committed to developing artists. To this day, I continue to support and believe in their mission. Their initiatives—like artist development, Guitars for Vets and the Granville School of Music, which offers free or reduced-cost lessons to those who qualify, are making a real impact. I’ve had the joy of contributing on the artist development side and working directly with some of the Granville students.
I’d also mention is the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO). Although the program didn’t exist when I was in college, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a few classes there, and several of my mentees have gone on to attend—and even teach—at ACM.
For those looking to grow their skills, I recommend my Find Your Voice Effortlessly™ program—a holistic vocal training journey for all levels: bit.ly/findyourvoiceeffortlessly.
For booking live shows, creativexchange.io is a new platform recently launched in Oklahoma that connects artists—whether emerging or touring professionals—with venues. You can create a free profile, set your own rate, and get matched with performance opportunities. Creative Exchange also provided live music for the inaugural Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner this year, marking an exciting moment where music was welcomed into the broader conversation around tourism and hospitality in our state.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has an unmatched spirit—rich with authenticity, a strong sense of community and incredible talent. The low cost of living, combined with access to world-class producers, engineers and musicians, makes it an ideal home base for a globally-minded, heart-driven music collective like what we’re building.
What I love most about being based here is the support, the heart and the genuine sense of family. Some of the most gifted and creative people I know have come from Oklahoma. Many of them have been hidden for a while, but I believe this is the season where voices are rising. There’s a sound—a sound of the heartland—that Oklahoma has always carried in its heart, and it’s bursting at the seems to be released. We’re seeing artists step into their calling in powerful ways.
Oklahoma is full of potential and brimming with innovation. The creative fire here is undeniable, and I truly believe that what’s about to come out of Oklahoma will change the world. It’s a great time to be an artist in this state. The ground is fertile, the people are passionate, and the future is wide open.
Favorite quote (if applicable) and why?
“Your time for departure has arrived. Take flight.” This recent word I received marked a divine shift in how I move forward. It’s more than just a quote; it’s a commissioning. It grounded me in trust, launched me in faith and reminded me that what I’m building is more than music—it’s destiny.
Psalm 42:1 reflects the heart of the initiatives around HART: “As the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God.” This longing for something deeper drives everything we do, blending artistic excellence with personal growth and fostering spaces where creativity thrives.
What are you working on now or next?
I’m currently working on a joint venture that brings together visionary partners to transform the music industry. This initiative is about creating an empowering, boundary-breaking ecosystem for artists—where freedom, creativity and authenticity are the driving forces. It’s a space where artists can rise to their fullest potential, free from the limiting structures of the past.
At the same time, I’m preparing to share my personal story through my artistic endeavors. The work I’ve been creating comes from the sacred and transformative spaces of my life. Beyond personal expression, it’s meant to ignite souls, spark change and radiate light, love and true freedom—making an impact that transcends space and time.
Where can people keep up with you and your work?
Instagram: @amandaearhart
Facebook: Amanda Earhart Music
Email: amanda@hartrecords.com
Spotify/Apple Music/Amazon: Search “Amanda Earhart”
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
