On Thursday night, an all new episode of 7th Floor West premieres! Last time, the building security guy drew a line in the sand when he said that only one - either Jimmy or Miles - could be fire warden. While we're waiting to find out what will happen, let's take a moment to talk about how awesome the music is on 7FW. Have you ever noticed how perfect the songs are for it? All the songs are written and performed by recording artist Amy Miles. You may have seen Amy hosting her own PBS Kids show, Lomax, the Hound of Music, and performing in Amy Poehler's web series Smart Girls at The Party. While she's not writing her own music, she's crafting original songs for 7FW. She was gracious enough to take a break from her busy schedule to chat with us about what it's like writing songs for the most intense reality show on television. But first, head on over to our 7FW music page to stream some of her songs and read the brilliantly angsty lyrics. Okay, now. All about Amy:
LNwJF: What sort of music do you do when you're not writing for 7th Floor West?
AM: I've made 3 records. My latest record, King of Girls, was released June 1st on iTunes and my other 2 are on there as well. I'm a southern girl who's obsessed with Prince, but basically I write pop music.
LNwJF: Were/are you a fan of The Hills? Does that help inspire the music?
AM: I am a fan of all reality tv. Awkward weird real people. It's a trainwreck and I can't look away. It definitely informs the songs. They are much more earnest and sappy then my own music.
LNwJF: What's your process for writing these songs? Do you work with the writers on the show? Do you write based off what's in the script?
AM: I work closely with Amy Ozols, who writes all the 7FW scripts. She always has a vibe in mind for each episode and we go back and forth till it's just right. The script is very important for coming up with lyrics; I try to sing what Jimmy and Miles are saying in a dramatic poetic way. Then my partner Mike Robertson and I flesh it out musically and get the production to sound authentic and radio ready.
LNwJF: What are the key elements to a good 7th Floor West / reality show soundtrack song?
AM: Melodrama for sure. A big desperate chorus. Cowbell.
LNwJF: What's your favorite reality show, and why?
AM: Celebrity Rehab. It makes me feel better about myself.
LNwJF: Team Jimmy or Team Miles?
AM: I'll go with Miles, there must be something in his past that makes him what he is. Jimmy might just be pretending that he's the good guy. I find Miles' anger mysterious.
LNwJF: Last year you came to Late Night and performed the theme song live on our show. What was that experience like?
AM: Incredible. Are you kidding? The Roots backed me up! Such great talented guys. I loved every minute of it.
Check out Amy's music and other projects at her site, buy her new album, and listen to all her 7FW music here! A new song from Thursday's episode will be posted on Friday - stay tuuuuned.
