Music Spotlight and 2X Texas radio chart-topping artist Amanda Kate Ferris has released her sophomore album, Rope the Wind, and it is available now.
Produced by Jimmy Ritchey, the 10-track project features songs by numerous acclaimed writers and artists, including GRAMMY-winners Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, and Lori McKenna, as well as ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson and others.
The title track, “Rope the Wind,” was co-written by Music Spotlight artist Jenna Paulette. The album also features a personal track penned solely by Ferris, “Build a Life, ” which highlights memories’ value over material things.
When I saw the unequaled list of songwriters who helped create this album, I knew it would be a cut above the average country record. With Ferris’ stellar vocals, it was as good as anticipated.
She stated, “When I think of the writers that trusted me and honestly that I just feel so privileged, it shocks me sometimes. I grew up I grew up in an era of country music where I would look at the back of those CD pamphlets. When I would get a CD, I would read who wrote those songs.”
Ferris has always been a fan of the McKenna, and it was a “pinch me” moment to have two of her songs, “When I Think About You” and “Baby Don’t,” featured on the record. Carolyn Mobley from her team helped Ferris pick out 90s country-type songs that perfectly matched her singing style.
Last year, several of the songs from the new album were featured on Ferris’ Pedal Steel EP, including Wilson’s “Tequila and Jesus” and my favorite, “Pedal Steel,” co-written by her good friend Autumn McIntyre. Like many in country music, Ferris spent equal time singing in church and bars. “Tequila and Jesus” acknowledges that fact.
Producer and songwriter Ross Copperman helped pen the song “In This Town,” which pays tribute to the city of Nashville and how you can lose yourself in it if you aren’t careful.
Ferris said, “This is such a good theme song for country music and for all of us out here trying to fight for people to just let us play country music how we think country music should be played.”
Jenee Fleenor joined Ferris for the traditional-sounding country song “Are You a Real Cowboy?” The purposeful overuse of the steel guitar makes the playful Western song sound like music from an earlier decade.
Another popular song with her fans is “Baby Don’t,” which implores the guy not to go there unless he means it. “I just love the sassy female songs,” Ferris said.
Ben Goldsmith, Emily Landis, and Paulette wrote the song “Rope the Wind,” which alludes to trying to have a relationship with a wandering soul. When Paulette, who was raised most of her life on a ranch, writes songs, she often pulls real-life experience as a cowgirl.
When Ferris heard “Rope the Wind,” she knew she wanted to cut the song, and it ultimately became the perfect title for the full-length album.
Ferris stated, “The song opens with the lyrics mentioning ‘a West Texas tornado,’ something I’ve felt the power and intensity of, and I loved the comparison of a wild love with the instability of the Texas weather. It’s a reminder that some things, like the wind, can’t be tamed or tied down. I hope this song will resonate with anyone who’s ever tried to hold onto the uncatchable.”
Rope the Wind is a culmination of years of hard work and deserved success for the independent artist. Since the start of 2024, Ferris has scored two No. 1 songs on Texas Country Radio, “Tequila & Jesus,” and her duet with Chad Cooke Band, “Same Place Twice.” She was named New Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2024 Texas Regional Radio Music Awards and the Top Charting Female Texas Country Artist of 2023 on Texas Radio. Her song “Pedal Steel” also reached the Top 5 on Texas Country Radio.
If you live in the Nashville area, you can see Ferris play songs from her album live on August 22 at The Local or on Monday, August 26th at Whiskey Jam in Dierk’s Bentley’s Whiskey Row.
You can follow Amanda Kate Ferris on her website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
