[Editor’s note: On September 16, Kingston, Ontario-based rockers The Meringues released their sophomore album Pavlova’s Dog. Over the course of the album’s 37 minute run time, the quartet create a delightable blend of post-punk, power pop, alt-rock and new-wave sounds pleasing to one’s ears. The band’s charm comes from the dynamic trade off of lead vocals by members Amanda Pants and Ted Evans as well as a rock solid rhythm section of Jackson Baird on bass and Alastair Morrison on drums. The band recorded the album at multiple locations, including Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Todd’s Place in Harrowsmith, and Fake Cake Lodge in Kingston.
Says Amanda Pants via press release, “For this album we wanted to take the time to go deeper with some of the songs. Really thinking about the things we wanted to say, we poured our thoughts, insecurities, emotions, and vulnerabilities into every lyric and melody. We gave ourselves the freedom to be raw and honest, to confront our innermost fears and doubts, and to embrace our quirks and imperfections.”
Today, we’re excited to share an exclusive essay from Pants in which she describes her journey becoming a musician and finding confidence in herself.]
I grew up surrounded by music, but it wasn’t until my late teens and early twenties that I began to explore becoming a musician myself. Looking back, it seems odd that I didn’t dive in sooner, given my upbringing. My single mom, a musician herself, sang and played keyboard in local rock bands. Family time meant gathering in the living room, lights out, candles lit, listening to Pink Floyd on repeat. My mom would explain why David Gilmour was better than Roger Waters, while I watched candles dance to the music. She can still sing a wicked version of White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane, too.
My mom had a strong dislike for country music, which I found ironic since her friends were musicians in a country folk band called The City Slickers. We’d watch them play every weekend, and it made me want to be a country singer at one point. But my mom’s disdain for country music was evident when she paid a cover band $100 not to play “Achy Breaky Heart” at a gig. She yelled from the audience, “I’ll give you each $20 if you don’t play it!” The band agreed, and she handed each member their reward. It was a bold move, especially since she didn’t make a lot of money as a single mom.
As I grew older, my interests shifted to pop-punk and heavier genres. I dabbled in guitar, learning simple tabs online, but stopped when I didn’t know how to improve. The idea of being a country singer faded too. MuchMusic and MTV introduced me to new genres, and I found myself drawn to punk rock and metal. Venturing out to local shows, I met like-minded people, and we’d jam together at a place we lovingly dubbed The Chemical Dump, a forgotten brownfield near Kingston’s downtown core that was technically off-limits to the public. But that didn’t stop us. We’d gather there, have big bonfires, and play music as loud as our hearts desired, at all hours of the day. It was our own secret world, where music was our rebellion and our freedom.
I didn’t join my first band until 19, busking with friends and eventually recording music. We
played more street corners than venues, but I learned a lot. Meeting Ted, co-singer and guitarist in The Meringues, led to forming a band I was ready to take seriously. I began taking songwriting seriously, too.
Being part of The Meringues has been a game-changer for me. Having trusted band members who are also close friends has given me the courage to continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone. They’ve encouraged me to take my stage persona to the next level, supporting my wildest ideas and offering a safe space to experiment. They’ve taught me how to let go on stage, to surrender to the music and the moment. It’s a feeling I never thought I’d achieve, but with them by my side, I’ve learned to embrace it. We’ve developed a chemistry that goes beyond just playing music together – we’ve created a space where we can grow, take risks, and explore new heights together. With every performance, I’m learning to own the moment, to trust myself and my music.
I often wonder, what makes a musician? Is there a special threshold to cross from amateur to professional? I think it’s about doing it with intention, passion, and commitment – making music and owning it. Imposter syndrome is real, and thinking I wasn’t a real musician held me back for a long time. But I’ve come to realize that everyone has their own opinion, and it’s about embracing your passion and creativity. So, if you’re hesitant to pick up an instrument or join a band, remember: don’t let age and inexperience hold you back. The music scene needs your unique voice and perspective. It’s not about being the best; it’s about making music that matters to you. Call yourself a musician, and own it.
Amanda Pants
Contributor
Amanda Pants is one of two lead singers in The Meringues. She was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, and lived in a handful of cities across the province growing up. Now settled in Kingston, she enjoys making art and music, and taking to the road with the Meringues.
