“…deeply-introspective acoustic folk rock with lyrics that have that direct-from-the-diary quality, and gossamer vocals that effortlessly float and shimmer…” ~ The Santa Cruz Good Times

"...absolutely engaging, stunning..." ~ Peter Merrett, PBS107.6fm, Australia

Amanda has been singing since she was born, playing guitar for more than 14 years, and performing for over a decade. People have repeatedly noted that she has "the voice of an angel." To accompany her singing, Amanda occasionally plays the piano, banjo, and djembe, in addition to the guitar. Notable influences include Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, and Loreena McKennitt.

In February 2008, West released her debut full-length studio album, "The Way to the Water", offering 11 original tunes selected from the past decade of her songwriting. The Santa Cruz Good Times described the recording as "a bold examination, both outward and inward, that delves deep into such universal themes as trusting one's instincts in the face of expectations, the search for truth and satisfaction, and love's palpitations and travails. Sparse instrumentation, lush and intimate, focuses the attention on West's voice, gorgeous, selfless and emotive."

John Sandige of KPIG radio has remarked that Amanda writes "songs to think about", as she follows her musical exploration of the question: what does it mean to be human? The songwriter earned her Bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthropology, and spent her first years after college exploring manifestations of the human experience in Europe, Southeast Asia, Central America, and North Africa.

Amanda holds a firm belief in the power of music as an avenue to the experience of universal interconnectedness. She has played from The Mix in Seattle, to Ghengis Cohen in Los Angeles, packing the house at the Downtown Berkeley Music Festival in between. She regularly performs in and around the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas, and has been commissioned for work in film, and performances at weddings and other private events.