Amy Lee of Evanescence: 'I could happily do an entire album of nothing but Portishead covers'

Amy Lee, the iconic lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning rock band Evanescence, has revealed a profound admiration for the pioneering trip-hop group Portishead, going so far as to state she "could happily do an entire album of nothing but Portishead covers." This strong inclination stems from her deep respect for Portishead's vocalist, Beth Gibbons, whom Lee identifies as one of her "greatest vocal and musical inspirations." Lee's formative years in the 1990s were significantly shaped by the dark, cool, and distinct sound of trip-hop artists like Portishead and Massive Attack. She particularly admires Gibbons's vocal delivery, describing it as "teetering on an emotional crack, on the edge of wild, barely restrained emotion but never belting," a quality Lee found "so cool and enticing." This artistic connection highlights a significant influence on Lee's own expressive vocal style within Evanescence's signature blend of gothic rock and alternative metal.

Lee's reflections also delved into the enduring legacy of Evanescence's breakout hit, "Bring Me to Life." Written when she was just 19 years old, the song carries significant personal weight. Lee disclosed that the lyrics were partly a cathartic process for her to navigate and overcome an "abusive relationship." The song served as a powerful internal dialogue, prompting self-reflection and a resolve to "pick yourself up." While acknowledging a youthful crush on her now-husband as a backdrop, the overarching theme, Lee explained, is a "quest for something bigger" – an exploration of opening one's heart and finding greater emotional depth. Performing this deeply personal anthem now, especially in "huge places," is an "empowering" experience for Lee, who expresses immense pride in the resilience and creativity of her 19-year-old self.

Evanescence, formed in 1995, has achieved global success with their unique sound, often characterized by Lee's powerful vocals and the band's dramatic, symphonic rock arrangements. The band's debut album, *Fallen* (2003), which featured "Bring Me to Life," achieved multi-platinum status and earned them a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Lee's openness about her influences, including specific Portishead tracks like "Glory Box" and "It's a Fire," underscores a thoughtful engagement with musical heritage and a desire to honor artists who have shaped her artistic identity. Beyond musical inspirations, the interview also touched upon broader industry issues such as "sexualisation in show business" and the often unpredictable, humorous "Spinal Tap moments" that punctuate life on tour, providing a comprehensive look at Lee's enduring career and artistic perspective.