Andy Howells chats to singer/songwriter Amy Wadge ahead of her appearance at St David’s Hall next week with Pete Riley.

St David’s Hall’s Root’s Unearthed series continues next week when singer/songwriters Amy Wadge and Pete Riley come together for an evening of solo and collaborative material.

The pair have been entertaining UK audiences since recording their critically acclaimed debut album Worlds Apart a few years ago.

“Were very much in the alternative country genre,” Amy tells me as we discuss the forthcoming gig which will take place in St David’s Hall’s L3 lounge, “both Pete and I have solo EP's coming out on this tour so I think it will be a healthy balance of duo stuff and then Pete and I will do some of our solo songs so people can hear the new material.”

“We’re like two old gits who love music,” Amy continues with laughter in her voice, “It’s a real muso’s gig! Pete is exceptional on the guitar and for me it’s the joy of being up there with someone who plays like he plays. We just have a laugh and don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

Somerset born Amy’s own passion for music stems back to childhood. “My dad had music playing all the time so I grew up listening to early Elton John, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. That was the stuff I cut my teeth on and now I listen to everything you can possibly imagine from hip hop to country. I just love music full stop.”

Amy’s love of music has seen her present radio shows on BBC Radio Wales and more recently collaborating on several song writing projects with Ed Sheeran, Lewis Watson and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell to name but a few.

“That’s been the biggest part of my career in the last 3 or 4 years and that’s really taken off for me and I love it. It’s a totally different avenue that I didn't know I was going to go down. I get to work with some incredible artists and be part of their journey. Obviously my biggest break has been Ed Sheeran and we still write together, he’s the one who has kind of changed my life he will always be the one I love to write with. I love to work with youngsters who have got something to sing about.”

However, it is Amy the performer audiences will witness once again next week when she takes to the stage. Among the material to be performed will be songs from her new performing material from her new EP: “I never write anything for myself anymore and at Christmas I thought I’m going to do something. I’ve recorded it, produced it and written it and its called Recovery. I’m excited to put stuff back out again.”

Catch Roots Unearthed: Amy Wadge and Pete Riley at St David’s Hall L3 Lounge on March 18 call 029 2087 8444 or visit stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk for details.