Ames was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but spent her most formative years in San Pedro Sula, Honduras living as a ‘missionary kid’ with her siblings and parents. While being raised in a fundamentalist Christian home, she came to the early realization that she was queer. “…The ‘dissonance’ between my identity and my environment has strongly influenced my music throughout my career.”
Ames began performing at four years old, competing in classical piano competitions around the state of Oklahoma. She also began singing in church, taking part in various praise and worship groups while accompanying herself on guitar. In 2004 Ames moved to Los Angeles and began her solo career as a singer-songwriter, performing shows around the country and opening for such artists as The Veronicas, Andy Grammar, and Gavin Rossdale.
After signing with Kobalt Music Publishing in 2015, Ames began co-writing with other artists like Kelly Clarkson, Rita Ora, Kali Uchis, AKON, Jason Mraz, and Chappell Roan. She’s worked alongside Grammy-Award-winning producers such as FINNEAS, Dan Nigro, and Patrick Carney of the Black Keys. Along with Molly Kate Kestner and Nick Ruth, Ames had cuts on Kelly Clarkson’s “Meaning of Life”, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2018.
Ames’ performances and songs can be heard in a multitude of TV/film placements including The Blacklist, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, The Equalizer, and Warrior Nun. She has also secured commercial campaigns with Samsung, Kleenex, Macy’s, ESPN, and Pringles.
As well as lecturing at the Herb Alpert School of Music, Ames also teaches songwriting at the Berklee Summer Sessions at the Colburn School of Music DTLA.
