About Jake
Jake Amy is a highly sought-after keyboardist from Australia, renowned for their versatility and dynamic performances with a diverse range of both Australian and international artists. They have collaborated with ARIA Music Award winner Kaiit, gold-selling artist Wafia, and South Sudan's "King of Music," Gordon Koang. Originally from the regional town of Wonthaggi, Jake’s career has taken them around the globe, from performing in stadiums to audiences of over 30,000 to appearances on ABC's 'Spicks and Specks' and Channel 10’s 'Studio 10.'
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Jake has supported an impressive lineup of international music icons, including Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers, Thundercat, Cory Henry, Sampa The Great, Masego, Hiatus Kaiyote, Joy Crookes, Glass Beams, and Snoh Aalegra. They currently serve as the music director for Kaiit, Pania, and Emma Volard, and perform with Alexander Flood, Bumpy, CANISHA, Wilson Blackley, Malla, Erica Tucceri, Priscilla Stanley, and David Arden, among others.
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In addition to their performance career, Jake is a prolific writer, producer, and arranger, having contributed to works by Kaiit, V V Brown, Agung Mango, Pania, Kee’ahn, Felivand, Soli, and Kala Gare. A selection of their released works can be explored further here.
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Jake’s own project, the “Jake Amy Trio,” combines jazz influences with hip hop, house, and broken beat rhythms, offering a high-energy live experience characterised by infectious grooves and extended improvisational sections. Their innovative work with this ensemble has garnered multiple grants from Creative Victoria, Regional Arts Victoria, and The Piano Project. The trio was also selected as a Performance Fellow for the 2021 Dots + Loops program and has been featured on local radio stations such as RRR and PBS. Their debut album, Doom, was released in June 2023, with a follow-up scheduled for later this year under Amsterdam's Wicked Wax label.
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Jake holds a Bachelor of Music with a specialisation in Jazz Performance from Monash University and completed a jazz and improvisation summer course at New York University in 2018. In 2020, they founded Attaboi, a volunteer-led online magazine dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the Australian music scene. Attaboi quickly became known for its commitment to social justice, addressing issues such as systemic discrimination, Indigenous sovereignty, and gender equality. Through Attaboi, Jake has interviewed notable artists including Katie Noonan, Danielle Ponder, Greta Ray, Scott Tinkler, and DRMNGNOW.
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In 2021, Jake wrote an article titled "What Is Australian Jazz" for Dingo Australian Jazz Journal, featuring interviews with prominent jazz figures Tony Gould, Deline Briscoe, and Daniel Wilfred. Their subsequent article, “The Relevance of Tertiary Jazz Education,” was published in Dingo’s Edition 3 and included insights from Monash University and Jazz Music Institute. Both magazines are available at news agencies across Australia.
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Jake identifies as non-binary and queer, contributing to broader conversations about diversity and representation in the music industry.
Jake's musical journey began in the heart of regional Victoria, where their formative years were marked by the era of dial-up internet and the excitement of discovering new music on LimeWire. However, it was the late-night organ sessions played by their grandmother that truly ignited Jake’s passion for music. At the tender age of 5, Jake immersed themselves in the world of classical piano, demonstrating a natural talent that quickly caught the attention of some of Australia’s most esteemed classical pianists, including Michael Kieran-Harvey and Hoang Pham, who offered their encouragement and support.
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Jake’s fascination with sound engineering developed through a mentorship with the renowned sound engineer Brett Van Hoorn. Together, they worked on a wide range of productions, from local community events to large-scale festivals and theatrical performances. This hands-on experience, combined with Jake’s inherent musical talent, solidified their dedication to the craft. Their commitment was further recognized during their time at Newhaven College, where Jake earned a prestigious musical scholarship and completed their VCE studies. Following high school, Jake moved to Melbourne, eager to delve deeper into their musical education at the tertiary level.
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Throughout their career, Jake has attributed their deep passion for music to the influence of a remarkable network of mentors, friends, and family. Their great-grandmother, Gladys Burns, and father, Craig Amy, provided the early foundation for their love of music, while primary school music teacher Anne Tschiderer and first formal piano teacher Joyce Williams nurtured their early talents. Classical piano teacher Carmel Slater, bandleader Leigh Owens, and sound engineer Brett Van Hoorn further shaped Jake’s musical journey. Additionally, Marcus Satchell played a pivotal role in introducing Jake to the transformative sounds of Herbie Hancock and Donny Hathaway. Jake’s path has also been enriched by collaborations with a diverse array of musicians, including Elaine Epifano, Byron Scothern, Emma Volard, Jordan Pereira, Barney McAll, Em Schnall, and Sam Keevers, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Jake’s musical career.