Meet Ami Baker | Singer-Songwriter, Worship Leader, Wife & Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ami Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ami, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Happiness is an interesting concept. I used to think that a lot of things would make me happy, things that could be bought. However, I’ve learned through the years that these things that we think “if I can just get ___, then I’ll be happy,” never truly give us the happiness that we crave. I’ve found that I am the happiest when I am laughing and spending time with the people who love me, creating music that I am passionate about, and most importantly- my happiness ultimately comes from my faith in Christ. I wouldn’t be where I am today, or even alive for that matter, if it weren’t by the grace of God. Through all of my ups and downs with mental illness, physical illnesses, traumas, and hardships, God has sustained me and been the anchor through the many storms. True happiness is rooted in Him alone. And out of that all encompassing foundation of Jesus, He has given me all other forms of happiness- my family, my friends, my love for music and songwriting, and my day to day mundane life with all of the beautiful things that I have to be thankful for. I firmly believe that happiness is a concept that can be summarized with one word: contentment. Contentment is gratitude in whatever situation we are facing, good or bad, because our ultimate joy comes from Christ and the hope we have in Him. Contentment is choosing to be thankful for the life we have been given, because the truth is that we always have something to be thankful for, and this life isn’t forever- but the next one is. When we can master our contentment, we have true happiness. Despite my physical crippling chronic illness, depressive and anxious tendencies, and many other difficulties I face day to day, I can confidently say that I am truly happy. For my happiness is grounded in Christ.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a 28 year old singer songwriter, my art has varied over the years. I’ve written songs in almost every genre, depending on my mood or whatever was going on in my life. When I was 12, I was writing songs about wanting to be a teenager.
When I was in high school, I was writing songs centered around depression, love songs, break up songs, and angsty teen things.
When I was a new wife and mother, I was writing songs about postpartum depression and songs in search of hope.
Once I was healed from that depression, I started writing more songs about Jesus saving me from my depression and brokenness. I started to write a lot of worship music during that time.
Then a couple years ago when I was diagnosed with chronic illness, (then was later hospitalized from it,) I wrote a plethora of songs about the ups and downs of that.
In fact, I’m still writing music concerning my PTSD and ongoing battles with my health. At the same time, I’m still writing music about the goodness of God, as He has sustained me through it all.
Writing lyrics for me is writing in a diary. It’s a diary where the pages are public to the world, which can feel really vulnerable sometimes. However, as a songwriter, I think it’s important to share our songs with the world, because they often contain things that people relate to, reminding them that they aren’t alone in their struggles. I have a heart for people who feel alone, unheard, or not good enough. I feel like God has designed me to care for people like that since I also used to feel that way. But the fact of the matter is, we aren’t alone in this world. I hope that my music can share that truth and light with everyone who needs to hear it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Virginia has some perks. We are right next to gorgeous beaches, while also being near the breathtaking mountains. I live about 30 minutes away from historic Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, so there’s a lot to do. One of my favorite things that I like to do is go to Busch Gardens. My daughter and I will spend hours and hours each week during the Summer at Water Country USA, and then Spring and Fall (and Winter sometimes too) we love walking around the Busch Gardens amusement park, riding roller coasters and other attractions.
My favorite local spots to eat recently have been Doodles Donuts, and Sweet Tooth Cafe in Gloucester Courthouse. Even though I love love love Starbucks, I also really love supporting small business. Kelsick Specialty Market is another amazing local small business in Gloucester Courthouse that offers specialty wines, beers, and food.
Another wonderful place that one should visit when in the area is the Virginia Zoo. They have beautiful and humane exhibits, and my personal favorite part- seeing the giraffes and shopping at the gift shop.
Honestly, when visiting Virginia, there’s a lot that you can do! Just make sure you have good people with you to enjoy it all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thankfully I have had so much support for my music throughout the years. Ultimately my parents have helped me every step of my journey in the music industry, from the time I began around age 12, up to even now at 28. My dad attends every gig, running sound and doing set-up, which is a ton of work! My mom helps me by babysitting most of the time, as well as taking pictures for social media sometimes, and overall being my songwriting’s biggest fan. My husband also helps me by taking pictures, as well as being the best supporter and helpmate I could ever ask for. He keeps me grounded when I’m overthinking the numbers and helps me to stay confident in my pursuit of my music dreams. My best friend, Gabby, has also pushed me to continue when I’ve wanted to give up, and has been there for me through the darkest moments of my mental & physical health, continuing to encourage me day after day- in regular life and in music. Truthfully, all of my family (grandparents, in laws, siblings, aunts and uncles, etc…) has been wonderful and supportive by coming to my shows and encouraging me through the many ups and downs of my career. Throughout the years, the few bands that I have had the opportunity to sing with, as well as a few specific leaders from worship teams, have taken me to new heights with my talents, furthering my abilities by pushing me out of my comfort zone, bettering myself each day. They would challenge me to sing songs in high keys with large ranges, challenge me to perform with my guitar regularly and perfect my instrumentation, and ultimately encourage me, telling me that I was capable to do all of these things. They believed more in my abilities than I did. I have nothing but gratitude for these individuals, and I can’t imagine how different my life would be without them.

Website: https://linktr.ee/AmiBaker

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ami_baker_music

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiBaker1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmiBakerMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3LM2B5zekR1OzyPV-MIsA

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/19KOkmFuFUWsNi7M0uBQmf?si=1VHHjH5pRgaxGc-6L29jdg&nd=1&dlsi=8e9fa276aab740aa