Amanda Somerville is an American singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and producer known for her powerful voice and significant contributions to symphonic metal, rock, and progressive music. With an extensive career spanning collaborations with bands like Epica, Avantasia, Kamelot, and Trillium, she has made a lasting impact on the music industry. Her versatility as a vocalist, her work behind the scenes as a vocal coach, and her own solo projects have made her a respected figure in the metal and rock communities.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Amanda Somerville’s biography, age, career, net worth, height, and more!
Personal Details of Amanda Somerville
| Full Name | Amanda Somerville |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 7, 1979 |
| Age | 45 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Flushing, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Vocal Coach, Producer |
| Years Active | 1997–Present |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | Around 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Sander Gommans (m. 2013) |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-3 million (as of 2024) |
Early Life and Background
Amanda Somerville was born on March 7, 1979, in Flushing, Michigan, USA. She developed a passion for music at an early age and began singing and writing songs as a teenager. With a strong foundation in classical music and songwriting, she pursued a career in the music industry, moving to Europe, where she found her niche in the symphonic and progressive metal scene.
Her musical influences include a mix of rock, pop, jazz, blues, and classical music, which helped shape her unique vocal style and ability to adapt to different genres.
Career Journey
Early Music Career & Move to Europe
Amanda Somerville’s journey in the music industry started in the late 1990s. She initially focused on singer-songwriter material, drawing from pop, rock, and folk influences. However, she later moved to Germany, where she became immersed in the European metal scene.
One of her earliest major roles was as a vocal coach and collaborator for Dutch symphonic metal bands. She worked extensively with bands like Epica and After Forever, helping develop their vocal styles and even providing backing and guest vocals on multiple albums.
Vocal Coaching and Songwriting
Aside from performing, Amanda Somerville gained recognition as a vocal coach and songwriter. She helped train metal vocalists, including Simone Simons (Epica) and Floor Jansen (Nightwish, ex-After Forever). Her expertise in vocal techniques, harmonies, and arrangements allowed her to contribute to various projects as both a singer and coach.
Some of her notable collaborations in this period include:
- Epica – Provided backing vocals and helped with vocal arrangements on several albums.
- After Forever – Worked closely with the band as a vocal coach and guest vocalist.
- Avantasia – Contributed vocals to Tobias Sammet’s rock opera project.
- Kamelot – Provided guest vocals for multiple albums, including The Black Halo and Ghost Opera.
Solo Career & Trillium
In addition to her collaborations, Amanda Somerville pursued a solo career. She released her first solo album, In the Beginning There Was… in 2000, showcasing her songwriting abilities and vocal range.
Her solo work blended rock, pop, and folk elements, displaying a different side of her musical style compared to the metal collaborations she was known for.
However, in 2011, she launched her own metal project, Trillium, which combined symphonic, progressive, and hard rock influences. The debut album, Alloy, was well-received, and she continued to work on Trillium while maintaining her other musical endeavors.
The Kiske/Somerville Project
Another major highlight of Amanda Somerville’s career was her collaboration with former Helloween singer Michael Kiske. The Kiske/Somerville project was a melodic rock and metal duo that released two albums:
- Kiske/Somerville (2010)
- City of Heroes (2015)
These albums featured powerful duets between Kiske and Somerville, blending soaring melodies, harmonies, and a mix of hard rock and symphonic metal. Their chemistry as vocalists was widely praised, and the project gained a loyal fanbase.
Avantasia and Other Collaborations
Amanda Somerville has been a frequent collaborator with Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia, the well-known rock opera project. She has contributed vocals to several albums and has been part of multiple world tours with the group.
Her ability to sing in various vocal styles, from classical to rock and metal, made her an invaluable addition to the project.
Other notable collaborations include work with:
- Edguy
- Timo Tolkki’s Avalon
- HDK
- Aina (Metal Opera Project)
Her reputation as a go-to vocalist for rock and metal projects solidified her position in the industry.
Recent Years & Current Projects
In recent years, Amanda Somerville has balanced her professional and personal life, focusing on her family while continuing to create music. She remains active in the metal community, appearing as a guest vocalist and performer.
Her band Trillium is expected to release new material, and she continues to be involved in various collaborations.
Personal Life
Amanda Somerville married Sander Gommans, the former guitarist of After Forever, in 2013. The couple has two children and resides in the Netherlands. Their shared passion for music has led to collaborations on various projects.
Outside of music, Amanda is known for her love of travel, nature, and family life. She is also an advocate for vocal health and often shares insights on vocal techniques and performance tips.
Amanda Somerville’s Net Worth
Amanda Somerville’s estimated net worth as of 2024 is between $1 million and $3 million. Her income comes from:
- Album sales and streaming revenue.
- Touring with bands like Avantasia and Trillium.
- Songwriting and vocal coaching.
- Guest vocal performances on various projects.
Her ability to sustain a successful career in the competitive metal and rock industries showcases her talent and business acumen.
Lesser-Known Facts About Amanda Somerville
- She started as a pop/rock artist – Before moving to metal, she focused on singer-songwriter material.
- Worked with some of metal’s biggest names – Including Epica, Kamelot, Avantasia, and Helloween’s Michael Kiske.
- Fluent in multiple languages – Due to her time in Europe, she speaks German and Dutch in addition to English.
- Trained many top female metal vocalists – Including Simone Simons and Floor Jansen.
- She has a degree in psychology – Showing her diverse range of interests beyond music.
Final Thoughts
Amanda Somerville is one of the most respected vocalists in the symphonic metal and rock world. Her ability to adapt to different styles, her vocal coaching expertise, and her dedication to music have made her a key figure in the industry.
From working with legendary metal bands to launching her own projects like Trillium and Kiske/Somerville, she has proven her talent and versatility time and again. With an ever-growing legacy, Amanda Somerville remains a beloved figure in the rock and metal community.