‘An Awesome Experience’

Amanda Shires recalls the 'Agnostic Hymns & Stoner Fables' sessions, tour

Todd Snider performs in Memphis at Levitt Shell in Overton Park on June 16, 2012, accompanied by Amanda Shires (left) and Paul Griffith (center). (Photo by Anita Webb)

By Daryl Sanders

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amanda Shires played violin and sang backing vocals on one of Todd Snider’s most celebrated albums, Agnostic Hymns & Stoner Fables, and her contributions were important ingredients in the album’s magical sonic mix.

After publishing the piece recognizing the anniversary of the release of that album, The Snider Files reached out to Shires to see if she would be willing to share her memories of her work on that record. Shires happily agreed, and our conversation, edited for length and clarity, appears below.