Amy Sky

Singer-Songwriter, Mental Health Advocate

Amy Sky tells her remarkable life story and relays her advocacy and activism for mental health issues in Alive and Awake, which is the first part of a three-phase project that will also include a book and a one-woman show. Sky's lyrics have always come from a keen observation of the human condition, and she brings this focus to her speaking engagements. She talks about music as a healing agent, discusses how to understand and cope with mood disorders and mood hygiene, and points us to a fuller understanding of mental health.

Classically trained with a Music Theory and Composition Degree from the University of Toronto, Sky writes for herself and others. She has penned songs for everyone from Diana Ross to Anne Murray to Cyndi Lauper to Heart. Since 2005, she has produced and co-written four CDs for Olivia Newton-John, teaming up with guest artists such as Patti Labelle, Michael McDonald, Jon Secada and David Foster.

As both writer and performer, Sky has been nominated for Juno, Socan, East Coast, West Coast Canadian Independent Music, and American Songwriting awards. The themes of family, spirituality, and relationships highlight Sky's interest in and commitment to personal growth. Amy also volunteers her time to a wide variety of causes, including championing artists' rights, for which she was awarded the first ever CRIA Applause award.

Her interest in and research into these areas has led to a natural evolution into the role of spokesperson for women's health issues. In addition to her role as host of The Baby Hour (on Rogers TV), Sky has spoken out extensively on her own experience with post-partum depression. In 2006, she was awarded the CAMH Courage to Come Back award, and in 2009, she was honoured with the Mood Disorders Association Hero/Inspiration Award, for her commitment to helping remove the stigma from mental health issues.