LOGANSPORT — The new season of “American Idol” doesn’t kick off for a couple weeks, but Fox already is busy promoting the eighth season premiere of its hit series, set to air Jan. 13.

And season seven sensation Amanda Overmyer is wondering where the time has gone, sort of.

“It’s gone really fast, I can tell you that,” said Overmyer, known on the show as the rock-’n’-roll nurse. “I’ve been seeing commercials for the new season and wondering where the year has gone. But the majority of it has been spent finishing up my first album.”

By the time last year’s season finale was broadcast, she’d already recorded three of the album’s songs.

The name of her CD is “Solidify,” and its 12 tracks of original material were written and arranged by Overmyer. The name of the album comes from a remark she made while performing on the show. Overmyer said something about solidifying rock and roll, and fans ran with the remark.

“People were like, ‘Yeah, Amanda, solidify rock and roll,’” she said, so she figured it would be a good name for her first CD, which has been recorded on her own label, Chile Records.

Describing the CD as Southern rock, she said that she doesn’t have one favorite song.

“All of them are favorites because it was a bittersweet thing when I finished,” she said. “We worked so hard to get it done, and yet, when it was done, it was like, ‘What do I do with myself,’ because it was all I did for a year.

“I’ve been writing forever, but the opportunity never arose for me to record. I’ve got books and books full of material, and nobody’s ever heard it.”

That’ll change with “Solidify.” Although the CD won’t be on sale commercially until January, the music is available for purchase at amandaovermyer.com. She said her music also will be available soon on iTunes.

Overmyer is proud of the fact that she didn’t have to use any co-writers for the project.

“It was a grass-roots approach — financed by me, written by me, taken to L.A. where it was mixed and mastered ...” she said. “It was done the right way, no short cuts.

“The best part has been watching pieces I’ve had in my head come to fruition. It took a lot of people to put the album together. I had people who believed in the project and me ... and it’s been a really neat thing.”

Of course, Overmyer credits her “whole Idol experience” for giving her opportunities she might never have had if she hadn’t performed on the show.

“It’s given me the chance to do music as an occupation,” she said. “Of course, I’m not quite as big as I was in the limelight of the show, but it gave me a great platform to work from.”

In a year that has seen her complete her first album, Overmyer also had a chance to perform at Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. She considers the appearance a privilege.

“It was a lot of fun, a dream come true to play on the same stage as The Doors and Janis Joplin,” Overmyer said.

What set Overmyer apart from the typical Idol contestants was her refusal to compromise, remaining grounded and true to herself and her Southern rock-and-roll style. She was cut from the competition in March.

“My dad, CJ, always has been a grounded person ... you know, take it as it comes and don’t let it go to your head,” Overmyer said.

She said she considers music a gift to everyone.

“It’s a way of putting feelings and emotions out there that aren’t the easiest to say in speaking terms,” she said. “For me especially, it’s a gift to sing, and I’m thankful, thankful for the opportunity to do it. ... I want to do my best to share with people, do the best with what I’ve been given.”

Regardless of how well the CD does, Overmyer is pleased to be able to say she made her own recording. And, if the full-time gig as a singer doesn’t work out, she’s fine with that, too.

“As far as going back to the work force, there are things way worse,” said Overmyer, who has a nursing degree, adding that she’ll continue to perform no matter what.

“I’ve got a family that is supportive, loving and healthy. ... I’ve got close friends that aren’t replaceable. ... I can get money doing whatever.”



Want to go?

• What: Rock-’n’-roll nurse Amanda Overmyer in concert

• When: 7 p.m. Jan. 24

• Where: McHale Performing Arts Center in Logansport

• Tickets: $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Purchases may be made at the McHale box office, the Logansport Pharos-Tribune, Mix-102 and the downtown Logansport and Delphi branches of Security Federal. Tickets also are available by calling (574) 732-4100 or (574) 727-2525. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Cass County Special Olympics and Logansport Jaycees.