Musician Amber T joins us on Close-Up Culture to chat about her background, her creative process, performing on live TV, and much more.
Amber T’s new single “Ripped Jeans” is out on 30th Sept – Ripped Jeans (ingrv.es)
Hi Amber, welcome to Close-Up Culture. First off, can you tell us about your background and your earliest memories of getting into music?
Hey!! Thanks for having me. I’ve grown up surrounded by music, even as a little toddler I was always dancing around making little routines, especially to “Lets Groove” by Earth Wind and Fire! I started properly getting into music when I was about 8, as I did my first open mic with a local singing company and since that day have continued gigging!
You have this amazing voice and indie pop sound that is clearly connecting with people. How did you form that style, and who are some of your biggest influences?
Thank you. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate more alternative acts but growing up I have always been strongly influenced by the 1975 and their style of not only music but also writing techniques. I admire their way of juxtaposing sad/emotional lyrics to quite upbeat and happy music and find that an awesome way of having meaningful songs that aren’t too sad to listen to!
Vocally I take inspiration from a hugeeee range of artists. I love Soul/RnB etc. and although I don’t create music of that kind, I do try and fit in techniques from that genre, as I can’t help but admire vocalists like Lauryn Hill, Giveon and a major influence in Conner Reeves, who I’m lucky enough to have vocal sessions with, which helps keep me at my very best on my vocals both live and in the studio. Alongside this I’ve always loved James Arthur’s vocals ,plus the likes of, Sam Fender, Frank Ocean and Paramore!
How do you approach the creative process and writing new songs?
I normally create a melodic piece either by creating a chord sequence on the piano or guitar. I sometimes take inspiration from first hand experiences or whatever I’ve been watching on Netflix! I like to create music that hopefully people can enjoy and relate to and that is normally in the back of my mind while writing.
You already have plenty experiences of performing live, including on television for CBBC. What was that experience like?
That experience was out of this world! It had always been a dream of mine to perform on live TV and to be able to do it for such an iconic show was such an experience and I was very greatful for the opportunity (hopefully I’ll be on there again). Despite having to be up at 5am, it was possibly one of my biggest highlights so far and – believe it or not – I actually enjoyed having to perform live, (as the show is broadcast live), so there was no room for mistakes.
What has been your favourite gig experience so far?
It’s hard to pick just one, but recently i was fortunate enough to be chosen to headline at the ampitheatre The Scoop by Tower Bridge London. It was such an amazing venue to play during the Summer and to have hundreds of people stay, watch and dance to my songs was so amazing. It was also such a wicked view, probably one of the best vistas I’ll ever get to perform in front of.
You have an incredible opportunity to support Lewis Maxwell at the O2 Academy in November. How excited are you for that show?
It’s my first 02 Academy show performing as opposed to watching, so I’m buzzing! I’ve already started preparing my set and I cannot wait to support another talented musician
What has been your proudest moment in music so far?
My proudest moment would probably have to be being recognised as a singer/songwriter by Sir Elton John. On his radio show he played my track and said ‘how brilliant is she’, to hear that from such a renowned figure in music and all his achievements over such an amazing career, didn’t really feel real and I don’t think I’m quite over that yet.
How do you like to spend your time away from creating music and performing?
Going out with my friends for drives. It’s become our little thing. We slap on our favourite songs and just drive with normally a cheeky drive through slipped in, haha!
How would you like to grow and evolve as an artist in the coming years?
I’d love to do more and more gigs explore more genres and develop my songs even more and keep recording.
What are your plans and ambitions for the future?
For the future I aim to do more and more gigs and continue to gain more exposure and fans, by doing so. I’d love to do the really big venues and especially the big festivals, that’s always been a huge dream for me, this Summer I played at some brilliant ones but I’m aiming for the really big ones in 2023. My main goal, moving forward, is to continue enjoying what I’m doing and build upon my current progress and get my music out to as many people as possible.
Amber T’s new single “Ripped Jeans” is out on 30th Sept – Ripped Jeans (ingrv.es)
Follow Amber T on Instagram – AMBER T❤️🔥 (@ambertitchener) • Instagram photos and videos