Amber Renee
Interview conducted on August 22, 2022
By Dan Locke
RnB/Pop artist Amber Renee has been making heat waves and is not stopping anytime soon. A singer/songwriter and dancer born and raised in California, Renee is inspired by many artists before her time; she has created an innovative sound as she incorporates fresh, edgy lyrics, and catchy hooks, which are evident on her newest release, “Here We Go Again.” The song came out on July 1, 2022 and already has over 17.5k streams on Spotify. Issuewire raves, her “songs will never be passé for this generation because her sound will always catch every bit of someone’s attention”. According to Amber, “Here We Go Again” is about the same boring ways of how guys approach a woman. The song is basically a guide on what a man needs to do when pursuing a woman and not repeat the same actions over and over again, hence here we go again.” The multi-talented artist came out swinging with her impressive EP Unfold; the lead single “Never Drink Again” featured Grammy award-winning artist T-Pain, and her previous single “Through to You” reached over 100,000 views on YouTube in the first few days alone.
What was your up bring like?
I was always a busy kid. I was in a lot of different sports. From gymnastics to track to basketball, I did not have much time for anything else apart from going to school and being with my family.
How did you discover music?
My mom used to sing and make music and that is what initially inspired me to want to do the same thing. I remember watching music videos and seeing live performances and thinking I want to do that too.
How did you start to write music?
I started writing around 9 years old. I had a journal that I used to write in and once I learned that lyrics are only words with a melody to them, I began to say whatever I felt I needed to say to different instrumentals.
Describe your music.
I would describe my music as relatable. The things I have sung about pertain to many different types of relationships, but the common theme is about having confidence in yourself.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I am associated with BMI.
What makes a good songwriter?
I would say someone that portrays a clear message that is appealing to the ear.
How was it singing the National Anthem in LA?
I was nervous performing the National Anthem at the Dodger’s Stadium. That was the biggest crowd I had ever sang in front of but once I started singing, the jitters slowly went away. It was a great experience.
How was it opening at the Wiltern Theatre in LA?
I was nervous about this as well. I always get nervous before a performance, but I view that as a good thing because it means I care about what I am doing. The crowd was great, and I remember thinking that I could do this every single day.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My first original song is called “Get Down”. I never released it, but I did record it at a studio. That song will never see the light of day LOL.
How was it to work with T-Pain on “Never Drink Again”?
Having a song with T-Pain was a dream and it still feels unreal that I have a song out with him. We did not speak directly but his team was great to work with.
What is the process of writing your music?
I like to hear the instrumental first and create different melodies and then arrange the melodies how I want the song to be structured, from there I’ll write lyrics using those melodies.
I see that you love to dance in your videos, all the way back to GoGo to your present videos. Are you a trained dancer?
I am not a trained dancer. I just love to dance and have been doing it since I was a child.
I see your new song drops this week. Tell me about it.
“Like Home” is about me being the “home” for my exes even while they have been “outside” talking to other people or in other relationships. It is a song about knowing you are the person your exes or anyone would want to be with and would feel the most at home with. I know a lot of women and even men can relate to this song and feel that he or she is the best in every aspect.
How long before we see a video for it?
Video for “Like Home” drops August 26, 2022.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Streaming music is amazing. It is so easy to hear music no matter where you are in the world.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag.
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
Possibly. I still use hashtags when I’m promoting my music.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Digital.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I think Covid has definitely changed things, but it won’t stop anything from happening. Concerts are continuing again which is great for artists.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
No.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
I worked out at home and made healthier food choices.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
No, I still continue to do the same things I’ve always done. In no particular order, I love reading, watching movies, working out, making music, and hanging with my family.
In the past if a musician stop doing music they find a new career. For example David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
I love to entertain. Anything acting or sports related would be a job of mine.
What is your happy place?
My bedroom.
What is your feeling about TikTok? With Sony Music and Warner Music strucking an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
Definitely.
Also, TikTok has launching TikTok Radio (ch. 4), a full-time SiriusXM music channel. The station will be available is vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices.
The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary, Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could became a force in the future of streaming music?
Absolutely
Anything you would like to say in closing.
God is good! I’m forever grateful and thankful for everything no matter what happens in my life. He deserves all the praise!
