Amber Lewis is a singer-songwriter, painter, and rising social worker living in Brooklyn. A poet at heart, Lewis is influenced by Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, and Mitski, and uses song as a form of intimate storytelling. Amber has been performing since she was a child, and has appeared at Rockwood Music Hall, The Bowery Electric, City Winery, The Bitter End, and Symphony Space.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Amber about the latest music, adapting during a pandemic, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I am from Goldens Bridge, NY, which is a small hamlet about an hour from Grand Central. I grew up surrounded by lots of trees. I’d say my songwriting is heavily influenced by folk with musical elements alluding to jazz, choral music, and alternative r&b.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I’ve always sang, since I was a wee one. I think my parents first started to recognize my voice when I belted the soundtrack of High School Musical in my basement. I performed throughout middle school and high school and went on to study music for 2 years at NYU before doing a complete 180 and transferring to Columbia, where I read a lot of books. I’ve returned to music in my 20s, as without it, I feel that I wilt. I’m not much of a “biz” girl. I’m really just here to share my songs.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
This is my first full-length album release, which is truly exciting! All previous releases have been singles off this album, Lips & Teeth. There’s equal focus on my personal relationships and my moments of solitude, of which there are many. This kind of touches on Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, with young adulthood supposedly having the theme of intimacy versus isolation.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a creative during these unprecedented times is the bleakness of the state of our world. It can be quite crushing at times, coping with a global pandemic and the grips of white supremacy. I adapted by reminding myself of the importance of creativity, and the ways in which being creative allows me to survive. I’ve kept those fires burning by continuing to practice and write regularly, as a part of self-care.
What was the last song you listened to?
Without lie: Summer Walker’s “Drunk Dialing…LODT”
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Vinyl! I know that makes me that guy, but I love my little turntable and the scratchy-scratchy sound of the needle on the surface.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I post most of my updates on instagram! You can find me @amber.k.lewis
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
I appreciate you!
