Exclusive Interview with
Amber Lawrence

Why country music ?
~ I have always been drawn to the lyrics and stories and honesty in country music. I love that you can hear real emotion, and get to understand the story behind the artist through their songs. I also love the the instrumentation from fiddles, to banjo’s and pedal steel.

If everything would be possible (waking the dead included), which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ The ultimate duet – that’s a tough one – I guess the Allison Krauss /Robert Plant duet was pretty cool and unpredictable and broke the rules. Maybe we try a Billie Eilish and Keith Urban duet – i’m sure Keith would be able to make it sound country and pretty epic!

Where did you first met Catherine Britt?
~ I don’t remember the first time I met Catherine, having known her for at least 10 years, but the first time we sang together was on my album in 2016 on a song called “Cheers to the Girls”.

Who came up with the idea of the “Love & Lies Tour”?
~ When we recorded “Cheers to the Girls” it was a moment within the studio where we both thought “this song really works, our voices work together, we should tour together!”

What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ Probably a lot of things.. firstly I am a fully qualified Chartered Accountant, and I worked for Qantas for 8 years before resigning in order to pursue my music career full time! They also might be surprised to know that I was once a competitive athlete – in the race walking event! I even have a national bronze medal to show for it.

Can you give us one country song you never want to hear on radio anymore and could you tell us why?
~ Ha i can’t be that mean. I think even songs I don’t enjoy are still great songs.

What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would?
~ What’s your favourite song you’ve ever written? Answer ’The Lifesaver’ – my dedication to my Mum and Dad’s true love story.

Describe the ultimate recording studio
~ I’m currently recording my new album in the ultimate studio – which is a high tech remote studio, developed by my producer Stuart Stuart. Throughout lockdown, Stuart developed a way for artists to record in real time (well very close to real time) via the power of the internet. We are currently recording my album in my studio at home, but Stuart is receiving my vocal takes and hearing them as i do them, and communicating back to me in real time. It’s an incredibly smart and convenient way – especially for a working mum!

Johnny or June ?
~ June – a strong women besides a strong man!

What is the book you would recommend us to read?
~ I love the book ‘where the crawdad’s sing’ – such a great visual book, with wonderful descriptions that take you to the American south.

Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves?
~ I do get nervous occasionally – my best ritual is knowing i’m prepared, warming up and some positive self talk (ie – You know what you’re doing – you’ve got this)! and breathe!

What was the most memorable day in your musical career and can you tell us why?
~ Winning my first Golden Guitar award for CMAA Female Artist of the Year is an absolute highlight. I’d been working towards that for 10 years, with so many ’no’s’ along the way. When they finally read my name out for the industry’s most prestigious prize, it was such wonderful validation and celebration!