Amber Mark is establishing her own distinct place in the music scene. This artist merges emotionally resonant lyrics with sultry, lively tempos. Growing up in various parts of the globe, her extensive knowledge of global styles is reflected in her unique sound.
Since the release of her critically acclaimed debut EP ‘3:33’, Amber Mark has accumulated over 750 million streams worldwide, graced major festival stages like Coachella, and enjoyed successful tours throughout her career.
At the heart of her artistry lies an extraordinary talent for transforming complex emotions into coherent expressions. Since her first album ‘3:33’ in 2017, Amber has cultivated a dedicated fan base and is recognized for her shimmering melodies, diverse musical influences, and timeless vocals. Ahead of the launch of her much-anticipated third album ‘Pretty Idea’—a tribute to break-ups, self-acceptance, and relationships—the songwriter spoke with Clash about break-ups, spirituality, and touring with her close friend Sabrina Carpenter.
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With the release of your new album just around the corner, how are you feeling?
I’m honestly really thrilled. It only hit me yesterday that it's coming out this week and that it’s finally happening. I’ve had some of these songs for quite a while, so I'm just eager to share them with the world!
Do you have any plans for a celebration?
Yes, I’ve got a little celebration lined up for Thursday, like a listening session, and then I’ll keep it intimate with just family and friends on Thursday night into midnight.
That sounds exciting! Can you tell me about how the album came to be? What inspired this collection of songs?
I’m always thinking about making new music, so the idea of a new project is constantly on my mind. However, when I officially started working on this album, I didn’t have a specific concept or broad theme in mind. I just began writing based on my experiences, particularly relating to relationships, which is how it morphed into an album about boys, quite unintentionally!
With my first album, I had a very concept-driven approach, and it followed a particular order that I found important to maintain while listening. I admire artists who do that, but it also placed a lot of pressure on me. For this project, I aimed for a different approach—writing without a concept in mind, focusing instead on what felt true to me and what I enjoyed.
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What is your writing process like?
I’m constantly jotting down notes in my Notes app; it’s a daily habit. My process varies, though. I’ve found others I work well with, where I can truly express my creative self, which makes it a collaborative experience. I admire them and draw inspiration from their musicality, so we really feed off each other in those collaborations. When I write alone, it’s a more introspective, meditative experience, usually sparked by a feeling or emotion relevant to my life, no matter who I'm working with.
You mentioned wanting to explore particular emotions through your songs. What are the main emotions reflected in this album?
I had just exited a long relationship, which was particularly challenging for me because nothing negative had caused it; we were simply leading very different lives. Letting go of the idea of us being together forever was a drawn-out process. Like many artists, I turned to music as a form of therapy, and much of the album is rooted in that breakup.
We truly believed we would share our lives together, so I had envisioned many scenarios for us. Then, facing the reality of no longer being in love and the prospect of him becoming a stranger again was tough for me. He was my person and my best friend, someone I confided in about everything.
Reflecting on that situation from a distance, I found myself stuck in those feelings and dreams that I needed to let go. I think that’s where the title ‘Pretty Idea’ stems from. The album addresses topics I'm not usually comfortable discussing, even with friends. This was a chance for me to grow in expressing myself, helping me process feelings I often struggle to understand. As I mentioned earlier, it’s really about boys!
When you announced the album, you mentioned, “This album carries many highs and lows and lessons I didn’t know I needed.” What was a key lesson you learned about yourself through this album?
Oh my, there are so many! In relationships, it might sound harsh, but I’ve always been very independent, and I struggled a lot with compromising. I often made everything about me. However, through my experiences with a very mature partner, even when we disagreed, we addressed things maturely. I learned to let go of certain things and became more open and generous, making situations less about myself!
The visuals for your new album seem quite influenced by the ‘80s and ‘90s, with fantastic fashion choices. Were those music eras an inspiration for your work?
Absolutely! The ’70s
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Amber Mark is establishing her unique path in the music industry. She is an artist who merges deeply emotional lyrics with sultry, lively beats, and she grew up