Do you have a story behind your artist name?
“Kamber” is my given, legal first name. My mom always loved the name “Amber” and decided to tack on a “K”. Maybe I was meant to be an artist haha.
Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
My journey as a musician and an artist has taught me how to be extremely perseverant, determined, patient. It’s so much more than creativity or talent. It’s also taught me deep humility and grace.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
I’ve been throwing around the label of “tori amos meets billie eilish” to quickly convey my ambient meets visceral sound. Alternative, ambient soft pop with a touch of grit for sure.
What drew you to the genre / instruments you’re playing right now?
Piano was always present. Kind of like a wonderful, non-judgmental friend. My mom always encouraged, but never overpushed. I had such a wonderful balance of support with me throughout the years. “Never give up” was always the message. As for genres, I think no matter the sub-genre, I’ve always been drawn to mood for a lack of a better term. Haunting melodies, beautiful sonic textures, those songs that sink in deep.
What inspires you to write music?
It’s always a type of catharsis for me. And I don’t think catharsis always has to be blood-letting. Sometimes it’s a joyful release. I see writing as the expression of whatever processes my heart and mind go through when I observe something – maybe it’s an interesting dynamic between two people, or the way a certain rhythm or synthesizer takes shape. It’s never just “music” – it’s always a color palette, a geometric design, a feeling in my gut. Music is just my medium.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP, or song you’re promoting?
Currently working on an EP. It’s the first fully produced project I’ve recorded and released as a solo artist in several years. It’s a large departure from my band Raviner’s music, but it still all strangely lives in the same neighborhood in my head! I just released the first single from the EP (“Chemical”) and plan to follow up this Fall.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
That it really is okay to sit with the tough stuff without having perfectly tied up loose ends to intellectualize our way out. When we truly interact and get curious about difficult emotions and narratives, we feel lighter. Moody doesn’t have to be heavy.
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favorite song right now?
Oh goodness, my favorite songs and artists right now are anything Tears For Fears. Also loving Michael McDonald, Sade, Fleetwood Mac, The Cranberries. Lots of 80s and 90s stuff right now.
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! I post regularly on all three. My TikTok has a lot more random piano stuff there haha. I’m a little bit of a nerd. Working on some more 80s sketches right now for that! Everything falls under @kambermusic.
Connect with Kamber:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kamber/chemical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CACeIZITXs
What’s next for you?
More learning, growing, and patience and grace. I’m done judging myself. I just want to enjoy what I’m working on, try my best, and take things a step at a time. There is way too much comparison thinking – it absolutely paralyses artists, and I try my best not to fall down that black hole.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
My music is for the moody dreamers, maybe the folks that are on the hunt for a good healthy escape. Nothing wrong with that from time to time. Sit with me for a while and let’s fall down the rabbit hole.
