2013 winner of the MAMAs’ Best ACT Pop Artist and recently nominated Independent Music Awards finalist, Amber Nichols, has a busy year ahead with three new singles set for release. We caught up with Amber to ask her five quick questions and discovered some inspiring insights.

What is your musical background?

The Little Mermaid ignited my passion for singing at a very early age. I can still recall every word to “Part of your world” and can be quite easily persuaded to deliver my rendition! I was, however, a late bloomer; despite my passion for music, I let shyness overcome me and didn’t participate in the usual school activities such as musicals and class performances. I kept my dream quiet until I reached college and couldn’t contain it any longer.

I studied music in college, formed an acoustic duo and started gigging round town at the local youth centres etc. I then went on to complete a Diploma of Music and joined band Angels Are Architects. I was lucky enough to travel the world with that band the highlight performing to a crowd of over 60,000 in Singapore. With the support of Austrade I participated in two artist showcases in Japan for Sounds Australia. I also performed and ran workshops for kids in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Whilst I enjoyed my time with the band immensely, I soon developed a desire to create my own music, explore different styles and tell my own story. I am proud to say in 2012 I completed my debut album, funded and released independently with the help of a crowd funding campaign. I had the pleasure of working with many industry greats during the lead up to the release including writers and producers Steve Balbi (Noiseworks), James Roche (Bachelor Girl), Phil Buckle (John Farnham) and Barb and Adrian Hannan (Delta, Gabriella Cilmi, Vanessa Amorosi), all who contributed and encouraged me in my journey.

What is your particular music style?

As with any artist this is always evolving. I would, however, say my album certainly falls under the pop-folk genre but currently exploring some electronic, ambient, pop fuses which is exciting.

What do you do as a ‘day job’?

I am currently on maternity leave with a three-month old and will return to work for Telstra Business as a Senior Account Manager in 2015. I have been there for seven years as they have a wonderful work life balance and are completely supportive of my musical endeavours.

What are your view on the Canberra music scene?

There is certainly a lot of talent in Canberra; unfortunately we do lose a lot of that talent to Sydney and Melbourne as people become serious about pursuing music as a career. I don’t believe this is because of the live scene, although a few more venues supporting original music wouldn’t hurt.

The Canberra Musicians Club certainly goes a long way to foster relationships with musos and venues and contributes a great deal to the live scene. I believe it’s because Canberra lacks the industry contacts / networks needed to further your career. We need successful managers, producers, publicists, and labels here that have proven track records and that currently represent established and thriving artists.

I myself had to make many, many trips to Melbourne and Sydney in the lead up to my release and to secure a publishing deal with Native Tongue (based in Melbourne). If I could build those contacts and relationships here I know I would be a lot further down my journey as an artist and the elusive dream we are all chasing.

 What do you like to listen to when you’re not playing?

If you are asking me what’s on my playlist right now it’s Ray Lamontayne, the new Coldplay tracks, Bon Iver, Noah Gundersen, Joan as Policewoman and Sia’s Chandelier. For a live set in Canberra I can’t go past The Burley Griffin, Lavers and No Hausfrau.

Download Amber’s latest single ‘Thief’ from her debut EP ‘Oh My Lullaby’ for free from her Facebook page. All you need to do is click on the music tab www.facebook.com/ambernicholsmusic