After making her mark with a string of impactful releases over the years, US artist Amber Sauer is back once again to deliver her eagerly-awaited new single 'Never Goes Away'.
Adopting a rich and sultry alt-pop aesthetic for her latest outing, 'Never Goes Away' makes for a wonderfully warm and inviting listen. With her soulful vocals layered across a shimmering production throughout, she returns to us with one of her more impactful efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I remember falling in love with the violin when I first heard it as a kid. I loved the way it had such a romantic & cinematic sound to it. I wanted to learn how to play it, but landed on the clarinet in 4th grade, as it was much more affordable. LOL
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a kid, I loved every genre of music. I enjoyed sounds of all kinds. Everything from Pavarotti, to motown to hillbilly country, pop and even some heavy metal and classical. If it made noise, I was into it.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember my first Whitney Houston album. It was iconic, and the first time I remember seeing an artist that I wanted to be like. Between her self titled debut, and Mariah Carey’s MTV live unplugged album, I believe I began to shape myself vocally, even back then.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Such a difficult question, to pick just one. But for the sake of this interview, let’s go with “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion. The way she told the story in this song, starting so sweetly, and gradually building the climax of her power notes has always been fascinating to me.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Actually, no…and maybe I should. LOL! Every song I write takes me on a unique journey of discovery. I try to allow a space for that journey to develop in its own unique way. I will say however, that I usually try to topline the initial melodies that come to mind first and build the story around that.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I have been listening to all kinds of different artists to study and appreciate the difference in approach to writing. I love this LA based independent artist named Ameera Perkins. She just released a project called “Talk Soon” and it's been heavy in my rotation. Also, I’m a big fan of Durand Benarr, Jungle, and B.Slade.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for Kelly Clarkson, Adele, or Victoria Monet.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The fulfilment piece. I am a purpose driven artist and while I am always seeking to better my positioning financially and strive towards success/accolades, it is much more fulfilling to know that I am in alignment with what I am called to do. My desire is to create, inspire and be a light in such a dark existence.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part about being a musician in today's world is that you can’t just be a musician. Without a machine behind you, you need to be a label, a writer, producer, artist, social media specialist, tech wizard, influencer, PR, stylist, etc…you have to do it all and the expectation is that you will be able to navigate all of this with excellence. I miss the days where being talented and focusing on the main gifts you were given took precedence.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I have received as a musician was to “keep it rookie” always. I am learning that this doesn’t have to mean playing small. But it does, however, keep things in perspective as I grow and my artistry expands. I remain humble, grateful and will never forget that I longed to do the very thing I’m NOW doing. Even so, there is still room to grow.
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Amber Sauer's new single 'Never Goes Away' is available to stream now. Watch the video for it in the player below.