December 2009

10 Minutes with... Amber Lawrence.

With a new album just out and a Southern Stars Awards gong for best single, Australia’s freshest country music singer ends the year on a high note

INTERVIEW RACHEL FARNAY JACQUES

Congratulations on the release of your second album, When It All Comes Down. How is it different from your first album, The Mile?
This album is more mature and personal. Losing my dad last year to lymphoma forced me to look deeper for inspiration. That said, they are mostly happy, fun and inspirational songs. It’s also more upbeat and “live” than my first album.

Which song is your personal favourite on the new album?
“Song to Self”. It’s about believing in yourself, which is something you really need to do when you pursue a life as an entertainer. This song is like a mantra for me… give yourself a break, don’t be too hard on yourself. As long as I’m doing my best, I’m happy!

Where do you find the energy to write and produce two albums in two years?
I don’t know how to chill out and do nothing. I’m also unusual for a musician in that I start work before 9am most days, and then work late so I guess I squeeze a lot into one day! But I’m definitely looking to book a Jetstar flight soon for a holiday!

You’ve received four Southern Stars Independent Country Music awards and APRA and CMC nominations, yet only a few years ago, you worked at Qantas. How did that happen?
By day, I worked in finance for Qantas and by night, I was a singer. Qantas was very supportive, allowing me to work part-time. The turning point came in 2007 when I got nominated for two Golden Guitars. It was a “now or never” decision. Hopefully, music is a lifelong job for me, but if the stars don’t align that way, there’s always accounting!

You were once an athlete on the NSW State Team — do you still have time for sports?
After 10 years of full-on training, I just don’t seem to enjoy exercise at all! But I do love running — particularly on the Sydney beaches around Coogee and Maroubra… lots of hills!

What do you do in Sydney to relax?
When I get home from being on the road, I head to Coogee Beach for my favourite breakfast and a good latte, to the pub for a beer, or to sit on the beach.

Tell us about your new shows in January?
My new shows will feature most of the songs from my new album plus the hit singles from my first album, including “Good Girls”. I’ll be performing at the Tamworth Entertainment Centre in January during the Country Music Festival, and I’m really looking forward to some great festivals — Perth Muster, CMC Rocks the Snowys in Thredbo and the Whittlesea Country Music Festival in Victoria. That’s what I love about my job — the travel, and seeing parts of Australia I wouldn’t ordinarily see.