Ashlie Amber is a powerhouse in country music, blending pop influences with a soulful, boundary-pushing sound that sets her apart. Originally from Denver, Colorado, and now based in Nashville, Ashlie has made waves in the industry with her dynamic vocals and fearless approach to storytelling. Since her breakout single Almost Love in 2019, she has been featured in major publications, gaining recognition for her unique style and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion in country music.
With her debut EP M.O. receiving high praise and her latest single Champagne Bubbles capturing the magic of new love, Ashlie is proving that she is a force to be reckoned with. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her musical journey, inspirations, thoughts on the evolving country music landscape, and what’s next for her career.
HI ASHLIE AMBER, WELCOME TO BLACKBIRDNEWS! CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AS A MUSICIAN AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN COUNTRY MUSIC?
Oh, my journey in music has definitely been an adventure! I’ve done everything—from party bands to musical theater to headlining a Whitney Houston celebration all over the world. And now, getting to fully share my own voice has been just incredible. I’ve wanted to be a recording artist since I was a kid, and pop country is just where my voice naturally lands—it’s also what my heart speaks. I love that country music is such a fun, happy, and literal genre that brings people together. Plus, it’s such a positive representation for kids and young adults, which makes it even more special!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSICAL STYLE AND WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
My musical style is definitely pop country, but depending on the song, you’ll hear hints of R&B, rock, or even a little punk. Growing up in the 2000s, Top 40 was such a mix of all genres, and that has really shaped my sound. I draw a lot of inspiration from Shania Twain, LeAnn Rimes, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé because, at the end of the day, creating music is a celebration of who you are—and I’m a little bit of everything!
“CHAMPAGNE BUBBLES” IS A CATCHY AND UPBEAT SONG ABOUT NEW LOVE. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE SONG AND WHAT YOU HOPE LISTENERS TAKE AWAY FROM IT?
Champagne Bubbles is all about celebrating new love, and falling in love with my partner was definitely the inspiration behind it. The world can be a dark and heavy place, and we’re constantly fed negativity, but I think it’s so important to celebrate the lighthearted, beautiful moments. Yes, life is hard, but it’s also amazing—and falling in love is one of those magical things. I’ve always been someone who focuses on the positive, and this song is just a reflection of that!
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT STATE OF POP-COUNTRY MUSIC AND WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF FITTING INTO THAT LANDSCAPE?
I love pop country because it blends the best of both worlds—the international, fun, and catchy energy of pop with the relatable, storytelling lyrics that make country music so special. I know pop country gets some pushback from traditional fans, but I think it’s all about having options. There are amazing artists doing that classic country sound, others that lean into a more traditional pop-country style, and then there are artists like me who are unapologetically pushing the boundaries. To me, pop country is fun, catchy, positive, and still honors country’s roots with fun “country” wordplay and root instruments like the acoustic guitar, banjo, and fiddle. And honestly, how can you go wrong with that?
AS A TRAILBLAZER ADVOCATING FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN COUNTRY MUSIC, WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY?
Country music definitely still has a lot of room to grow, but I think it’s just as important to celebrate the huge strides that have already been made. For the first time in history, we had two Black artists replace each other at number one on the country charts. We just saw the first Black female artist win Best Country Album at the Grammys. And now, Spotify has a five-hour-long editorial playlist dedicated to diversity in country music. That’s big!
Of course, there’s still work to do—there needs to be more representation on major labels and country radio. But these wins are proof that change is happening, and that deserves to be recognized. Because the more we celebrate progress, the more we encourage even more of it!
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ASPECTS OF THE NASHVILLE MUSIC SCENE?
I love Nashville! The music scene here is just incredible—it’s wild to be right in the middle of where iconic songs are being written and where artists are stepping out and making their mark. And yeah, this industry can be cutthroat, and not everyone is here to be your friend, but I’ve found the community to be really welcoming. I have so many friends who look out for me, and I do the same for them. We’re always sharing opportunities and lifting each other up because at the end of the day, if you have the talent, put in the work, and lead with love, there’s room for all of us to shine.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS AND HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF MUSIC?
Not gonna lie, my life pretty much revolves around music. If I’m not in the studio writing or recording, I’m designing all my own graphics for merch and album artwork, and I’ve got a couple of entertainment-related side hustles that keep me busy too. But when I do get some downtime, I’ve become quite the plant mom—I love planting during the warmer months. And honestly, if binge-watching shows was a sport, I’d be a gold medalist! Sometimes, I like to completely unplug and binge multiple shows in a day, no shame!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU IN TERMS OF YOUR MUSIC CAREER? ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR TOURS THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
Right now, I’m really just focused on writing, recording and releasing amazing music. I’m also in the process of bringing on a digital marketing team to expand my online reach and really connect with my target audience. Plus, I’ve got a couple of other things in the works that I can’t talk about just yet—but let’s just say, if even one of them comes to life, 2025 is going to be my best year yet!
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR FANS AND SUPPORTERS?
Remember that your dreams don’t have an expiration date. The world will always try to put limits on you, but your time is whenever you decide it is. If you put in the work, lead with love, and refuse to quit, there’s always room to shine.
For more information, visit www.ashlieamberpresskit.com and follow Ashlie on Facebook, Instagram @ashlieamberofficial, Threads @ashlieamberofficial and TikTok.
