To Be Like You was written in the summer of early 2024, after my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The song came to me quickly and effortlessly. I first performed it at my headline show at Auckland’s Big Fan, where I received an emotional, deeply engaging response - and I knew it was something special. I went on to record it in Melbourne with my producer Terence O’Connor and it came to life over 4 days in the studio. The song continues to grow in meaning for me, carrying even more weight now than when I first wrote it, almost as if I had written it for my future self. Carried by heartfelt lyrics and a guitar-filled soundscape, To Be Like You opens the door to a new era for my music. A more raw, stripped back sound that I’m excited to explore further.
Artist bio:
Ōtautahi-based artist Amber Carly Williams is making her mark in Aotearoa’s Alternative/Indie-Pop scene, playing shows around the country and sharing a vulnerability in her songwriting that entices listeners. With a powerful voice rich in soulful grit, and the skill to match on guitar, Amber delivers a live performance that leaves a mark. Her sound combines the emotional depth of Lizzy McAlpine and the atmospheric pull of Holly Humberstone, but with a grungy edge - bringing undeniable energy and authenticity to the stage.
In 2023, Amber released debut EP 21 Roses, produced by Terence O’Connor (Teeks, Julius Black), an intentional collection of songs exploring themes of grief and upbringing with powerful relatability. This EP opened doors across the live circuit, leading to headline shows in Christchurch and Auckland, as well as getting landed in various publications. Amber's songwriting has led her to participate in songwriting camps including Big Fan Camp Vol 1, a Waiata Reo Writeup, as well as live sessions such as RNZ Live, RDU Live To Air, Intros (Georgia Lines) and Spark Sessions NZMM. She also placed herself as a semi-finalist on the TVNZ show 'Popstars' in 2021 and found herself working with Kimbra after the show.
Amber has opened for notable acts including Jeremy Redmore (Midnight Youth), Prins, Georgia Gets By (Broods), Revulva, Castaway and Mim Jensen to name a few, and performed at major festivals such as Bay Dreams, Rolling Meadows, Nostalgia, Single Fin Mingle, and the South Island Wine & Food Festival.
With a growing presence and a clear artistic voice, Amber Carly Williams is carving out a space uniquely her own. In the coming months, Amber is set out to release new music recorded with Terence O’Connor and Will McGillivray (Goodwill, There’s A Tuesday) and perform a headline show in November. With an exciting summer of releases, shows and festivals on the horizon, Amber is absolutely one to keep an eye out for.