Amber Luck is channeling raw, dark emotions into evocative indie pop with her latest single “Sore Loser.”
CREDIT: Amber Luck
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Amber Luck is emerging as a standout in indie pop with her raw and emotionally rich sound. Originally from Pōneke, Amber moved to Auckland at 16, quickly integrating into its music scene and collaborating with producer Matthew Young. Drawing inspiration from artists like Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers, her latest single, “Sore Loser,” reveals her deep lyrical insight and personal experiences.
This week, we dive into Amber’s world to uncover the essence of her creative process, the personal stories behind her songs, and her aspirations for the future.
Singular Culture: How long have you been creating music, and what inspired you to start your journey as a music artist?
Amber Luck: I grew up in a musical family, but as a very stubborn child, I was bored and uninterested in learning the piano because my dad played it, and it felt like a chore. Despite my natural draw to music, I also had a keen ear for pitch and knew every time I hit a wrong note, which made me think I wasn’t very good at singing.
I finally picked up the guitar when I was 15 or 16 and took lessons, but I found practice really boring and was only interested in writing my own songs. I distinctly remember a moment when I was around 17, playing and singing a song on my guitar in my room. My dad peeked in and said, “You’re really good at that; you should do something with it.” I guess all I needed was that encouragement, because from that point on, I knew that playing music was all I wanted to do with my life, especially knowing someone thought I was good enough to pursue it.
Fast forward a few years, I had moved out and was living in a flat with a group of musicians, one of whom was my close friend and producer Matthew Young. We grew very close and often talked about making music together, so one day I finally took the plunge and did a session with him!
The lyrics of “Sore Loser” are quite dark and intense. Can you share the story behind the song and what prompted you to write it?
I’ve struggled with my mental health my whole life, battling depression, anxiety, and ADHD with very little understanding of what was going on in my brain. It took me a long time to reach out for help because I thought it was my fault and that I was just too lazy or not trying hard enough.
“Sore Loser” is a song about those struggles and the feeling that it’s all in your head and maybe you’re just being a sore loser about it. (Disclaimer: I don’t actually believe that I’m a sore loser. I’m a strong advocate for getting help and medication; it has changed my life.)
“Sore Loser” features specific, raw, and authentic details in its lyrics. Do you ever worry that these particulars might distance listeners who don’t share those exact experiences?
No, I love specifics, and I believe that being super specific is the key to good songwriting. Vague statements and clichés may seem relatable on the surface, but they don’t paint a picture or offer rich imagery.
I approach songwriting like I’m world-building. Each song has its own location, color palette, and set dressing. This method helps create a vivid, immersive experience that feels incredibly real. I believe this is the best way to connect with people.
Whether or not listeners relate to the specifics isn’t my main concern. Some people will, and that’s awesome. Others might simply enjoy the melody or production. And if some don’t like it at all, that’s fine too!
When crafting lyrics, do you ever fear that you might reveal too much of yourself?
Yes, all the time. I’m trying to fight that voice in my head because I feel it holds me back from doing my best work. Being an artist means exposing yourself fully in your work, so it’s a part of the job that I’m trying to become more comfortable with.
CREDIT: Amber Luck
In your opinion, what is one thing that sets your music apart from others?
It’s mine—my voice, my words, my experiences, and my ideas, sometimes created in collaboration with others. I’m not trying to compare myself to other artists; I’m simply aiming to be as honest and true to myself as possible.
Some people view writing music as a form of therapy. After writing “Sore Loser,” do you find yourself in a better emotional and physical state?
Honestly, not specifically. Writing is cathartic, but it doesn’t make everything disappear. I do think I would be worse off if I didn’t write, though.
How did “Sore Loser” evolve from its initial concept to the final track? Were there any significant changes or breakthroughs during the creative process?
I wrote it by myself on my guitar and recorded a voice note with my scratch lyrics and melody. Then, I expanded it into its full potential once I was in the studio with Matthew. We went through a few variations in production and even put it aside to work on a few other songs before returning to it. The biggest revelation for me was discovering the value of vocal performance and how much of a song’s feel comes from it.
What challenges and opportunities have you encountered as a new artist in New Zealand’s music scene?
Yeah, it’s been so much fun to finally release music! The best thing about the NZ music scene is also its biggest challenge: it’s small. On the plus side, everyone knows everyone, we’re all friends, and there’s a lot of support. However, it’s tough because there aren’t as many opportunities for artists due to the size of the industry. To truly pursue music full-time, you often need to look overseas, unless you’re exceptionally lucky.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals as a music artist, and how do you envision your career progressing over the next few years?
My main goal is to pursue music full-time and support myself financially. I’d love to tour internationally, but since I’ve only played one show so far, I know I have more steps to take before reaching that point. Although making long-term plans can be challenging for me (ADHD, lol), I’m confident that by focusing on making music a viable career and writing songs I love, I’ll get where I want to go.
From her debut single “Other Girls” to her new release “Sore Loser,” Amber’s music offers a moving portrait of her artistic evolution. For a deep dive into her emotive indie pop, be sure to check out her tracks available on all major streaming platforms.