When singer/songwriter Ambré released her debut studio EP, Pulp, in 2019, it was met with praise from some of music’s biggest outlets—think The Fader, VICE’s Noisey, Billboard, and NPR. And it’s not surprising, considering Ambré’s innate talent, self-taught skill, and dedicated focus. Between 2015 and 2016, she independently released two projects, Wanderlust and 2090s, and then spent years working on Pulp.
When she wasn’t crafting her own sound, Ambré was contributing to some of your favorite artists’ hits. Her contributions to “Changes” and “U” from H.E.R.’s self-titled debut earned her a Grammy Award in 2019, and she most recently co-wrote “Forgive Me” from Chloe x Halle’s Ungodly Hour and “water” from Kehlani’s It Was Good Until It Wasn’t.
On July 31, Ambré released her latest. With five new tracks—including features from Smino, Sons of Sonix, and BEAM—Pulp (Director’s Cut) is out now with Roc Nation Records.
Question 3: Where are you most free?
I’m most free when I'm performing and creating without guidelines... When I’m most aware of myself and least aware of time.
Question 7: Describe something that inspired change in your perspective.
Something that changed my perspective was honestly watching James Baldwin debate and give speeches on YouTube. I wasn't around during that time obviously, but it saddens me that most of the things he and many others were fighting to change are still the same today. I was aware of the blatant racism and classism that exists in this country but hearing him speak sparked something in me that gave me a sense of responsibility. It made me not only want to give up the mindset that allowed me to become numb and comfortable, but I realized that it wouldn't last forever and these things don't just happen around me—they can and do happen to me.
Question 9: What is your favorite memory in nature?
My favorite memory is when I was on tour in 2015, we had a stop in Hawaii. My friends and I decided to walk to the beach late at night and look at the stars and water. I saw a small purple-ish cloud hovering near us and i thought to myself, “It’s bout’ to rain on us, watch.” And a few minutes later the cloud literally moved on top of us and started raining. I love that haha.
Question 10: Describe your relationship with your ego.
My ego and I have a balanced relationship, I feel. I've experienced ego death more than once and I still have so much more to learn but i’m constantly checking myself to not *become* my ego but work with it.
Question 11: What is your favorite flower or tree, and why?
My favorite flower is the magnolia because I'm from New Orleans. It just reminds me of home. I got one tatted on me.
Photo courtesy of Sha
