Artist of the Week- Amber Ojeda

We all love music, that’s why I write and promote artists and bands here. “Making it” in the music industry is hard. There is definitely a dark side to the music game, so it is refreshing when you have the chance to speak with someone who is so down to earth and has their morals and beliefs in check. Amber Ojeda is this week’s Artist of the Week. Without a major record deal in place, Amber has found a way to keep herself grounded as she makes her way through the music business. I recently had the chance to talk to this talented singer/songwriter and here is what she had to say about her life as a musician/actress.

Growing up in Chicago, Amber was influenced by some of the great jazz singers of all-time: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Sara Vaughn and Dinah Washington. When asked about her childhood and how did she discover these jazz musicians being a Latina, Amber said that she was raised primarily by her mother, who was Irish. When she moved to San Diego as a child, she was surrounded more by the Mexican culture.

Amber’s mom played a vital role in developing a love for music. Amber said, “growing up with my mom, music was a huge influence in our daily life. We would dance around the house for hours. We would drive through the neighborhood with my girlfriends, system up, windows down, singing at the top of our lungs. My mom was never a performer, but she is the biggest lover of music I know!”

Like many of us, we grew up listening to all types of musical genres and Amber is no exception. One of her favorite artists in none other than Gang Starr’s GURU. When asked about how she felt regarding his recent heart attack , Amber said it was “devastating.” Amber said she read somewhere that people in the entertainment industry typically live shorter lives because they give so much of themselves. That isn’t going to stop this talented musician from living our her dreams of being a successful musician.

Amber defines success as simply as just being able to support herself through her music. Her goal is not to be “uber” famous and she has been offered some recording contracts by some major labels, but she decided not to sign because of her artistic integrity. Amber says that she wants to remain true to herself and not be a puppet on a string, which is what the industry can do to an artist. Having control over her music and sound is what matters most to Amber.

Amber is also an actress and since she lives in LA, acting provides a platform for her music. When I asked her about which she prefers singing or acting, before I could finish the question she said, “Singing.” Her love of music was obvious from the moment I began talking with her.

Now to the music, which is why we’re all here! Much like our previous guest, Emily Wells, Amber combines several musical genres into her sound. She combines a lot of jazz and R&B, with a bit of hip-hop in her music. Her music reminds me a lot of Amel Larrieux and especially Adriana Evans. What is also impressive is that Amber writes her own songs, which can’t be said about a lot of artists. Songs like “Lady Like” have a laid back vibe. “Don’t Rush” definitely has the “Jazzmatazz” sound to it, with Amber’s silky smooth vocals!

For being a 20-something, Amber has an “old soul,” which has been told to her a lot. Just some fun facts about Amber: She loves to cook and finds it very soothing. Her favorite show is “The Iron Chef.” Her biggest guilty pleasure is Lady Gaga. Oh come on! Well I can’t fault her for that one, I love Kelly Clarkson, whatta you gonna do? Amber will be performing at Angels in Santa Monica this Sunday. Who knows, maybe she’ll cook for you to! Check the website for more information, more importantly check out Amber on her MySpace to keep to date with her shows around the LA area!