Meet Amber Lovin of SoulSpeek in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Lovin.

Amber, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started music about 15 years ago by teaching myself to play the piano. For the first few years, I would learn covers of some of my favorite songs by listening to them over and over until I could find the correct keys on the piano to match what I heard. After a few years of playing and learning, I began to compose my own material. I didn’t know anything about the technical side of composition or production, I was just playing because it felt right.

From the ages 15-17, I went into a couple of studios to record a total of 8 original songs, half of which also had lyrics and were sang by me (although I’ve come to realize singing isn’t my forte).

When I began college I took some time away from creating as much as I had been, in order to focus on my degree. I still played piano as much as I could in between classes and homework and would sneak into the music building to play on their baby grands.

It wasn’t until I attended my first EDM event in 2016 that I realized I could be able to take my passion to another level while simultaneously reaching and connecting with more people that share a love for the art – my whole world changed!

One day during my Junior year, I was in a local music shop – boppin on their pianos – when I came across Ableton. The only thing I knew about it was that I’d be able to translate my compositions into larger and more complex projects – so I bought it and dove in!

It was like learning a whole new instrument all over again! I began by transposing a lot of my older compositions into the program, and would watch YouTube videos on how to navigate everything. I’d hoped that people would be able to connect with my music and that maybe some DJ would play out my songs, but nobody did. So after about a year of learning Ableton basics, I decided to teach myself to DJ and play out my songs myself! I’ve now been mixing for a little over a year, and have been blessed with many opportunities and experiences that I never dreamed would happen.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anything worth having is easily obtained or without struggle. There’s been many times where I was told ‘no’, laughed at and reminded of the extremely small chance that a career in music would even happen. It was never fun or encouraging to hear or go through, but it hasn’t ever deterred me from doing what I love – because I’ve never cared about being famous or rich. I do music because I love it, and I love what it does for people. So, I kept on keepin’ on and things have always seemed to fall into place.

The biggest and only struggle I’ve experienced has stemmed from myself. After I began playing more shows and getting my own small place within the local community, I sort of lost myself for a while. I started caring more about making people happy and keeping up with their expectations. This led to a rather long and frustrating case of writer’s block. It took some time and a long look in the mirror, but I eventually realized what I was doing to myself and realigned myself with what matters the most to me and why I ever began doing music in the first place.

SoulSpeek – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from others?
I’m a multi-genre EDM producer and DJ who goes by the alias SoulSpeek. I’m known to dabble heavily in the sub-genres of bass music – trap, future bass, space bass, etc. My production is incredibly experimental, however. I don’t do it on purpose, that’s just how my music comes out! I’d have to say I’m known for not only my music but my overall beliefs and how they’re portrayed online. I strongly believe in love, acceptance, and staying true to yourself – even if that means accepting the not-so-pretty aspects of who we are. It seems like people get so caught up in their image and how they’re perceived that they subsequently deny themselves the freedom of truly, entirely, and genuinely expressing themselves (myself included!). It’s okay to not be perfect, to not be what people want you to be, and to express your pain, disappointment, and fears – but do it from a soulful place of love. That’s what my brand is all about, and it’s the best feeling in the world to be 100% myself while also staying true to my brand. There’s no ‘smoke and mirrors’ or alternate public persona with me – it’s just me. I think that shows in my music and sets me apart from other artists.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is happiness from within. I could be homeless, but as long as I’m happy, I consider myself successful. I could headline EDC, but if I’m miserable, there’s no point. To be happy and fulfilled, whatever or where-ever I may be is my ultimate marker of success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.soundcloud.com/oulpeek
• Email: amberdlovin22@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberlovin/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/soulspeek
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoulSpeekin
• Other: https://m.facebook.com/amber.lovin.7

Image Credit:
Jeff Southwick, Sam Allen, Bryan Drews, Oliver Jagger III

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