Blog Blog: 2010-07-22T16:25:05Z Copyright (c) 2010, Amber ExpressionEngine tag:moddev.local,2010:07:22 “Home” lands on New Season of 90210 DVD tag:moddev.local,2010:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.112 2010-07-22T15:19:04Z 2010-07-22T16:25:05Z Amber Check out the song “Home” (on music page) written by Amber Rhodes & Hugh Colocott.

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]]> Amber Rhodes & Adonis Tsilimparis perform as “This Guy & Girl” tag:moddev.local,2010:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.109 2010-06-30T14:12:10Z 2010-06-30T15:22:11Z Amber Original music written by Amber Rhodes & Adonis Tsilimparis. Come check it out!!

July 28th 2010 – 8pm @ National Underground
159 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002-1004
(212) 475-0611

August 17th 2010 – 9pm @ Rockwood Music Hall
196 Allen Street
New York, NY 10002-1418
(212) 477-4155

http://www.wix.com/awaves/This%20Guy%20and%20Girl

]]> This month’s FREE download & the story behind the song tag:moddev.local,2010:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.108 2010-06-30T13:54:57Z 2010-06-30T20:41:58Z Amber Although most of my songs are inspired by actual feelings and events that are going on in my life, “Surrender” was completely random. I still have no idea where it came from, but it ended up being one of my favorite songs on the record. Written with Noel Cohen, who has written songs for such artists as Vitamin C- Danielle Bollinger- Phyllis Hyman & The Weather Girls. If you know Noel, he can be a little tough when it comes to suggesting a bad song idea (in a good way of course). Needless to say, I was relieved when I brought “Surrender” in and he wanted to run with it. Originally, when I heard it in my head the verse melody was actually the chorus melody. When I listen to it now, that would have been SUCH a mistake!! That’s the beauty of co writing I guess. =) Good Job on this one Noel, and thanks to all who voted!

]]> REVIEW: New Amber Rhodes CD…“Everything” you could want. tag:moddev.local,2010:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.102 2010-03-04T18:48:50Z 2010-03-04T20:16:51Z Amber After a fun run in the “Country Pop” world Amber, has written & produced a new CD of 10 tracks that range from Blues to Rock to Indie. Appropriately titled “Everything”, she has found a freedom in her writing that not only reflects her versatility as a writer but gives you a glimpse of someone whose depth goes far beyond the typical content matter of country songs. The 3 featured tunes on her site this month are selections from “Everything”. She purposely chose the 3 more “pop” influenced tunes to prepare her fans and loyal followers for the transition ahead. However, I doubt anyone will be disappointed. Though a departure from her usual, the catchy melodies and lyrical content that has always made her music addicting is still very prominent. Looks like I’m still hooked and if you weren’t already before, you’ll probably be too.

]]> This month’s FREE download & the story behind the song tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.95 2009-12-01T18:00:39Z 2009-12-01T20:14:40Z Amber It’s No Secret is presently the first and only song I’ve written with Nashville Songwriter Will Rambo. I remember we were scheduled to write a little after lunch time and while I was having one of my favorite salads at Dan McGuiness, a tune popped into my head that coincidentally ended up becoming the chorus to our little collaboration. I then started fiishing around on line for something to say and while reading an email from a friend one of the lines she had written said …“It’s no secret I”, etc etc etc. Although, I believe she was saying it’s no secret she didn’t care for someone, I thought the positive flip of that might be a cute idea. Fortunately for me, when I presented this idea to Will, he didn’t look at me like I had three heads. =) From there, the rest came pretty easily. He was a pleasure to work with and hopefully some day we’ll be able to offer you another song that will be one of your monthly favorites! Thanks for voting and enjoy!

]]> Amber’s Song is Disney Christmas Movie tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.93 2009-11-19T00:34:30Z 2009-11-19T01:47:32Z Amber “Sunday Morning” was a tune originally written for a coffee commercial so imagine my surprise when I got the call saying it had made it into a Disney movie?!? The movie is “Santa Buddies” and it is available for DVD purchase NOW! With Christmas approaching it would make a great gift for any youngster in your family. Shoot, I’m grown and I’m gonna buy one, so watch and listen and chances are you’ll hear my tune. (It’s in there twice. =)) Happy Holidays!

]]> This month’s FREE download & the story behind the song tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.92 2009-11-03T17:25:44Z 2009-11-03T18:54:45Z Amber Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to travel to Los Angeles with the soul purpose of writing & making good music. While I was there I have had the opportunity to write with some major players such as Jeff Silbar, (wrote Bette Midlers “Wind Beneath My Wings) Randy Sharp (“Then What” by Clay walker) & Mia Sharp (“Home” by The Dixie Chicks) etc. Amongst these talented people was Andrew Rollins. “I“ll Get Better At This“ is currently the first and only song I’ve written with Andrew and if I get the opportunity to do it again, (hopefully I will) I can only hope it goes as smoothly as the first time. =)
Before we got together, Andrew called me with a song idea. This is always MUCH appreciated by me because it offers up a starting point on which to build a song instead of just winging it once you get there. He says “ Amber, how about the idea I’ll get better at this?” I said “OK, but what does “this” mean? Is “this” a relationship or the ability to chew with your mouth closed…what?” After he chuckled at my sarcasm (which I also much appreciate) he said, “I was thinking the “this” would mean getting over you.”
Well, once he said that it was pretty much a cake walk from there. We got together and knocked this song out in about one hour. He’d complete my thought. I’d complete his melody. Everything just made sense and clearly you guys think so too because it was your most voted song this month!! Thank you always for voting and enjoy!

]]> Amber & Hugh November 7th tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.89 2009-10-13T20:12:31Z 2009-10-13T21:18:32Z Amber Come check out the LAST show of the year with Amber Rhodes & Hugh Colocott in NYC!! There will be loads of brand new tunes and special guest appearances. The show is Saturday, November 7th @ 7pm at “Bar East” 1733 1st Ave (btwn 89th &90th) $10 door. If you’re in the area…come say “Howdy”.

]]> Voting Continues tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.88 2009-10-05T19:48:57Z 2009-10-05T20:51:59Z Amber We are extending the voting period for September’s tunes due to the fact that there was a TIE!! Not gonna tell you which one’s though =) so keep voting for your favorite and thank you always for stopping by.

]]> This month’s FREE download & the story behind the song tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.85 2009-09-01T04:17:26Z 2009-09-01T12:24:27Z Amber “Table Top Dancing” was inspired by the oh so famous tune “Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy”. Now you might be wondering how my song relates in ANY way to the Big N Rich tune, but that’s why I write these little informative blogs. =)

Living in NYC we are one of the few American cities that get absolutely ZERO country music radio stations. I say “Big N Rich” and these New York folks think I’m calling them fat and sarcastic. However, somehow that song managed to penetrate the local bar scene here and became wildly popular. Girls would basically knock the bartenders down to dance on top of the bar once this song came over the speakers and I was all to pleased to see a country song gaining some legs in the Big Apple. Only issue…it’s a song sung by dudes, about dudes. Why are all of the bar “anthems” guy centered? Don’t you guys go out to meet GIRLS?!? Where’s the ladies drinkin jam? “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” is great, but it’s gettin a bit old.

With that kinda tickling my thoughts, I got together with my good buddy Hugh Colocott and said “I want to write a song for FEMALES that they can rock out to at their favorite watering hole; Just forget about the workweek and dance! A song that’s a little bit, Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy meets Pour Some Sugar on Me.” After he looked at me like I had two heads, he shrugged his shoulders and said, “OK. Lets try it.” (Gotta Love Hugh.) The rest is your top voted song for this month’s free download. So put it in your IPod, grab a beverage and rock out!!

]]> This month’s FREE download & the story behind the song tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.69 2009-07-31T04:51:58Z 2009-07-31T06:19:59Z Amber “Another Round” was written by myself and a talented man by the name of Larry Wayne Clark. This was the first song we ever wrote together and it seemed to happen as easy as breathing.
I was in Nashville at the time, having two a day writing sessions and I remember thinking…“I have no idea what I’m going to write about with Larry. My brain is fried!” However, once he showed up and started tinkering away on his guitar I was suddenly inspired. I started thinking about double meaning phrases. Example: You can have a second round in a fight or a second round of drinks. Right?
Once I threw that idea out there, Larry ran with it. He fine tuned it by implying that “buying another round” meant giving love a second chance. BRILLIANT! I remember after writing this song how excited I was about it. My enthusiasm was taken to a whole new level after it was recorded. Lari White, who is most known for her smash country singles “That’s My Baby” and “That’s How You Know (When You’re In Love)”, hired the best of the best to play on this song and it really has a kind of happy, drunken vibe that really compliments the message. At least I think so. =) Thank you guys for voting. Enjoy the tune!

]]> Live Review Amber Rhodes w/ Hugh Colocott The Underscore, NYC 7/11/09 tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.65 2009-07-15T17:50:43Z 2009-07-15T22:29:01Z Amber By Brian Gilmore

Elbow room was at a premium, and the bar three deep, for Saturday’s showcase of a bright singer-songwriter—a radio-ready Kentucky girl (via the West Village) whose ten song set ranged from soaring to bittersweet and back again.

Rhodes, a finalist for American Idol’s songwriting competition in 2008, is an engaging presence, with a quick wit and quicker smile that nearly distracts from her grounding as a careful craftsman. Along with co-writer, guitarist and vocalist Hugh Colocott, himself no onstage slouch, the two have built an impressive collection of country pop songs, each written with an ear for the single. With Colocott taking the lead on one set highlight, “All I Want,” a brooding Mexican rocker that featured guest guitarist Noel Cohen, Rhodes carried sunny opener “We All Can Dream” and “Don’t,” a breakup ballad set in the moment just before the break. Together they’ve found a smart presentation for Rhodes’s blonde ambitions—and it’s a fool who bets against this sparkling talent. ]]> CMA Music Festival 2009 tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.59 2009-06-26T10:41:43Z 2009-06-30T02:47:07Z Amber Recently I had the pleasure of attending the annual CMA Music Festival in Nashville and like always, it was AMAZING! I have to tip my hat to CMA for making this festival possible every year, but I have to give most of the credit to the fans who travel far and wide to be there. In these difficult economic times, people were still there to support and applaud the artists they love so much, and for that…we love you too. =) I made a little video in tribute to you (the fans) and to show why there is no other place I’d rather be during this time of year then at “Fan Fair”! It was so nice getting to meet some of you. Hope to see you next year.

Always-A.

Check it out on the videos section of this site or at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PqJSW6tgho&fmt=22

]]> Back from Paradise tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.83 2009-08-31T18:07:49Z 2009-09-01T12:26:50Z Amber “Aruba, Jamaica…Oooh I wanna take ya”! (Sigh) Oh to be back on the boat.

I recently got back from a nine day cruise to Bermuda, Grand Turk & the Bahamas and man is it a bummer to check back into reality. I had such an amazing trip. Cruising is completely magical to me. You go to bed one night to a dark abyss of ocean with no land in sight and when you wake up, Ta Da! You’re in Paradise!! Let’s also not forget the never-ending buffets of food and entertainment. LUVS IT!! Some of the trip highlights were…

a) The first “legitimate” tan I’ve ever gotten
b) Picking, cracking open and drinking from a coconut on the beach
c) Watching “Twilight” under the stars, on the boat’s HUGE top deck movie screen while sipping Paradise Punch
d) The excitement I felt before playing BINGO because I knew THIS time…I’m going to win! (I never did though.)
e) The excitement I felt before competing in the “Princess Pop Star” competition thinking…I’m going to win! (And I DID!)
f) The quality time I got to spend with friends and loved ones
g) The opportunity to completely escape and totally relax

The only unfortunate part of the trip was the tropical storms happening pretty much all around us. We were supposed to have gone to San Juan & St.Thomas but were unable to go due to the hurricanes. However, the stops we DID make were beautiful and we had near flawless weather the entire time. I sooooo need to make this an annual thing.

But now it’s back to business. I’m actually singing on TWO demos tonight and will be completing two new tunes next week that I will post for all to hear. The song I’m most excited about is a song called “Its Enough” and I can’t wait for you to hear it. YAY! Till next time.
XOXO-A.

]]> This month’s FREE download & the story behind the song tag:moddev.local,2009:amberrhodes/index.php/blog/1.60 2009-06-26T11:43:18Z 2009-07-31T06:18:19Z Amber “Leave It Up To You” was one of the first songs I ever wrote with my now most popular co writer, Hugh Colocott. It was also the first song to officially make it onto my “Goodbye Yesterday” L.P. There was no idea behind the song when we started writing it. Hugh & I wrote the music and melody to a bunch of la la la’s and gibberish. Although there are many ways to write a song, (and I’ve probably written in every way possible) I think I prefer writing the music first and filling in the lyrics later. I like to let the feel of the melody lead me to what should be said.
In the case of L.I.U.T.Y, I felt the music was fun and flirty and I really wanted to capture both. So first, I dove into my own life for inspiration and like usual, it was there. (Eight out of ten times, my music completely comes from my own experiences.)
I was about 20 at the time & entering into a fairly new relationship. Although things were fine, I had a little bit of a history of always being the “dumper” so to speak. The “heart breaker.” I remember thinking…If I came with a warning label, mine would read, “Will love you, then probably leave you.” Suddenly, like those annoying people that race down the stairs in attempts to catch the subway before the doors close….it hit me. That’s my song idea!!

“I love em & leave. That’s just how I am.
But that ain’t how it would be, if you were my man.
Still make no mistake, I could run ya through.
It’s the risk you take, so I’ll leave it up to you”

Fun & flirty! Kind of… cautiously optimistic if you will. However, if HE had come with a warning label, his would have read “professional liar”. I left him not too long after I wrote this song. =) Enjoy!

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