We were lucky to catch up with Amber Cavanaugh recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amber, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The best and most rewarding risk I’ve ever taken was putting myself out there musically. Growing up, I only “performed” at a couple of junior high school talent shows.

When I was in college, there was this café downtown, and they were advertising for an open mic. At the time, I played a little ukulele and guitar. I could get through a song or two if I practiced and psyched myself up, but I’d yet to have my public debut.

I signed up and waited my turn. When my name was called, I confidently strode up towards the stage, veered to the side, and walked straight out the door and back to my dorm without looking back.

Fast forward about four years and I gave it another shot. I actually got on stage this time! Performing in front of a crowd was such an amazing experience. Things snowballed from there. I met like-minded singers and songwriters; I grew as a musician; and I discovered a real passion for entertaining. My only regret was that I hadn’t taken the plunge sooner.

Amber, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a musician. I sing a mix of my own stuff and covers, usually while playing the guitar or ukulele. Indie/pop and 1950s cabaret heavily inform my style, musically and otherwise! I grew up on TCM and Old Hollywood, so a lot of my music is inspired by the sultry sirens on the silver screen and their beautiful (and sometimes tragic) love stories. I studied literature in college, so I tend to pepper in flowery language whenever I get the chance (see previous alliteration as proof!). I’ve been performing and releasing music ever since that first (successful) open mic.

I love the whole ambience of the music scene–the people, the vibe, and, of course, the sound! I’ve had some of the best conversations with strangers after my shows, and I’ve been lucky enough to turn some of those strangers into close friends.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”

I had to unlearn the notion of being perfect on stage. I used to stress over hitting every note, having the perfect smile, and always being “on,” to the detriment of the art itself.

Beauty and pain and ugliness–all of those ingredients that go into crafting a song, into a live performance, can never be perfect, nor should they be; that negates the entire idea of something raw and original. I strive to be good, and that’s good enough.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

You support by showing up. Go to shows. Share art with your friends and get them energized. Encourage artists that you love and they’ll continue to create and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ambercavanaugh.com
• Instagram: @modestjune AND @ambercavanaughmusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ambercavanaughmusic

Image Credits
Kayla Byrge, Dennis Keim and Joe Shutt