Hunter Blair Ambrose – NEXT TO ME

By starrymag | July 17, 2024

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

Q) How do you think your sound has evolved over the years?

A) I think my sound has evolved in multiple aspects – production style, genre, lyrical themes, etc. In the earlier stages of my musical journey, I was focused on a darker R&B and hip hop influenced sound which you could hear on multiple tracks on my first album. Nowadays, my sound is more purely pop-centric, exploring synthpop, dream-pop and dance-pop specifically. I have also been leaning into a lot of my inspiration from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, in an attempt to create a more timeless pop sound.

Q) How would you describe your single “Next to Me?”

A) “Next to Me” is a dreamy, romantic power-ballad with a soundscape that brings the listener into an escapist fantasy centered around exploring new love and possibilities.

Q) “Next to Me” has such beautiful lyrics about falling in love. Was it inspired by a specific event or story?

It was inspired by a situation in my personal life which coincided with me making the move across the country to LA. The move was motivated by the idea that I could open myself up to new love, new adventures and generally a new chapter of my life. The song is generally about the idea of taking risks and starting over in multiple aspects of life.

Q) I love how “Next to Me” is a power ballad/banger. Where did the idea for this unique mashup of genres for the song come from?

A) I wanted to take on a new sound while exploring familiar subjects in my writing, such as love, relationships and overcoming personal fears. I wanted to take on a more vulnerable and positive/hopeful energy with these newer releases while having them still sound like they fit into my universe musically. A combination of anthemic melodies, with production and instrumentation that was both colorful yet intimate fit the lyrics and inspiration behind the song very well.

Q) Why do you think people connect to the lyrics in “Next to Me?”

A) I think that everyone can relate to how scary it is to open yourself up to a new relationship, opportunity or taking a big chance in life. We all have baggage and personal challenges from our pasts that sometimes makes taking risks scary, but in the end, it’s how we grow and how we open ourselves up to new chapters of life no matter the outcome.

Q) The single was co-written by Jason Strong. How did the two of you connect to work together on “Next to Me?”

A) Jason and I have worked together for about seven years now. At this point, we both have gotten to know each other well as people and as musicians and have recognized each other’s work ethics and play to each other’s strengths musically. Co-writing this song with him was a pleasure and a breeze to complete.

Q) Are you planning on releasing another EP or even a full album in the future?

A) I currently am in the phases of completing my next artistic rebrand ahead of releasing new singles and eventually my next full-length project to follow. I have been consulting with a new creative team I have been putting together throughout this year to tease a full revamp of my music and image/persona. I can’t wait to unveil everything we have been working on.

Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) One of my biggest dreams is to collaborate with either The Weeknd or Lady Gaga. Those are my two biggest musical idols and have both contributed equally to who I am as an artist.

Q) You are also an accomplished actress. Do you have any acting projects on the horizon?

A) I’m excited to be returning to the TV/film industry this year now that I have fully relocated to Los Angeles. I’m super passionate about acting and am excited to get back into it.

Q) What would you like to say to those who supported you over the years?

A) I would like to say thank you for riding with me through the ups and downs that have occurred over the last five years since my debut single dropped. I am so grateful to have such a dedicated fanbase. I’ve gotten to meet so many amazing people that are fans of my music and it’s been such a blessing.  I always appreciate every fan and listener I have accumulated. The best is definitely yet to come!

 

 

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