MVM STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – AMBER PARTLO
Amber Rocks!
“WHEN I PLAY, ALL MY TROUBLES JUST DISAPPEAR. MY MIND ISN’T FULL OF NEGATIVE THOUGHTS. I FEEL GENUINELY HAPPY. THAT’S WHY I PLAY. BECAUSE IT MAKES ME HAPPY AND I LOVE PLAYING. IT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I’M A PART OF SOMETHING. MUSIC HAS HELPED ME IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS. IT HAS GOTTEN ME THROUGH THE DIFFICULT TIMES AND HELPED ME FEEL LIKE I’M NOT ALONE. I HOPE THAT MY MUSIC CAN DO THAT FOR PEOPLE ONE DAY. THAT’S A MESSAGE I WOULD LIKE TO SPREAD; HOW MEANINGFUL MUSIC IS AND HOW MUCH IT HELPS PEOPLE.” – AMBER
Every once in a while something just clicks. Amber found MVM through our outreach programs and quickly joined our year-round Artist Mentorship Program. Since then, she has soared! Every time she is given a new challenge, she rises to the task. Whether it playing a guitar part, sitting in on the drums, playing and singing at the same, or improvising during jam sessions she is willing to try new things and work to accomplish them. It has been unbelievable to watch her develop as a musician and songwriter over the past year – she is even gearing up to volunteer with MVM in the next few months!
What type of music do you create? Do you play an instrument? If so what do you play?
I play rock music mainly. I play guitar and drums.
Why is music important to you?
Music is a way of expressing myself, whether it’s playing it or listening it. It calms me down and is always there when I need it. No matter whathappens in life, the songs that I love isn’t going to change or leave. It’s something that is constant. And I need that in my constantly inconstant life.
What did it feel like the first time you heard a recording of your music on play back?
It felt weird. I was playing guitar on the track and I hadn’t been playing for that long. I sounded horrible. I don’t like listening to it because I think my playing kind of butchered the song.
What do you like most about being a part of My Voice Music?
I loved being able to play with other musicians. Before I joined My Voice Music, I had never played with a band or anything. The first time I played with this group was amazing. Being able to actually make music and play in a band has always been a dream of mine and My Voice Music made that dream come true.
How has being a part of My Voice Music helped you outside of music – in school, at home, etc.?
It has helped me learn how to work with new people and not be too shy to share my ideas and to be open minded to others. Jameson always tells us “If you are going to shoot down an idea, come up with another one to replace it” Well, he says something along those lines.
What does music bring you and how do you feel when you play? Why do you play?
When I play all my troubles just disappear. My mind isn’t full of negative thoughts. I feel genuinely happy. That’s why I play. Because it makes me happy and I love playing. It makes me feel like I’m a part of something. Music has helped me in so many different ways. It has gotten me through the difficult times and helped me feel like I’m not alone. I hope that my music can do that for people one day.
What do you hope people take away from your music when they hear it?
I’m not entirely sure. I’ve never really thought about it. Maybe the power of music and it’s importance. That’s a message I would like to spread; how meaningful music is and how much it helps people.
You can see Amber Rocking in this video from My Voice Music’s 2012 Spring Student Showcase at Mississippi Pizza. She is the second featured performer.