ARTIST SPOTLIGHT – AMBER ROSE DJ
Meet Amber Rose, the electrifying Scouse DJ who’s taken the Liverpool music and club scene by storm and shows no signs of slowing down.
With a high-energy, multi-genre style, Amber’s sound pulses with the vibrant rhythm of reggae, dancehall, amapiano, UK funky, garage, and more. From already performing sets for Boiler Room and BBC 1xtra to her gigs at Liverpool’s iconic 24 Kitchen Street and across London and Manchester, Amber Rose is steadily carving out an exciting and dynamic name for herself in the DJ world.
As a DJ born and bred in Liverpool, who inspires you?
First off, I have to say Hannah Lynch. I know she’s advocating for me in spaces I’ve not been in. She looks out for me and she’s so talented and so cool. Shoutout to Gia too! Just all of ‘Girls Don’t Sync’, really. But Hannah and Gia have done a lot for me and I’m so grateful for them. Papu Raf and Yeah It’s Renee – they’re not from Liverpool but they do a lot in the city, they’re two of my biggest inspirations. I remember going to an event at Melodic Distraction and seeing them DJ for the first time. I was in absolute awe. And now I call them my friends and I’m able to DJ alongside them. It means a lot to me, so I’d say those 4 people and my dad is obviously a huge inspiration for me.
What’s the name behind DJ Amber Rose?
My actual name is Amber Rose but from day one, my mum has called me Rosie because I have Rosy cheeks. So Rosie is my nickname but I thought Amber Rose for my official DJ name. It’s just me. I’m getting used to it now.
Was Amber Rose always your DJ name?
No. I did an open deck gig at Melodic Distraction, I was paid £20 for the hour and I gave the name ‘Rosie G’. With Hannah, I did a mix for Foundation FM. She got me to do a little jingle, and I was absolutely terrified. I was ‘Rosie G’ for that too, we re-recorded the intro about 10 times. But then I woke up one day and I said ‘Amber Rose’. There’s a new Amber Rose on the scene.
Is it easy to look after yourself as a DJ?
The music industry is intense. It’s heavy. There’ve been times where I’ve had gigs in Manny and then Liverpool, and then London and then back to Liverpool. I need a private chef! It can be intense but it’s about balancing that intensity with self care. For example, today, I’ve taken some time for myself. I took myself to the gym and went for a walk in the park – we’ve got beautiful parks in Liverpool. Today’s been a ‘Rosie’ day, because I’ve got a heavy weekend ahead and I know that I’ll need that time to breathe and ground myself. I think I find balance quite easily. I do yoga and meditation, but I’ll also have a good drink and dance on tables. It’s all about balance.
As a northern DJ, especially from Liverpool, what do you feel needs to change for more people like yourself to grow and come through in the industry?
It seems to be a recurring thing when I’m doing things in Liverpool and seem to be the only scouse DJ. I’d love to see more people from Liverpool getting their name out there. It’s a bit of a wild city with its own ecosystem so now, it feels like we’re in a transition period where the creative community is being observed and valued by people outside of Liverpool but maybe we, as a city, don’t quite understand what we have to offer, yet. This period we’re in right now will either make or break Liverpool. Fingers crossed it will make it because this city is incredible. I’m grateful for my surroundings and I’m grateful for this place. People want to help you. I think Liverpool is an incubator for talent and I want it to be seen as more than that because there’s so much more to Liverpool than what meets the eye. It’s not just students, there is beauty in our community and a raw, dense, vibrancy that isn’t being shown when it should be.
What do you think Liverpool needs in order to encourage a new influx of DJs from the city to emerge?
We miss Melodic Distraction! But, there is another great, grassroots radio station called Svara Radio and they’re working with a lot of scouse resident DJs. We definitely need to have more creative spotlights, workshops and initiatives, so we can do better as a community to educate people coming up. There needs to be more awareness that there are spaces for us. I think people have a little go with DJing and then they stop because they don’t see anybody that is like them paving the way so I’m hoping I can do that. Obviously Hannah Lynch did that with me and so many people, and she teaches. So it’s down to people like us to advocate for young DJs and young people who might not have had the space to grow otherwise. There also needs to be education on electronic equipment, it is a whole new language to get your head around. We are in a really good period where things are becoming more accessible and where more diverse sounds and wider audiences can grow. We are so rich in creativity.
What DJs from Liverpool should look out for?
Sharon Dee, an incredible DJ. Fay Donna Francis, Her DJ name is FDF – she’s incredible! She’s from Liverpool and I actually went to school with her and she’s also one of Hannah’s students. TJ as well, he’s amazing. Obviously Papu Raf. A female duo also called Phia – they’re really cool. Also Shanay, my mate, she’s Hannah’s girlfriend, she’s starting to DJ as well and she’s definitely one to look out for. She’s 2 months in and she’s doing bits already.
What gigs have you got coming up in and out of Liverpool recently? Where can people find you?
I’ve just supported David Rodigan at his event in Liverpool, which was sick because my dad used to love him. I’ve got the Baltic Weekender with Chop Life at 24 Kitchen Street which is going to be sick, some of my favourite DJs are on the line up. And on the 14th of June I’ll be celebrating my 22nd birthday at 24 Kitchen Street – tickets are on sale now!
Words by Latoya Reisner.
