One of the really cool parts of my job as a SLE Reporter is I get to hear some of the absolute best of SL’s Musical talent. The SL Enquirer Open Mic Songwriters Contest attracts the very BEST musicians that the Grid has to offer, and the winner who closed out 2024 for us is no exception. Judging is tough…. REALLY tough….at these contests, given the phenomenal performances by all, and selecting the winner is no easy task. This time that honor fell to Amberle Snugglepuff, guitarist and singer extraordinaire. I caught up with Miss Amberle following a VERY hectic Holiday Season, and she graciously consented to answer a few questions so that you, the reader, might learn more about this sensational talent.
Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) SB: So, Amberle, Congratulations on your
win. It was well deserved. Thank you for agreeing to chat with me. To begin with, how long have you been
performing your music, and what sorts of venues?
Amberle Snugglepuff-Angel (amberle.snugglepuff) AS: Hi
there, thank you so much! I am truly honored and appreciate the opportunity to
reach different communities with this interview. I’ve been performing for about
7 years now. I started around 2017 and fortunately, I have had the opportunity
to perform at numerous venues that have spanned a range of themes and
occasions.
SB: Who were
your music idols, and those who most influenced your musical style?
AS: I grew up in a
musically oriented family, my mom was a performer during her younger days, my
dad was part of a band, and our extended family co-founded a choir when I was
still a baby. Surrounded by people who
loved music, it influenced how I perceived going about singing and performing.
It definitely brought about a wealth of techniques that I was able to utilize
even when I didn’t have any professional training or education. If there were
any, at all, it would be some classical techniques that were taught during the
time I was still part of the choir that my aunties co-founded. So, the biggest
influences were definitely very close to home.
SB: What was
the inspiration for the song you sang at the contest, and why did you choose
that particular song?
AS: I sang two songs that were very close to my heart, very sad tunes that were out of depth with the Christmas spirit. I sang Out of Love by Alessia Cara and Gravity by Sara Bareilles. It was a few weeks ago but I remember talking about how I always gravitate towards the heartbreak songs, and it felt right to acknowledge that there are some people experiencing this kind of sadness during a very festive season. As a performer, I believe there always has to be a balance between certain emotions that we evoke, but I can’t help it at times. I love it when people ‘feel’ and it’s amazing when I get to bring people on an emotional rollercoaster with me.
SB: How would you describe the brand that you now represent? To really stand out in the SL Music scene, you have to have something special about your performances. How do you define your music style?
AS: I’m really bad
at describing/defining my brand or musical style but on a personal note, my
preference tends to gravitate towards songs from the 80’s to the present. Pop
is definitely a big factor but I love to listen to all sorts of genres and that
can translate to covers that sound entirely my own. I love breaking songs down
into raw versions that may evoke a different kind of emotion intended and I
believe it’s what makes music so special, we can all be singing the same song
but have very different intentions or directions taken.
SB: What are
your landmark performances? Best
Memories performing both in RL and in SL?
AS: Singing is
mostly a hobby to me, but the best memories from RL that I remember are when I
joined plays and music events during my younger school years, band sessions
when I got older and probably attempting to join The Voice Philippines one
time.
In SL, there are also several. The first would be performing
at Templemore for the first time, under their management, after a very long
break that I took. Shoutout to my lovely team, for having my back through all
of this, I would never have come back to singing if not for them. The biggest
‘landmark’ performance would definitely be performing for SMOKEFEST 2024, it
was definitely a moment that I would never forget. From the months of
preparation down to the day I got to sing for such a big crowd, it was a great
honor and opportunity to be a part of it. Lastly, I find myself marveling at
being invited to private moments where I get to sing for people who have
followed me for a while, their birthdays, weddings and what not. I consider
them a big milestone because I get to be a part of something that means a lot
to them and as an artist, I thrive on the connections made.
SB: How did you
take the news when they first announced your name as the winner?
AS: I was
genuinely surprised because it felt surreal. I was grateful but I honestly
couldn’t believe it because I also thought about all the other amazing
performers who were in the running. The winner could easily have been any one
of them.
SB: What does
it take to be a successful musician these days?
AS: Success is
subjective and is different depending on who is asked. For me, success in music
isn’t just about talent, it requires a blend of talent, dedication,
adaptability, and business savvy. I personally value a good work ethic and
persistence, because I believe that being able to break through obstacles,
rejection and personal troubles hone and define musical skill and creativity.
Also, let’s not forget that connecting with your audience is also up on that
list, emotionally resonating with your people gives a musician the opportunity
to evoke feelings and/or tell a compelling story, even if it’s not something
that someone is going through at that very moment.
SB: You’ve been
on the grid for a while now. What advice could you give to someone who wants to
be a songwriter?
AS: I’ve been on
the grid for about 12 years now, performing for 7. I’ve written some songs here
and there, but there are some that I’ve not really shared just yet. Personally,
I’d say find the method that makes your ‘madness’, creativity if you will,
work. It’s different for everybody but I believe that knowing and channeling
what you want people to feel while continuing to study and learn about music
helps. Write often, as it stimulates growth. Tell a story, your story, as it
makes you relatable. There’s so much, but beyond the technicality, I’d say…
Have fun! Enjoy the process, and as hard as it is to follow this advice for me,
don’t be too hard on yourself.
SB: Do you have any social media sites that folks can visit to see more of you and your work?
AS: Yes, I have a
few that I maintain, and would love to get a follow!
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/amberlemusic/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/amberlemusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50ShadesofAmber/
SB: Do you post
your performance schedule for anyone who wants to catch one or more of your
gigs?
AS: Yes, I have a
calendar that everyone can look into, and we post in-world, social media and
the Discord community.
In-world Group:
secondlife:///app/group/ca9e05ac-c484-0cd0-2ddc-dc66457ef5cd/about Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/AmberleLive/
Discord: https://tinyurl.com/AmberleDiscord/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50ShadesofAmber/
SB: Amberle, is
there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer Readers?
AS: I would like
to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone. If you’re reading
this, thank you for your time and I hope you enjoyed getting to know me more as
much as I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you all.
Thank you to Ninja, Kaysie and Wolfie for organizing the
Christmas Open Mic event that led to this opportunity. To Lanai, and you Josh,
for this interview.
A big shout out to my Templemore family. Luis Lockjaw, you
are my rock through all the madness, thank you for encouraging me to come back
to performing in SL and continuing to support me through everything. Rhia, Taj,
and Levi, I can’t express just how much I appreciate you all. I don’t
exaggerate when I say I can’t do this without you. Carly, your support means so
much to me, thank you for giving me that extra push to explore more
possibilities in music.
To the people I consider my family, best friends one could
ever ask for and the best support system, you make my SL so fulfilling. Chris
Grumpypants, Katsumi & Sonne Tchailenov, Tira and Des Ashen, Jessica
Gabardini, Alesea and Crash Seaborne, Steph Sinatra, you mean so much to me.
Thank you, I love you.
To my Angel family, thank you for taking me in, keeping me
safe and having my back. You are all so special to me and I will forever be
grateful.
Last, but not the least, thank you to the people who have
consistently supported me through this musical journey. My Amberfied, you are
the best community one could have, and fortunately, you are mine. Here’s to
more moos! ♥
I hope 2025 is good for everyone! Again, thank you and keep
safe!
So there you have it, folks. Straight from the songbird’s mouth. Amberle’s unique interpretation and
delightful style she brings to her singing is something that is MUCH better
experienced, than described.
Take a look at her calendar, find a performance, and judge
for yourself. You will NOT be disappointed. And I stand behind THAT prediction. Catch one
of her gigs soon.
And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be so very glad you did.
Be there! Aloha!
SB
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