SIMPLY SIX: Amber Rubarth

Amber is a singer from New York.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

My defining moment was in a wood sculpture studio in Nevada, where I had been an apprentice for 3 years, my mentor there told me the most important thing he ever learned was to follow your number one passion, that you will not be truly great, nor serve your purpose in the world, if you don't do that fully. I put down the chainsaw (yeah, it was chainsaw sculpture) and told him thank you, i quit... and was on my way to becoming a singer and songwriter. I feel lucky he gave me this advice and I've never regretted taking it.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Tom Waits. Josh Ritter. Bob Dylan. Louis Armstrong. Lots of indie music... a guy named Andi Almqvist from Sweden who is great, a girl in Vermont named Anais Mitchell, just got Jesse Dee's album "Bittersweet Batch" (he's from Boston) and it's rocking my world. Ezra Furman, Adam Levy, Paul Brill, Jay Nash. Randy Newman. WHOA. I just saw him last night at Carnegie Hall, his new album is my favorite of the year.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Oy. I feel like my writing has been what I've focused on most lately... there are certain songs I'm very proud of like "Easy To Think" and "In the Creases" and "Washing Day" that I'm very proud of the songs and recordings. Live, the greatest moments are when I forget I'm performing and am able to just connect fully with the audience, where it feels like it's an equal give and take and everyone's on the same plane.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Yes yes yes yes yes.... artists always lead the way to changes. A change is gonna come. Dylan protest songs. Artists speak for the current state of the world and can build huge momentum for change, on a global level or personal level (both equally important I think).

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

I love it. All about it. I guess I got into music right as the whole digital age came to be, so I don't have much to compare it to, but I feel like it's made it so each person can customize what they want to listen to much more and that raises the quality overall of independent music, you have to create something great if you're going to stand out.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Green shoes that are too small to wear now but you keep them tucked away in your closet because the boy you liked a long time ago suggested you get a pair of green shoes (and you did).