Interview With Imber

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?

A:  I was brought up in a musical family and started playing the violin when I was very young, but one of my earliest memories is listening to folk songs while looking out the car window (something I still enjoy doing now!). When I’m in the process of writing somehow I always go back to those moments.

Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Imber”?

A: I am a singer-songwriter from Venice, Italy and I write in English: growing up I was always listening to American or British music, so I guess that stuck with me. If you’re italian based, it’s not common to sing in your non-native language, but I have this deep desire to connect with people, no matter where they’re from. I’m planning on playing live a lot, since I feel that is the best way for me to improve in my craft and network: if you’re an artist and touring Europe l’d love to support you!

I love blending ethereal melodies with more intricate, electronic productions: if feeling like a fish out of water is your vibe, then check my music out:)

Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?

A: In my head music intertwines with images a lot, so I guess I’m mostly inspired by paintings or movies: I love to do some research on the stories behind other pieces of art and how they were created. I also listen to a lot of music, and I’m always in awe of other artists’ talent and their way of writing. Right now I would say I’m really interested in Marta Del Grandi’s work: she’s another fellow Italian songwriter who sings in English, and I really admire her level of craftsmanship. 

Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Fallen Angel.”?

A: Fallen Angel is a special song for me, because it’s one of those ones that seem to come out of nowhere: I played a few chords on my guitar and this melody came out quite linearly. It happens once in a blue moon, but when it does it’s always a special feeling for a songwriter. 

The lyrics tell a story of a once-hopeful friendship that shatters in tiny pieces. As if it were a tale, the narrator is a court jester who reminisces on the past telling the story of how his entertainment was once highly appreciated, still now he feels useless and lost. Productionwise, a single voice and a simple piano lead the listener to a dramatic and vulnerable chorus, while the production intensifies ending in a sumptuous orchestral whirlwind. 

Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?

A: I don’t know if this is a thing, but I didn’t have a word to describe the genre I make, so I started describing it as “Renaissance-Pop”: I feel like it really encapsulates my different inspirations, from Celtic to pop music. It also gives me the freedom to potentially evolve into different sound nuances.

Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Fallen Angel”?

A: I tend to find more difficulties lyrically: it’s always a challenge to find the words that match the exact thoughts I have in my head. With Fallen Angel, I knew I wanted to tell this bittersweet side of friendship because I feel like it’s not often written about, but I struggled to find the image that allowed me to express my feelings vulnerably. In the recording process we wanted to match these intense feelings.

Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?

A: Music for me is truly a way of expression! Sometimes writing is the only way for me to process my emotions, and I feel a deep sense of connection whenever someone finds their own story in my songs, I really appreciate it. I’d love to grow as an artist and reach people with my music: I have been fortunate enough to meet so many inspiring folks along my journey so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.

Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)

A: This is a tough one, there are so many! It really depends on the time period and what I’m listening to, so right now I definitely wouldn’t mind forming a trio with Caroline Polacheck and Weyes Blood:)

Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?

A: I’m actually still trying to figure it out myself.Trying to break into the industry can be really daunting, especially if you’re just starting out like me. What I’m personally trying to do is define my goals and break them into smaller, daily actions.

Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?

A: I have to talk to my younger self on a daily basis, as letting that girl feel heard is really important in my music. One quote that has become more of a mantra to me is “take it one step at a time”, as the bigger picture can be overwhelming. Also, deeply analysing the lyrics to Vienna by Billy Joel is a painful yet very helpful experience.

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