Amber: ‘We stop being successful once we stop learning’

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I start off my day by going at the gym. I’m a morning person so usually I wake up early, round 6:30am.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Definitely to remain humble and never forget the people who helped me reach my goals and be the person I am today.

What do you never leave the house without?

Surely my mobile phone (I consider myself a Facebook and Instagram addict) and surely without my diary. I’m a bit old-school when it comes to scheduling my day, appointments and contacts. So I’d definitely be lost without my
diary.

Pick three words that describe yourself

Bubbly, funny and assertive.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Representing Malta in Eurovision back in 2015. It has always been a dream since I was a little girl. Another is getting my B.Ed as a primary teacher. I love children so much, and working with children is so rewarding.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

By far chocolate… can’t go a day without chocolate (except at Lent). One of the reasons why I train almost every single day is to have that extra piece of chocolate.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

We stop being successful once we stop learning and see ourselves as failures.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

I don’t buy a lot of expensive stuff. When I was 16 I used my summer job money to buy an Lm80 tight-fit jeans. It felt so good… until the first night I wore them to a party. I literally couldn’t breath. It was the last time I ever wore them.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?

To enjoy every minute as if it is your last. We tend to take everything for granted when we’re young and not appreciate the moment.

Who’s your inspiration?

Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé. They have inspired me a lot, both in my musical career and life. I see them as being all-rounders. Not just great artists, but also great motivators, with a great sense of leadership and assertiveness.

If you weren’t a singer, what would you be doing?

Working in the media/entertainment industry. I love this industry so much. I’ve always dreamt of being a ballerina when I was younger!

Do you believe in God?

Yes I am very spiritual as a person. I read parts of the Bible every night before I sleep. I find a sense of serenity and peacefulness in it all. I see God in every situation I go through every single day and in every person I meet. I became closer to God after my first voluntary experience in Africa back in 2012. I was able to see and feel God in the people’s eyes. Despite all they’re going through, their faith was so strong, it felt overpowering anything else.

If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be?

Definitely Stevie Wonder or Beyoncé.

What’s your worst habit?

Being too bossy at times. I like to be in control in most of the situations, and at times I do this unintentionally without even knowing.

What are you like when you’re drunk?

I’m not really a person who drinks. But when I’m drunk, I’m actually very talkative and tend to take photos with all the random people I meet.

Who would you have play you in a film?

Margot Robbie.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

People being lazy, late and disorganised.

What music would you have played at your funeral?

Soulful and gospel music for sure. Some Etta James and a bit of Stevie Wonder.

What is your earliest memory?

My first day of kinder. Couldn’t stop crying. I remember eating my lunch quietly alone and looking at the door, hoping my mum would pick me up soon enough.

What’s your favourite food?

Sushi.

Who’s your favourite person on social media right now?

I’m following Guy Sebastian from Australia at the moment. I find his music super-cool and his lifestyle highly interesting.

If you could travel in time, where would you go?

Ancient Egypt, and the 1950s.

What book are you reading right now?

Fr Rob’s latest book Breakthrough: A Journey from Desperation to Hope.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To stop time whenever I want. Get the chance to arrange and think over certain things again.

What’s one thing you want to do before you die?

Have a family of my own.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

The Weekend’s latest album ‘My Dear Melancholy’.  It’s so interesting the way he combines different genres and sounds into his music. Apart from his exquisite voice.

In the shower or when you’re working out, what do you sing/listen to?

R&B usually. Destiny’s Child, Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé.

What was it like taking part in Il-Hanina Maddalena – should we expect more theatrical work soon?

I played the part of the wicked witch, Serafina Danieli. This is based on true events in Malta, so it makes it more interesting. It was my first time acting, but I really enjoyed it. I got to meet different people, made new friends and learnt from this wonderful experience. I’d definitely do it again if I had the opportunity.

If you could perform with any artist, who would you choose? And what would you sing?

Definitely, I would perform with Etta James, particularly on ‘At Last’.

What should we expect from you in the coming months?

I’m working on a new album, and I’ll be releasing a track with one of my favourite singers very soon! I’m working full swing on my programme Amber Out & About, and filming some new exciting things.