Amber Lawrence
Amber Lawrence (born 19 April 1978) is an Australian country music singer-songwriter and guitarist.[1] Born in Sydney, New South Wales, she began her professional music career in 2004 after competing in events at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and left her job as an accountant at Qantas in 2005 to pursue music full-time.[1] Lawrence has released seven studio albums as of 2022, with several achieving commercial success on the ARIA Country Albums Chart, including her 2022 release Living for the Highlights, which debuted at number one and marked her highest charting album overall at number five on the ARIA Albums Chart.[2][3] She is a six-time winner of the prestigious Golden Guitar Award at the Country Music Awards of Australia, most recently earning Female Artist of the Year in 2023, and has received two ARIA Award nominations for Best Country Album.[4] In addition to her solo work, Lawrence has produced three children's country albums, such as The Kid's Gone Country (2016) and Aussie Aussie Christmas (2020), and is known for her uplifting songs celebrating Australian life, family, and resilience.[4] Her performances include shows for Australian troops in Afghanistan, East Timor, and the Sinai Peninsula, as well as a 2017 joint appearance with then-U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in New York.[4][1] Lawrence was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth in 2017 and into the Galaxy of Stars in 2023, and has mentored young artists through programs like "Be Your Own Superhero" in over 300 schools.[1][4]Early life
Childhood and family
Amber Lawrence was born on 19 April 1978 in Sydney, Australia.[5] She grew up in the Sydney suburb of Mascot alongside her siblings in a close-knit family environment.[6] Her parents were Brian and Lorraine Lawrence. Brian was an active surf lifesaver at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, where he met his wife, former Miss Maroubra, during his youth after being orphaned as a teenager.[7] The family's ties to Maroubra Beach provided a backdrop of coastal and surfing culture that permeated her suburban childhood.[8] When Lawrence was eight years old, her father suffered a debilitating stroke at age 40 in 1987, leaving him paralysed on the right side of his body and unable to speak; this event profoundly shaped her family's dynamics and her early years.[9] Brian Lawrence passed away in 2009.[9]Musical beginnings and education
Amber Lawrence grew up in Sydney, initially prioritizing sports over music, as she trained daily and participated in every school sports team available. Her first musical influences stemmed from family, particularly her grandmother, who played the organ and encouraged Lawrence to learn piano during her childhood; by age 13, she was performing on the organ at church services, including the early 7:30 a.m. slot.[10][11] As a teenager, Lawrence dabbled in guitar and discovered her vocal talent in Year 11 after breaking her foot, which led her to audition for the school musical and secure a role that ignited her interest in performing. These school activities provided her initial stage experience.[10][11][12] After completing high school, Lawrence enrolled at the University of New South Wales, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. During her final year of university, she explored singing further through karaoke sessions, building confidence that complemented her instrumental foundations and foreshadowed her eventual shift toward songwriting and performance.[12][8][11]Music career
2003–2006: Career beginnings and I've Got the Blues
Amber Lawrence entered the country music scene in 2004 by competing in the Telstra Road to Tamworth talent quest in Tamworth, New South Wales, where she finished as runner-up to Jessica Mauboy.[13][14] This competition marked her professional debut, showcasing her vocal talents and stage presence to industry professionals and audiences in Australia's country music capital. Building on her early musical interests developed in Sydney, Lawrence's participation helped her gain initial exposure and connections within the Tamworth community.[13] In 2005, Lawrence advanced further by becoming a finalist in the prestigious Star Maker quest at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, one of nine grand finalists competing for recognition at the Country Music Awards of Australia.[13] During this period, she honed her skills as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, having begun playing guitar at age 23 and writing original songs shortly thereafter, which formed the foundation of her self-taught style.[14] These developments were evident in her early performances around Tamworth, where she began building a local following through festival appearances and informal gigs that highlighted her authentic country sound.[13] Following the Star Maker quest, Lawrence released her debut extended play, I've Got the Blues, in 2006, featuring four original tracks: "I've Got the Blues," "The Lonely Road," "I'm Still Alright," and "What's She Got?"[13][1] The EP, self-released under her own label, captured her emerging songwriting voice with themes of heartbreak and resilience, resonating with listeners and radio presenters in the Australian country circuit.[13] This release solidified her presence in Tamworth, where ongoing performances at local venues and events further strengthened her grassroots support base through 2006.[13]2007–2011: The Mile and When It All Comes Down
Lawrence's debut studio album, The Mile, was released in July 2007 through ABC Music.[1] The album included tracks co-written by Lawrence, such as the title song "The Mile," which was accompanied by a music video.[15] Following its release, she embarked on an extensive touring schedule across Australia to promote the record.[12] That same year, Lawrence performed for Australian troops stationed in East Timor, marking an early international outreach in her career.[1] Building on the momentum from her debut EP I've Got the Blues, The Mile represented Lawrence's shift toward full-length releases in the country genre, showcasing her songwriting and guitar work.[16] In August 2009, Lawrence independently released her second studio album, When It All Comes Down.[17] The project featured 12 tracks, including the title song, which included a duet with fellow Australian country artist Aleyce Simmonds.[18] Produced under her own label, the album highlighted her increasing independence in the music industry while continuing themes of personal resilience and relationships common in her early work.[19] Throughout 2007 to 2011, Lawrence's live tours across Australia played a key role in expanding her fanbase within the domestic country music community, with performances at festivals and venues that solidified her presence on the scene.[12]2012–2015: 3 and Superheroes
In 2012, Amber Lawrence released her third studio album, 3, on 20 January through Core Music/Sony Music Australia. The record debuted at number 4 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart, marking a strong commercial start for her mid-career work. Featuring collaborations such as "The Peace I Keep" with Adam Harvey, the album showcased Lawrence's evolving songwriting, with tracks like "The Man Across the Street" drawing from personal observations of returned veterans' experiences. Thematically, 3 blended upbeat optimism and personal happiness with explorations of resilience and courage amid adversity, reflecting Lawrence's maturation as a storyteller in the country genre.[20][21][22] During this period, Lawrence expanded her touring footprint, performing at key Australian country events like the Tamworth Country Music Festival and venturing into international settings, including a 2013 show in the Sinai Peninsula to entertain Australian and coalition forces. She also joined high-profile domestic tours, building on her growing audience through appearances on cruise ships and festival circuits that introduced her music to broader, larger-scale venues. Songwriting collaborations began to emerge more prominently, with Lawrence co-authoring several tracks on 3 alongside established contributors, enhancing the album's emotional depth and genre authenticity.[23][24] Lawrence's fourth studio album, Superheroes, arrived on 19 September 2014 via ABC Music/EMI Music Australia, debuting at number 3 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart and solidifying her rising profile. The lead single and title track, co-written with Clive Young, captured empowering narratives of self-reliance and inner strength, earning Lawrence the Female Artist of the Year honor at the 2015 Country Music Awards of Australia Golden Guitar Awards. Other songs, such as "Honeysuckle" co-penned with Suzy Connolly and "The Lifesaver" as a tribute to her late father, delved into personal themes of love, loss, reflection, and empowerment following a relationship break-up. The album's introspective yet uplifting lyrics highlighted Lawrence's thematic growth, emphasizing resilience and personal triumph within the country tradition.[25][26][27] This era saw further touring expansion, including the 2014 "Islands in the Stream" co-headlining tour with Jason Owen, which played to expanded audiences in major Australian theaters and regional halls, blending classic covers with original material. These efforts, coupled with increased radio play and festival slots, amplified Lawrence's recognition, positioning her as a key figure in contemporary Australian country music through collaborative creativity and thematic maturity.[28][29]2016–2018: The Kid's Gone Country, Happy Ever After and Our Backyard
In April 2016, Lawrence released her debut children's album, The Kid's Gone Country, consisting of 15 original songs written or co-written by the artist and designed for family audiences with upbeat, educational themes about country life and fun activities.[30] This project marked a significant pivot, allowing her to engage younger listeners while drawing on her established country roots.[31] Later that year, on September 30, Lawrence issued her fifth studio album, Happy Ever After, a collection of 12 tracks exploring themes of love, resilience, and personal growth in a polished country-pop style.[32] The album debuted at No. 44 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking her third entry in the top 50 and demonstrating continued commercial momentum in the adult contemporary country market.[33] In 2017, Lawrence collaborated with fellow Australian country artist Travis Collins on the EP Our Backyard, a seven-track release that celebrates everyday Australian experiences, including rural life, friendship, and community through harmonious duets and storytelling lyrics.[34] Produced by Matt Fell, the project highlighted her versatility in blending voices and narratives rooted in national identity.[35] It entered the ARIA Albums Chart top 50, further solidifying her presence in collaborative and thematic country releases.[36] Throughout 2016 and 2018, Lawrence expanded her live performances to include family-oriented events and kid-friendly tours, such as free concerts at primary schools where she mentored young students and performed selections from her children's repertoire alongside adult hits.[37] This period exemplified her ability to balance dual discographies, maintaining momentum in mature country audiences while fostering a new generation through accessible, joyful music tailored for families.2019–2025: Spark, The Kid's Gone Country II, Living for the Highlights and recent developments
In June 2019, Lawrence released her sixth studio album, ''Spark'', through ABC Music, which celebrated personal milestones including her engagement and pregnancy.[38] The album debuted at number 13 on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 1 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart.[39] Featuring uplifting country-pop tracks, ''Spark'' marked a joyful evolution in her songwriting, blending heartfelt narratives with energetic production.[40] Building on the success of her earlier children's album, Lawrence issued the sequel ''The Kid's Gone Country II: Fun for All the Family'' on November 20, 2020, via UMA and ABC Music.[41] This family-oriented project debuted at number 2 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart and reached number 71 on the overall ARIA Albums Chart, incorporating playful songs like "We Live in a Zoo" and "Boot Scoot" to engage young audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.[42] Lawrence's seventh studio album, ''Living for the Highlights'', arrived in July 2022, achieving her highest commercial peak to date by debuting at number 5 on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 1 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart.[3] The record, praised for its vibrant mix of country anthems and personal reflections, sustained strong chart presence and earned an ARIA nomination for Best Country Album.[43] Key singles from this era included the 2020 collaboration "True Blue" with Aleyce Simmonds, Kirsty Lee Akers, and Dianna Corcoran, which highlighted female solidarity in country music.[44] Following these releases, Lawrence maintained a rigorous touring schedule, performing over 90 shows across Australia in 2022.[45] In 2023, she was inducted into the Tamworth Galaxy of Stars by Tamworth Regional Council mayor Russell Webb, recognizing her significant contributions to Australian country music alongside icons like Kasey Chambers and Lee Kernaghan.[46] By 2023, Lawrence had established herself as Australia's highest-selling female country artist.[47] In 2024, Lawrence released the single "You Can Admit You Like Country Music", which inspired her national tour of the same name.[48] The tour continued into 2025, with dates including November 1 at Mathinna Big Country Jam in Tasmania.[48] Throughout 2025, she issued further singles from her forthcoming eighth studio album, scheduled for early 2026, including "Comeback Queens" in May and "Something to Dance To" in September, maintaining her momentum with energetic country tracks.[49][50]Discography
Studio albums
Amber Lawrence has released seven primary adult-oriented studio albums since her debut in 2007, showcasing her evolution as a country singer-songwriter with themes of resilience, relationships, and Australian life. These albums have consistently performed well on Australian charts, with all seven peaking in the top 20 of the ARIA Country Albums chart.[3]| Album | Release Date | Label | Producer | Tracks | ARIA Albums Peak | ARIA Country Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Mile | 2007 | MRA Entertainment | - | - | - | 5 |
| When It All Comes Down | 2009 | ABC Music | - | - | - | 17 |
| 3 | 2012 | Sony Music | - | - | 41 | 4 |
| Superheroes | 19 September 2014 | Social Family Records | Matt Fell | 13 | 43 | 3 |
| Happy Ever After | 30 September 2016 | ABC Music | - | 12 | 44 | 6 |
| Spark | 14 June 2019 | ABC Music / Universal | Stuart Roslyn | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| Living for the Highlights | 22 July 2022 | Independent (Amber Lawrence Music) | - | 12 | 5 | 1 |
Children's and live albums
Amber Lawrence has released several albums targeted at children and families, blending her country music style with educational and entertaining themes to promote values like acceptance, family bonding, and appreciation for Australian culture. These projects, beginning in 2016, feature original songs designed for young audiences up to age nine, often incorporating playful narratives about everyday life, animals, and holidays.[42][63] Her debut children's album, The Kid's Gone Country (2016), consists of 15 original tracks that explore topics such as food, dirt, boots, grandmas, and country living, aiming to instill a sense of fun and rural Australian identity in listeners.[31][30] The album draws directly from Lawrence's country roots to create accessible, upbeat music for family sing-alongs.[64] The sequel, The Kid's Gone Country 2: Fun for All the Family (2020), expands on this formula with songs like "Down on the Farm," "Boot Scoot," "We Live in a Zoo," and "Giddy Up," emphasizing animal adventures, dancing, and household chaos to engage children and parents alike.[65] It debuted at No. 2 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart and No. 71 on the ARIA Albums Chart, earning an ARIA nomination for Best Children's Album in 2021.[42][42] In 2017, Lawrence released Aussie Aussie Christmas, her second children's album. In 2023, she followed with A Very Aussie Aussie Christmas, a family-oriented holiday album with 15 tracks, including her self-penned hit "Aussie Aussie Christmas" (originally from 2017) and new additions like "The Animal Christmas Do," "Swimming Pool," and "Real Live Puppy." This bonus edition highlights uniquely Australian Christmas traditions, such as barbecues and beach celebrations, to foster seasonal joy and cultural pride among young listeners.[66][67][68] Regarding live recordings, Lawrence issued Amber Lawrence Live in 2020, a 14-track album capturing performances from Lizottes in Newcastle in 2019, featuring energetic renditions of hits like "Outrageous," "Superhero," and "Boots Baby" to showcase her stage presence and audience interaction.[69][70] The accompanying DVD reached No. 2 on the ARIA Music DVD Chart, providing fans with a concert experience that blends her adult and family-friendly material.[71][72] Lawrence also collaborated with Travis Collins on the 2017 EP Our Backyard (ABC Music / Universal), a 7-track release peaking at No. 40 on the ARIA Albums Chart and No. 2 on the Country chart, focusing on Australian rural life and community spirit.[35][73][74]Extended plays and singles
Amber Lawrence released her debut extended play, I've Got the Blues, on 16 January 2006, through her self-established label Amber Lawrence OSE. This four-track EP marked her entry into the country music scene with original compositions reflecting themes of heartbreak and resilience, all penned by Lawrence. The tracklist includes:| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I've Got the Blues | Lawrence | 3:22 |
| 2 | The Lonely Road | Lawrence | 4:18 |
| 3 | I'm Still Alright | Lawrence | 3:32 |
| 4 | What's She Got? | Lawrence | 3:12 |
Music videos
Amber Lawrence has released several official music videos throughout her career, often emphasizing themes of Australian country life, personal resilience, and communal spirit, with a frequent use of rural landscapes to underscore her roots in the genre. Early videos from her debut years featured straightforward, narrative-driven styles shot on modest budgets, evolving into more polished, high-production clips in later works that incorporate dynamic cinematography and collaborative elements. One of her initial music videos was for the single "Good Girls" from her 2007 album The Mile, premiered on YouTube on 4 May 2008. Directed in a simple, performance-based format typical of mid-2000s country releases, the video highlights Lawrence's vocal delivery against urban and suburban backdrops in Sydney, Australia, reflecting themes of heartbreak and self-reflection without extensive rural scenery.[77] In 2014, the video for "Superhero," the title track from her album Superheroes, marked a shift toward more thematic storytelling. Uploaded to YouTube on 7 August 2014, it portrays Lawrence as an everyday hero navigating life's challenges, filmed primarily in New South Wales rural areas including open fields and small-town settings to evoke empowerment and Australian outback resilience; the production, handled by her label ABC Music, emphasized natural lighting and on-location shooting for an authentic feel.[78] Lawrence's 2020 collaboration video for "True Blue," a cover of John Williamson's classic featuring Aleyce Simmonds, Kirsty Lee Akers, and Dianna Corcoran, premiered on YouTube on 2 July 2020. Produced by Dianna and Jesse Anderson at Klik Productions and largely shot in the rural town of Parkes, New South Wales—known for its annual Elvis Festival—the video celebrates Australian identity through footage of vast farmlands, country roads, and the performers in casual, patriotic attire, blending lockdown-era virtual elements with on-site rural cinematography for a heartfelt, communal aesthetic.[79][80] More recent videos demonstrate higher production values and diverse directorial approaches. For instance, the 2023 clip for "Live a Country Song" from her album Living for the Highlights, released on 21 September 2023, was directed with vibrant energy, featuring Lawrence performing amid Australian coastal and rural vignettes in Queensland, incorporating drone shots and lively ensemble scenes to capture the joy of country music escapism.[81] Similarly, the 2025 video for "Comeback Queens," premiered on 3 May 2025, adopts a fun, empowering style directed toward female camaraderie, shot in urban-nightlife settings with high-energy editing and colorful visuals, signaling a modern evolution from her earlier rural-focused narratives while maintaining thematic ties to personal triumph.[82] This progression reflects Lawrence's growth from intimate, location-specific shoots to expansive, genre-blending productions that amplify her status in Australian country music.Awards and nominations
ARIA Music Awards
Amber Lawrence has received two nominations at the ARIA Music Awards, Australia's premier annual ceremony honoring achievements in the music industry across all genres, administered by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) since 1987. These nominations highlight her contributions to both country and children's music categories, reflecting ARIA's role in recognizing diverse Australian musical talents beyond genre-specific events. In 2021, Lawrence was nominated for Best Children's Album for her release The Kid's Gone Country 2: Fun for All the Family, which celebrates family-friendly country interpretations of popular songs; the award was ultimately won by Bluey for Bluey: The Album.[83][84] Lawrence earned another nomination in 2022 for Best Country Album with Living for the Highlights, her seventh studio album featuring collaborations and original tracks that peaked at number one on the ARIA Country Albums Chart; Casey Barnes took the award for Light It Up.[85][86]| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Best Children's Album | The Kid's Gone Country 2: Fun for All the Family | Nominated |
| 2022 | Best Country Album | Living for the Highlights | Nominated |
Country Music Awards of Australia
Amber Lawrence has achieved significant recognition at the Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA), known as the Golden Guitar Awards, with six wins across various categories since 2015. These accolades highlight her contributions to contemporary country music, including standout performances in female artistry, songwriting, and collaborations. The awards, held annually in Tamworth during the Country Music Festival, celebrate excellence in Australian country music.[87][13] Her first Golden Guitar came in 2015 at the 43rd Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, where she won Female Artist of the Year for her album Superheroes. This victory marked a pivotal moment in her career, affirming her rising status in the genre.[88][11] Lawrence's most prolific year at the CMAA was 2018, during the 46th Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, when she secured three awards for her collaboration with Travis Collins on "Our Backyard": Vocal Collaboration of the Year, APRA AMCOS Song of the Year (co-written with Collins and Matt Scullion), and Single of the Year. These wins underscored her versatility in blending heartfelt lyrics with commercial appeal.[26][87] In 2021, at the 49th Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, she earned her fifth Golden Guitar for Vocal Collaboration of the Year on "True Blue," shared with Aleyce Simmonds, Kirsty Lee Akers, and Dianna Corcoran. This track celebrated Australian identity and further solidified her role in fostering community through music.[87] Lawrence claimed her sixth Golden Guitar in 2023 at the 51st Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, winning Female Artist of the Year. This honor, following two decades in the industry, recognized her consistent output and influence, including the chart-topping album Living for the Highlights. At the same ceremony, she was one of the top performers among nominees.[88][89] Beyond her wins, Lawrence has received numerous nominations since entering the CMAA scene in the late 2000s, reflecting her sustained impact. Notably, for the 2023 awards—tied to her 2022 album Living for the Highlights—she garnered five nominations, including Album of the Year, Contemporary Country Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year (which she won), Heritage Song of the Year for "I'm Coming Home" (co-written with Katrina Burgoyne), and Vocal Collaboration of the Year for "Let The Girls Sing" (with Kirsty Lee Akers and Ashleigh Dallas). For the 2025 awards, she was nominated for Vocal Collaboration of the Year for "Fumes & Fireworks" (with Andrew Swift). Earlier nominations include Female Artist of the Year in 2013 for her work on tracks like "Man Across the Street." These recognitions, announced in November 2022, positioned her among the event's leading contenders alongside artists like Adam Brand and Casey Barnes.[90][91][92][93][94]| Year | Ceremony | Category | Work/Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 43rd Toyota Golden Guitar Awards | Female Artist of the Year | Superheroes | First win, recognizing overall artistic achievement.[11] |
| 2018 | 46th Toyota Golden Guitar Awards | Vocal Collaboration of the Year | "Our Backyard" (with Travis Collins) | Shared award for duet performance.[87] |
| 2018 | 46th Toyota Golden Guitar Awards | APRA AMCOS Song of the Year | "Our Backyard" (songwriters: Lawrence, Collins, Scullion) | Honored songwriting excellence.[26] |
| 2018 | 46th Toyota Golden Guitar Awards | Single of the Year | "Our Backyard" (with Travis Collins) | Top single release.[26] |
| 2021 | 49th Toyota Golden Guitar Awards | Vocal Collaboration of the Year | "True Blue" (with Aleyce Simmonds, Kirsty Lee Akers, Dianna Corcoran) | Multi-artist collaboration celebrating Australian themes.[87] |
| 2023 | 51st Toyota Golden Guitar Awards | Female Artist of the Year | Overall body of work, including Living for the Highlights | Sixth win, marking 20 years in country music.[88] |