Amber Campbell from Belleeks may only be nine-years-old, but she’s already making waves in the Irish Country music scene.
The Co. Armagh singing sensation holds her own on the same nights as country favourites such as John Glenn, Owen Mac, Ailish McBride and Philomena Begley, proving that age is no barrier to stardom.
Not only will she soon be releasing her first single, but Amber has also been asked to perform at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards on January 29 in the Armagh City Hotel.
Speaking to Armagh I, mum Mary said they could tell from a young age that Amber -who absolutely loves Owen Mac, Daniel O’Donnell and Lisa McHugh – was destined to go far with her singing, having “always sang from she was able to talk”.
She explained: “We knew singing and music was something she was going to be massively interested in. Amber started singing lessons at the age of four and then started her music grades two years ago and is now currently on her grade two.”
Amber got a taste for the performing life after singing at the Balmoral Show in May 2023, where she came joint second, singing ‘Jealous of the Angels’.
Continued Mary: “Then an opportunity came to sing at the Warrenpoint Festival in August, where she sang at the Hugo Duncan Show and was taken on to sing with Country Music Showtime with Sean Wallace, who Amber has become very fond of.
“He has given her the opportunity to sing with another favourite of hers, John Glenn and other upcoming artists which has greatly developed her confidence.”
For her ninth birthday in August, Amber went to The Ivory Sessions with producer Mark Cahill, where many recording artists go to release songs.
Here, she performed ‘Jealous of the Angels’ and when the video was uploaded to ‘The Ivory Sessions’ Facebook page, it managed to reach a staggering 634,000 views and over 21,000 reactions!
Added Mary: “We were absolutely blown away by the response! Then an email came through from the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards who had seen her video and asked if she would like to perform at the awards. She was absolutely blown away as it is such an honour for a nine-year-old to be given that opportunity!”
From here on out, the sky’s the limit for Amber, who is travelling to a recording studio in Donegal this month to release her first single – particularly poignant as it is her Granda Finnegan’s favourite song.
Said Mary: “Amber is a quiet girl that is quite grounded. She takes everything in her stride and enjoys all the simple things and the excitement that comes with her music. She loves meeting new people and appreciates all her family friends and Facebook friends who support her massively.
“2024 is going to be an exciting year with her new release and the Country Awards. She has a few bookings and charity events so she’s a busy girl but very excited to see where it all takes her!”
