Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Last year, Jacksonville vocalist Amber McSwain got a taste of local fame when she performed on Channel 4's "Gimme the Mike!" then sang the National Anthem at several Jacksonville Suns baseball games. But national exposure came as a surprise - especially when she landed a spot on the legendary "Showtime at the Apollo" television show. The 25-year-old McSwain auditioned when Apollo casting agents came to town, and after a "Showtime" producer saw her videotape, he insisted she appear during the show's fall season. McSwain was soon backstage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where stars like Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald launched their careers. Preparing to sing "I Surrender" by Celine Dion (one of her biggest influences), McSwain got word that she had to go on early. The Apollo audience, known for often brutal feedback, put an untimely end to the performance preceeding McSwain's. "It was very scary because I had about two-and-a-half minutes until I was supposed to go on," says McSwain, "and the girl that went on before me got booed off the stage 10 seconds into her song." Though McSwain was under pressure, the audience of about 700 returned a standing ovation. "[The audience} was fantastic," says McSwain. "They were claping during every break in the song. That's what I feed off of. You get a nice little adrenaline rush." Now back in Jacksonville, McSwain is working with her husband, Glenn, on an album of original material. Her performance on "Showtime at the Apollo" airs in February on NBC. - Owen Holmes Folio Weekly
Amber McSwain was the winner of the Colgate Country Showdown sponsered by 99.9 KISS Country at the Broward County Fair. For winning, Amber received a $1500.00 first prize, she'll advance in the 2005 Colgate Country Showdown and she'll perform at the 2005 KISS Country Chili Cookoff on Sunday, January 30th! - www.wkis.com
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Amber is a true, native Floridian, born and raised in Jacksonville. It became evident at a very young age that Amber had extraordinary vocal abilities. Her first performance in front of a large audience was at the age of 5 singing a church solo.
Amber's repertoire includes original songs, many of which she wrote or co-wrote herself in which she brings her unique sound and style. Her pure, sweet tone and impressive range leaves her audiences and music professionals wanting more. Her original style, unique voice, stunning looks and personality will surely catapult her into a successful career in the music industry.
Amber is well known throughout Nashville for her versatility and eclectic performances. She has been featured, and has hosted, several concerts and radio and television programs including being named "Best New Act In Florida 2005" by Colgate Country Showdown and featured as an up & coming artist on Showtime at the Apollo.
Amber has opened for numerous artists including Sammy Kershaw, Ronnie Milsap, Josh Gracin, Phil Vasser and Big & Rich just to name a few.
Currently, Amber and her Songwriter Husband Glenn, are focusing on writing and recording while continuing to perform with La Familia in and around Nashville. It is well known that in order to make it in the music industry, you need to have the voice, the look, the attitude and the presence to complete the package, and Amber definitely has them all - and more! She is definitely in a league all her own.
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