Forget the bustling cafes and forget the pressure of awards ceremonies. Imagine instead a sun-drenched haven, a home studio that feels more like a sanctuary. Here, bathed in the soft glow of morning, Amber – the ethereal voice behind the captivating Night Night – welcomes us for a cup of something warm and a conversation that transcends the typical interview.

There’s a quiet wisdom in Amber’s eyes, a depth that speaks of melodies spun from late nights and the tenderness of motherhood. Today, we’re not just here for the story behind the chart-topping ‘I Wanna Know,’ though that, of course, is undeniably intriguing. We’re here to peel back the layers and discover the heart that beats at the center of Night Night, the artistic alchemy that transforms her experiences into the soul-stirring anthems that have made her a name synonymous with indie authenticity.

We’ll hear about the whispers of inspiration, the stolen moments where a melody takes flight, all woven alongside the quiet hum of domesticity. It’s a beautiful paradox, this ability to craft music that resonates with introspective souls everywhere, while simultaneously holding space for the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Settle in, grab your favorite oversized sweater, and get ready to connect with the artist who is redefining what it means to create from the soul.

photo by Iñigo Viu

Amber, I’m really curious about the story behind ‘I Wanna Know.’ Could you share with us what inspired you to write this particular track? Was there a specific event or moment that really sparked the creation of this song?

I’m really glad you’re interested in the story behind ‘I Wanna Know.’ This song was inspired by various sources, including my own love life, as well as films and stories in books. It’s often my imagination that weaves these experiences together into something cohesive. Rather than being sparked by a single event, ‘I Wanna Know’ emerged from a series of moments filled with uncertainty, hope, and eventual acceptance. Even though you’ve accepted the fact that it wasn’t meant to be, you still hold on to the lingering echoes of what might have been. The song explores the universal experience of wondering if there’s still a chance for love and seeking closure to move forward.

With your busy life as a mother and a musician, how do you find the energy to pursue your music? Could you share some of your strategies or routines that help you balance these roles?

Balancing life as a mother and a musician is challenging but rewarding. Time management is key, so I set a schedule that includes dedicated time for both my family and music. Early mornings or late evenings often become my creative time. A strong support system from family and friends helps immensely. Practicing self-care through short walks, cooking, or quiet moments keeps my energy up. I also stay present in each role, fully focusing on my family when I’m with them and on my music during creative time. Honestly, half the time it doesn’t work, and I end up just tired and dreaming about my double life. But it’s a continuous learning process, and these strategies help me pursue my passion while being a dedicated mother.

The music video for ‘I Wanna Know’ is quite captivating, featuring you dancing in front of cows while pregnant. I also really love the styling of the video, which has the intimate feel of a home video recorded on a cassette. What inspired you to choose this particular aesthetic?

I’m so glad you enjoyed the music video! The aesthetic choice was very intentional. Dancing in front of the cows while pregnant was a way to highlight the contrast between everyday life and my artistic dreams. The intimate feel of a home video recorded on a cassette was meant to evoke nostalgia and authenticity. I wanted to capture raw, real moments that resonate on a personal level, reflecting the vulnerability and honesty of the song itself. The cows and the rural setting also added a sense of tranquility and groundedness, balancing the emotional intensity of the lyrics. Overall, the goal was to create a visual experience that feels both familiar and deeply personal. 

Could you tell us the story behind your choice of the name Night Night for your music project? What significance does this name hold for you personally?

Choosing the name ‘Night Night’ for my music project was quite personal to me. The name evokes a sense of calm and introspection, which aligns with the dreamy, emotional nature of my music. For me, ‘Night Night’ symbolizes the quiet moments at the end of the day when you reflect on your thoughts and feelings. It’s a time of vulnerability and honesty, which is exactly what I aim to express through my songs. The repetition of ‘Night’ is a nod to my Indonesian roots; in Bahasa Indonesia, repeating a word signifies plurality. It’s a connection to my heritage, adding another layer of meaning to my music.

Who are some of the artists or bands that have influenced your music style as Night Night?

I draw inspiration from a variety of sources. Alongside Tennis, Men I Trust, Soccer Mommy, Julia Holter, and Angel Olsen, I’m also inspired by Snail Mail, Beach House, Phoebe Bridgers, and Japanese Breakfast. Their captivating melodies, poignant lyrics, and dreamy atmospheres have all contributed to shaping my sound.

Can you describe your songwriting process?

My songwriting process usually starts with a spark of inspiration, whether it’s a personal experience, emotion, or melody. I grab my bass guitar or sit at the piano, experimenting until something clicks. Once I have a rough idea, I often take it to my fellow musicians Sam and Tim. We jam on the idea together, bouncing around different melodies and arrangements until it starts to take shape. Lyrics come next, drawn from my experiences and emotions. I aim for honesty and relatability, crafting words that resonate with myself and others. From there, our producer Stijn takes it to the next level in pre-productions and studio sessions. We experiment with different sounds, arrangements, and production techniques, fine-tuning the song until it feels just right. Collaboration is key in my process; working with fellow musicians and our producer brings fresh perspectives and elevates the song to its full potential. Overall, it’s an organic journey, allowing the song to evolve naturally until it feels complete.

photo by Iñigo Viu

What part of the song production process do you enjoy the most? Is it recording vocals, writing lyrics, composing the melody, or perhaps something else entirely?

It’s really hard to choose because I enjoy every moment of the song production process. I love the initial spark of creativity when I’m on my own, whether it’s writing lyrics, composing melodies, or experimenting with new ideas.

However, if I had to pick, I’d say I enjoy the collaboration aspect the most. Working together with my friends and fellow musicians brings a whole new energy to the process. There’s something magical about bouncing ideas off each other, jamming together, and watching the song come to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined on my own.

You’ve described your music as a form of escape from a more ‘civil existence’. Can you elaborate on what this escape means to you?

Music serves as my escape from the demands of everyday life. As a part of a family and working a daytime job, life can be busy. Music provides me with a sanctuary where I can momentarily step away from those obligations and reconnect with myself. In my music, I aim to create a space where both myself and my listeners can detach from the stresses of daily life and find moments of solace and self-discovery.

Aside from music, what are some of your hobbies or activities that you enjoy for relaxation and inspiration?

Aside from music, I have several hobbies and activities that I enjoy for relaxation and inspiration. I love spending time with family and friends, working in my (vegetable) garden, and going for walks in nature and cities. I’m also passionate about watching art house films and documentaries, writing about my Indonesian roots, and exploring the world with my sons. Taking a relaxing bath, listening to podcasts, and watching YouTube clips of people trying Dutch herring for the first time or other exotic foods are some of my favorite ways to unwind and find inspiration.

What’s one song you absolutely love and might surprise others? Something you consider a guilty pleasure?

One song that I absolutely love and might surprise others is ‘Say You’ll Be There’ by the Spice Girls. It’s a total banger! In fact, I was even an understudy for Posh Spice in a Spice Girls tribute band at one point. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine, but that song just never fails to get me moving and singing along. Whenever I hear it, I always see the music video in my head, with that iconic desert scene where they look absolutely awesome, and I imagine myself performing right there.