We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Rae Dunn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber Rae, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Honestly? Not comparing myself to my friends! Now, I have to admit it’s harder than ever when you’re constantly bombarded with many different forms of Social Media on a daily basis, but I’ve trained myself, when my mind starts saying “why didn’t I get that (opportunity)” to instead pause and congratulate my fellow creative in a meaningful manner. Not just a simple “congrats” on their post, but something showing a deeper appreciation of their achievement. Something forcing their accomplishment to REALLY sink deep enough in to my brain that it overrides the natural instinct of jealousy or FOMO it first feels and reminds my mind that we are indeed truly happy for this person because we love them and they are not our rival, they are our c0-worker and friend. This kind of attitude helps me keep a positive mind clear from the clutter of the negative “should have been me” type thoughts and receptive to new opportunities that are soon to come my way with continued patience and hard work. Nobody likes a ‘negative Nancy’ and we all have met a bitter jaded musician out there. I avoid those pitfalls and misery by choosing a more compassionate, understanding and there’s room all type approach. Basically, I choose love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work it about my life. I live life to the fullest, meet new interesting people along the way and listen to their stories and memories then all of my experiences cumulate into my visual art and songwriting in ways even I sometimes don’t realize until after it’s completed. It’s so much fun ALWAYS discovering new things about yourself and how we are truly all connected like that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would tell them to first, give themselves a little TLC while in town and stay at the Peabody hotel. It is an absolutely gorgeous (and historic) setting to “set the mood” for the rest of their experience. Night one we would probably eat at Huey’s my favorite local spot then over a burger and a beer plan the rest of our itinerary starting with for Graceland that next morning. The next few days would be spent between visiting Sun Studios, Stax Records, Royal Studios, The Rock’n’roll Museum, The Lorrane Motel, and the Blues Museum. Of course, we would spend our lunches and dinners eating at some of the best local dives like Elwood’s Shack, Sunrise Cafe, Blues City Cafe, Blue Monkey, Central BBQ, and Rendezvous. Nightlife would consist of mostly Beale Street, the south Main Arts District and Overton Square to check out some of my friends who play around the city nightly. Then if we had just a little extra time we would visit the Boy hood Home of Johnny Cash just across the river in AR, or The Birthplace of the Blues down in Clarksville MS. I’ve held some version of this agenda up with visiting friends for years now and it never disappoints!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Memphis songwriters Association has been my rock in Memphis. I have been their Vice President for around 7 years now and plan tpo continue to be a part of this organization as long as it exists because I truly believe in its core values and the strong sense of community it brings to our singer-songwriter, artist and general music/creative community.

Website: https://amberraedunn.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberraedunn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberRaeDunn

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE0jFGvmOnYJxqH-494pVsg

Other: Sptify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/24EWQ2ycwxiFoh5QSq5uox?si=s-Pd-8KDQYe501Jff5VmVg&nd=1&dlsi=65b497cde76145a6
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amberraedunn

Image Credits
Danny Day George Smithers

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.