story by editor-in-chief: Ashly Nicole

Last week, former Short n’ Sweet tour opener turned headliner, Amber Mark absolutely dazzled the crowds in Los Angeles at not one, but two sold out nights at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood.

When I go to a show and every single act has astounding stage presence and even more amazing vocals to match, you know it’s something to write a million letters home about, and Amber’s Pretty Idea tour was just that.

While anyone who has listened to Amber’s music knows she has rich, sultry vocals and some of the most catchy lyrics, her openers only added to the sparkle of the entire show. With a wide range and the prettiest vocal tone, up and comer Rebel Rae opened the night, and I’m SO glad I made it in time to catch her set. Her vocals are insane, and she can captivate pretty much any crowd with her talent. Following Rebel was Sherwyn, with such a fun and energizing stage presence, and him being just as uniquely talented in the vocal department, I don’t think Amber could have chosen better openers for this tour. Sherwyn was also a collaborator on Amber’s Pretty Idea album, which made him opening for her even more special.

From the second Amber hit the stage, the energy in the room completely shifted. It felt like everyone collectively locked in at the same time. There’s something about her presence that feels effortless but intentional, like she knows exactly how to command a room without ever forcing it. Her live vocals somehow sound even better than the recordings; Every note was controlled, emotional, and just… clean, I absolutely love her voice, and I know she’s working on it, but the whole world needs to hear her!
The production of the show was the perfect match for her sound. It was elevated without being overdone, letting her voice and artistry take center stage while still giving the audience a full visual experience. Everything from the monogramed “A M” purple carpet covering the stage, to the floor to ceiling drapes lining the stage, to the lighting, the band, and the pacing of the setlist, all of it felt thoughtfully curated to really showcase and evoke the feeling in Amber’s music, rather than just a run through of songs.

She opened strong and kept that momentum the entire night, effortlessly moving through a setlist that felt both intentional and emotionally paced. Songs like “Mixer” and “Sweet Serotonin” brought an immediate groovy vibe, while moments like “Sink In” and “Lose My Cool” let her really lean into those smooth, signature vocals. “Monsoon” and “Worth It” felt especially intimate and immersive live, with the production elevating the emotion behind them in a way that made you feel completely pulled in.
There were also moments that felt extra special, like her playing some fan favorites like “Love Me Right,” “Doin’ Me,” and “Most Men” and she absolutely had the crowd singing along at full volume.
By the time she got to “Pretty Idea” and “What It Is,” it felt like the perfect and most fitting conclusion to her jam packed set; like the entire night had been building to those exact moments.

One of my favorite parts of the night was how connected she felt to the crowd. Between songs, she had these really genuine, almost intimate, yet fun interactive moments where it didn’t feel like you were at a packed venue in Hollywood. It felt like you were just hanging out, listening to someone who loves what they do and is genuinely grateful to share it. Amber sort of gives off a best friend energy and just really connects with her audience on a kind of silly banter level that feels fun and relatable. That kind of energy is sometimes hard to come by in the world of entertainment, and you could feel the audience reciprocating it right back to her. What also made this show so fun was the crowd knowing every word. Not just the bigger songs, but the deep cuts, the og’s, if you will. There’s something so special about witnessing an artist at this stage of their career, where the fanbase is so engaged, growing fast, and clearly here to stay, and it’s so deserved. By the end of the night, it was one of those shows where you leave already wanting to go back the next night. Which, in this case, a lot of people actually did. Two sold out shows at the Fonda is no small feat, but after seeing her live, it makes perfect sense, and I so wish we could’ve also been back for night two.

If this tour is any indication of where Amber Mark is headed next, it’s only up from here, and fast. She’s not just performing, she’s creating an experience that feels intentional, immersive, and genuinely hers. There’s a level of artistry and care in her live show that sets her apart, and it’s the kind of performance that stays with you long after you leave the venue, and everyone in that room was lucky enough to be part of it, even if just for a night…or two.

The Pretty Idea tour may have wrapped, but this feels like the beginning of a much bigger moment. Amber Mark is building something that people want to be part of, and if you get the chance to see her live, take it. We’ll definitely be back the next time she’s headed to a stage near us, and something tells me the rooms are only going to keep getting bigger and more crowded from here!!