New York-based singer, songwriter, and producer Amber Mark returns with a soulful new single, “Worth It,” her first single in over a year and the first track to come from her forthcoming debut album, set for release later this year on EMI/PMR Records.
“We are our own worst critics, and I feel at times we are the hardest on ourselves.” says Mark; “I wrote this song as a mantra to myself in order to lift my spirits in situations where I feel worthless. Whether someone has put you down or you’ve done it to yourself this song is meant to help you pick yourself up again and remind you just how worthy you are of happiness.”
While “Worth It” marks the first official single since 2020’s “Generous”, 2020 was still a hugely productive year for the rising R&B star. With her hometown of NYC hit hard in the first wave of the pandemic and placed under strict lockdown, Mark turned to her simple home studio to create an acclaimed series of home-produced covers and originals titled Covered-19, each accompanied by a homemade video and artworks.
The series’ covers ranged from Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” to Sisqo’s “Thong Song” and included a politically charged cover of Eddie Kendricks’ “My People…Hold On” in support of the Black Lives Matter movement that was added to Michelle Obama’s Spotify Playlist.
“With her layered harmonies, Mark considers the weight of the movement; the song is a reminder that, despite grief and violence, the power of the people united holds vast potential for positive change,” wrote NPR in their feature on protest music.
Covered-19 was followed by a collaboration with longtime friend Empress Of on the protest song “You’ve Got To Feel,” earning Annie Mac’s Hottest Record, ‘Tune Of The Week’ and a spot on the Radio 1 playlist.
Earlier this year Mark featured on legendary DJ Paul Woolford’s new piano-house track “HEAT,” again snagging Annie Mac’s Hottest Record and a long run across the Radio 1 and 2 playlists.