Ambor’s signature sound—a blend of heartfelt acoustic ballads and uplifting anthems—has earned him accolades from both fans and critics. Yet Rockwood stands out not only for its polished production and radio-ready hooks but for the deep personal stories embedded in each song. From reminiscing about growing up in his hometown to reflecting on relationships with family and friends, Ambor’s songwriting is deeply anchored in nostalgia and personal experience.

“Rockwood was a park me and my friends would go to growing up,” Ambor explains. “It was a place you went to watch the sunset, or if you didn’t have another house to go to, you’d go to Rockwood. You’d get ice cream, go to Rockwood for a picnic, first dates, drink, smoke—whatever.”

While Ambor’s journey may seem smooth on the surface, he’s candid about the struggles and uncertainties that shaped his album. “The song ‘My Love’ probably challenged me the most,” Ambor admits. “It took a few revisions to write that one. It’s kind of a love song about home.”

The vulnerability in Ambor’s music is something fans resonate with, and he credits this authenticity with connecting to his growing audience: “I think people appreciate when you’re real. Even when you’re scared to share something personal, if it’s genuine, it’ll resonate.”

Ambor’s creative vision has always been central to his process, and he’s learned to trust his instincts along the way. “There were moments where people around me didn’t love certain parts of the songs,” he recalls. “But I stood by them, especially with “Good To Be”. I was like, ‘No, you guys are wrong,’ which was the first time I had the guts to do that.” Noting “Good To Be” is his second most streamed song on spotify.

The album’s success has proven that his instincts were spot on, with fans praising his ability to blend accessible melodies with heartfelt lyrics. “It’s scary to trust yourself sometimes,” he reflects, “but if you’re honest, people will feel that.”

Ambor’s track “Belong Together” has been the breakout hit of his career so far, reaching platinum status and finding its way onto countless playlists and TikToks. But for Ambor, the song holds a deeper meaning. “The song isn’t about a romantic relationship,” he says. “The first verse is about my parents, and the second is about my friends. It’s really about the people who make life better for me, and I think that’s why it’s connected with so many people.”

The infectious chorus has clearly struck a chord, with Ambor’s fans singing along at every stop of his recent tour. “It’s wild to hear people singing words I wrote in my bedroom, that’s a feeling I’ll never get used to.”

With the success of Rockwood still unfolding, Ambor isn’t slowing down. “I’m always writing. Even when I’m not actively working on something, there are ideas floating around in my head.” While Ambor’s future is undoubtedly bright, he remains grounded in the values that have gotten him this far. “At the end of the day, I want to keep making music that feels true to who I am,” he says. “If I can do that, I’ll be happy.”

When asked what advice he’d give to up-and-coming musicians, Ambor’s message is clear: “Don’t be afraid to take risks and stand behind what you believe in, even if others don’t get it at first. There will always be people telling you what you should do, but at the end of the day, it’s your voice, your story, and your message.” 

For now, Mark Ambor is enjoying the ride—and if Rockwood and heading on tour is any indication, he’s just getting started.

Photographer: Ryan Falcoa