Songwriter singing original work ‘Onstage’

This is the 13th in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.  

MORRISTOWN – There will be no covers when Amber Alyse takes the Mayo Performing Arts Center stage later this month. She’ll be performing her own original work.

Alyse, 22, of Morristown, will sing “Can’t Stay,” a song she wrote herself.

“It is about a person who can’t decide which way to go in their relationship. They can’t stay with the person they’re with but yet they won’t go,” Alyse said. “This song really showcases my vocal ability and who I am as an artist. It also allows the listener to have a sneak peek into my life and I know the audience will enjoy it.”

Alyse is currently in the final semester of her senior year at Montclair State University. She also works as a substitute teacher in the Morris School District.

“I auditioned for Morristown Onstage because I wanted to showcase my talent and contribute to one of the positive things that go on in Morristown,” Alyse said. “I think it’s great that this show raises money for education while shedding some light on all of the talented individuals in our town.”

Alyse’s musical aspirations began young; her mother said Alyse has been singing since she was in a car seat.

“She says that she used to sing songs to me all the time and that’s how it all started,” Alyse said. “I sang my first solo to ‘You Are So Beautiful’ by Joe Crocker when I was in kindergarten at Alfred Vail Elementary School and that’s when I found out what I wanted be when I grew up.”

Alyse began writing poetry in third grade, eventually transitioning to songwriting. She recorded her first song, “I Just Wanna Know,” at 16. She’s since performed in locations throughout New Jersey, including Veronica’s in Morristown, and in New York City.

“I’ve had a lot of wonderful experiences and met a lot of great people who genuinely love my music,” Alyse said. “I’m so happy and blessed to have the opportunity to live my dream and I know that my hard work will pay off.”

Alyse said music is much more than a hobby to her.

“It’s my life,” Alyse said. “I have dedicated myself to it and I have sacrificed a lot for it. So, winning Morristown’s Onstage would be a very rewarding accomplishment for me.”

Since she’s graduating this year and will no longer have to pay for tuition, Alyse said she would invest any prize money back into her music.

“As an independent artist there are a lot of expenses that come about,” she said. “So I would be very grateful if I won the grand prize.”

Leading up to the show, Alyse said she will continue to work on her performance.

“Practice, practice, practice, take some time to promote the event like crazy and practice some more,” she said. “I really want the crowd to be blown away with my performance.”

If she has time, Alyse may grab a cheeseburger or hot dog, two of her favorite foods, and watch a movie.

“I love romantic comedies,” she said. “It doesn't even matter what movie it is.”

Alyse hopes she is someone girls can look up to.

“My two main goals as an artist are to be a good role model and to help people with my music,” Alyse said. “I want the people who listen to my music to be confident, strong, and happy. But most of all, I want them to love themselves.”

Following the Feb. 24 show, Alyse will release a new album in March, “Ascension,” which will be available on her website, AmberAlyse.com, and other online retailers including iTunes.

“I am constantly working on myself and elevating to new levels which is why I named the album ‘Ascension,’” Alyse said. “There are many more amazing things coming up in my future and I have to thank God for all of these blessings.”

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636;mizzo@GannettNJ.com

Morristown Onstage

What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 24

Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.

Tickets: On sale now. Prices range from $25 to $75. For information, call MPAC at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.