As Sonlite Records announces a new solo chapter for Amber Eppinette Saunders - now recording under the name Amber Lynn - the longtime member of 11th Hour is stepping forward with her most personal music to date. Known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting within Southern Gospel, Saunders is embracing a more inspirational and introspective sound through her debut solo single, "Yahweh (Your Will Your Way)," while continuing her work with 11th Hour. In this conversation, Amber Lynn shares the faith journey, life experiences, and deeply personal stories that shaped this new season, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart behind the music and the calling that continues to guide her path.
Q: You've spent years writing and singing as part of 11th Hour. What was the moment you realized it was time to step into a solo chapter as Amber Lynn, and how did you discern that this was God's timing?
I've always known there would come a time when I'd release a solo album. What we do as 11th Hour and as artists on a stage represents maybe 20% of who we are. The other 80% is lived - in the quiet moments, on the road, in the everyday experiences that shape us. This solo project is where that 80% comes into play. It's my way of letting friends and fans see that part of me.
Q: Your debut solo single, "Yahweh (Your Will Your Way)," feels especially personal. What part of your faith journey or current life season most directly shaped this song?
Over the last couple of years, my prayers have changed. While there's nothing wrong with bringing specific requests before God, I've found myself praying more for His will to be done in every moment. There's a deeper peace in surrender than in asking.
Q: You've described this new music as leaning more inspirational while still honoring your southern gospel roots. Sonically and lyrically, how does this project differ from what listeners may know from your work with 11th Hour?
Stylistically, this project leans more toward the inspirational and contemporary side. Lyrically, it's even more personal than anything I've released before. These songs touch on deeply real experiences - miscarriages, postpartum depression, anxiety - the kinds of struggles that find their way into every home at one point or another.
Q: As a pastor's kid, songwriter, wife, and mother, you carry many callings at once. How has motherhood and family life influenced the way you now write, worship, and minister through music?
As a wife and mom, my songwriting has become more intentional because I'm in a completely different headspace now. Life looks different. My priorities are different. I'm surrounded by a new circle of people I relate to in ways I never could before.
Q: Having written over 200 songs for yourself and other artists, what was it like choosing your own words and stories to introduce your first-ever solo release?
There's something incredibly special about walking into a room with some of your closest friends and mentors and laying your heart out on the page. This time, I didn't hold back. I shared some of the deepest, darkest parts of my story - and together, we turned those painful places into something beautiful. They helped me find music in moments that once felt so ugly.
Q: As this new chapter unfolds under Sonlite Records, what do you hope listeners take away when they hear your music as Amber Lynn for the first time?
I hope people get to see the real me - the imperfect, growing, learning me - and through these songs, see how God transforms even the most broken places into something beautiful.
