What better way to chill out after pushing yourself at the Australian Running Festival than by putting your feet up at a live set by Canberra's own Amber Nichols?
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The Franklin resident, who who made Jessie J's top three in The Voice 2015, has put together a mix of originals and upbeat covers so participants can unwind and give themselves a pat on the back in the festival village on Saturday April 8.
"It is such an iconic event. I love being involved in anything that is part of our amazing vibrant capital," she said.
"So many people are participating to support something they believe. There are something like 250 charities people are raising money for. That gets me excited."
Her set will likely feature some of her favourite artists such as Lorde, Kimbra and Jarryd James.
Amber balances a schedule of gigs and appearances with her busy home life caring for her son Charlie who is nearly three and one and a half year old daughter Olive - who was right with her mum throughout The Voice journey.
The past year she has spent exploring new territory musically and putting an electronic twist on her repertoire.
A full album is in the wings and Nichols is putting the final touches on her new single Under My Skin which is due to be released before winter hits.
"This album is a bit different from what I normally do," she said.
"My roots are really folkie, acoustic, raw music but I am blending that with a bit of electronica. I am excited to share it and test the waters with the general public to see if they like it."
Toying with looping and electronic beats has taken her to new places in her songwriting and changed the way she writes.
"I am used to sitting at the piano and doing my normal thing but I've found at home I'll put a beat on and see what comes out," she said. "It has really changed things up."
Nichols is diligent about her songwriting and dedicates time in the evening each week for it but said balancing work and motherhood has taught her to grab hold of opportunities when they arise.
"When inspiration takes hold of you, it can be really rare, so I make sure not to let that slip," she said.
"Sometimes you have to lock yourself away and just get it out. It is hard to do that with babies. Sometimes they are with me screaming their heads off at the piano and that's just how it works out."
Grab your spot to see Amber Nichols live, but register soon to save before the early bird discount ends on Tuesday February 14.
