Emmi Q&A
Australian singer/songwriter Emmi has released her gorgeous debut single My Kinda Swag.
She is currently based in London and is set to premiere the visuals for this gorgeous and soulful tune very soon. Her vocals are incredibly powerful and remind me a bit of Amy Winehouse!
I was lucky enough to catch up with her and ask her a couple of questions so we could get to know her a bit better!
How old were you when you realized you wanted to pursue a music career?
I’ve always loved music. I would compose instrumentals and write poetry as a child. But it wasn’t till around the age of 19 that the two came together for me. Practically overnight, I went from nothing to writing a song every moment I could. I was working solidly as an actress at the time, but I knew I couldn’t ignore the feeling music gave me. Eventually I got the courage to jump ship.
You’ve had somewhat of a nomadic lifestyle growing up, correct? Did it have some impact on your music?
I think it’s had a huge impact on my music. I’ve always been very adaptable and able to feel at home in any part of the world. Consequently, as a musician I think I am comfortable making myself ‘at home’ in different musical worlds too. The gospel chants of world music, urban beats from the US, avant garde or classical elements from my time in Europe. Everything goes into the pot! I also hope my experiences have helped me to write with a wider perspective of the world.
What made you decide to stay (for a while) in London and not L.A.?
I love LA! It hasn’t necessarily been a decision either way. I just go where my music takes me! But I do find London an inspiring place to be as a writer. There’s nothing like cobbled streets and fish mongers to give you a strong sense of ‘story’.
What are your musical inspirations/influences?
The list is long. Classical music, the jazz greats (Nina, Billie), Eminem, storytellers like Cohen, Carole King, Kate Bush. I am also inspired by powerhouse performers like Tina Turner and James Brown and MJ. The old Hollywood musicals have always been a passion of mine too.
Let’s talk about your stunning new single My Kinda Swag. How was the working process behind it? When is the video going to premiere?
The working process was short, sweet and fun! I wrote and recorded it with US writer Jarrad Kritzstein in the space of a few hours. We had the idea for the title within the first five minutes of writing, stayed with the first four chords we played and just rolled with it. The video should be premiering any moment now!
Has anyone told you that you’ve got somewhat of an Amy Winehouse vibe when it comes to your vocals?
Not until recently no, so that’s a new one on me! But I consider it a huge compliment. Amy is an artist I love and admire a great deal.
Out of the songs you’ve already released/written which means the most to you and why?
I haven’t released much at all yet of what I have written so this a tough question to answer. But I recently recorded an acapella song in my bedroom called “If I Ever Come Home” that is incredibly personal to me. There is a video for the song on YouTube that I made myself, using footage from my childhood and travels. It makes me homesick every time I watch it back.
What can we expect from you this year?
More music! Plans are already underway for song 2 and 3. I would like to think an album will be out sooner rather than later too.
Are you planning any collaboration? Is there an artist/act that you would absolutely love to work with and why?
We have a couple of features bubbling away, yes but nothing I can talk about just now. There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with! Eminem would be a dream come true. I’d love to work with Rudimental. Their sound has that world reaching epic quality I love. Damien Rice. The dream list is long and confusing.
What has been the defining moment of your musical career so far?
I heard ‘My Kinda Swag’ playing on BBC Radio 1 a couple nights ago. My first ever radio play as an artist. That was an extremely exciting moment for me.
If you were given the chance to pick one artist/band to tour with which one would it be and why?
YIKES! You know all the hard question to ask. Right now? Bruno Mars. He’s a superb songwriter, vocalist and performer. I have oodles of respect for him. Pure class.
Do you have any secret/special talents?
I don’t have any party tricks to my knowledge, no. Unless you count an incredible knack for falling up stairs and burning toast.
Name five things you can’t live without.
My family and loved ones. Music. A note pad and pen. Skype. A good coffee.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpowers be?
I’d love to be able to force people to tell the truth. Wouldn’t that be useful?
If you could change into an animal which one would it be and why?
A cat. I often see them lie in the sun and think…yes… I could have your life.
What’s your favourite song of 2015 so far?
So many good songs this year! I love Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand”. Definite summer anthem and I do love that lady.
Not until recently no, so that’s a new one on me! But I consider it a huge compliment. Amy is an artist I love and admire a great deal.
Out of the songs you’ve already released/written which means the most to you and why?
I haven’t released much at all yet of what I have written so this a tough question to answer. But I recently recorded an acapella song in my bedroom called “If I Ever Come Home” that is incredibly personal to me. There is a video for the song on YouTube that I made myself, using footage from my childhood and travels. It makes me homesick every time I watch it back.
What can we expect from you this year?
More music! Plans are already underway for song 2 and 3. I would like to think an album will be out sooner rather than later too.
Are you planning any collaboration? Is there an artist/act that you would absolutely love to work with and why?
We have a couple of features bubbling away, yes but nothing I can talk about just now. There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with! Eminem would be a dream come true. I’d love to work with Rudimental. Their sound has that world reaching epic quality I love. Damien Rice. The dream list is long and confusing.
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| My Kinda Swag music video still |
What has been the defining moment of your musical career so far?
I heard ‘My Kinda Swag’ playing on BBC Radio 1 a couple nights ago. My first ever radio play as an artist. That was an extremely exciting moment for me.
If you were given the chance to pick one artist/band to tour with which one would it be and why?
YIKES! You know all the hard question to ask. Right now? Bruno Mars. He’s a superb songwriter, vocalist and performer. I have oodles of respect for him. Pure class.
Do you have any secret/special talents?
I don’t have any party tricks to my knowledge, no. Unless you count an incredible knack for falling up stairs and burning toast.
Name five things you can’t live without.
My family and loved ones. Music. A note pad and pen. Skype. A good coffee.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpowers be?
I’d love to be able to force people to tell the truth. Wouldn’t that be useful?
If you could change into an animal which one would it be and why?
A cat. I often see them lie in the sun and think…yes… I could have your life.
What’s your favourite song of 2015 so far?
So many good songs this year! I love Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand”. Definite summer anthem and I do love that lady.
Awesomesauce!
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