A singer who has captured attention and blown fans away with her musical talents and gorgeous vocals is performer on the rise: Emma Taylor. With a sound that reaches right into your soul, Emma’s vocals are truly moving. Following the success of her debut album “Hazy” released last year, Emma has come back strong with her latest release “My Dear.” In an exclusive interview, Emma talks about the calling in her life to become a songstress and vocal performer.
What initially drew you into the world of song and performance?
EMMA: I grew up in a household where my parents were always playing music on the speakers throughout the house. They had one playlist that was on repeat with classic singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Carole King, and Joni Mitchell, so I was exposed at a very young age to those artists. Although my parents aren’t in the music industry, they love music in general and were supportive of me pursuing it professionally. I know it’s cliché to say that I was born wanting to be a musician, but it’s true! I was told that I used to hum before I even said full words, so I really do think it’s been in my blood forever. It wasn’t until I was around 6 years old that I started feeling comfortable singing in front of my family. I remember one time specifically bringing my karaoke machine into the living room and singing “Maybe” from the musical Annie for my whole entire family. It was from that moment on that I was addicted to performing. My songwriting became serious a bit later, when I was around 12 years old and attended a songwriting intensive during the summer. Although I had written songs before that, it was at the intensive that I discovered how essential it was to my life and how I needed to pursue singing and songwriting professionally.
What was the moment when you realized that you had finally made it as a performer?
EMMA: I don’t think there’s been one specific moment where I said to myself, “this is it, I’ve made it” because I think it’s yet to come! I’ve been really lucky that my music has been resonating with so many listeners early on in my career and it makes me so excited for the future. I can’t wait until I get to tour the world and play my songs live because performing is so crucial to who I am as an artist.
How would you describe your style of music?
EMMA: I write sad girl music! I’m not a sad person during my day-to-day life, but I guess when I say sad I just mean emotional. I like the term because it helps put a fun spin on the fact that my music is expressive, slow tempo, and honest while still being relatable to so many different kinds of people. On top of that, I would describe my music as indie-acoustic with a huge emphasis on guiding my listeners through a musical journey with winding melodies and truthful lyrics. My goal is to pay homage to the great singer-songwriters, like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Carole King by bringing back the vulnerability that they had in their music. I want my music to be the music that my listeners put on to help them get through something, to help them believe that they are not alone.
What continues to be your source of inspiration in your music?
EMMA: I write my songs based on my truths which come from my experiences and surroundings. Because I’m at a time in my life where things are constantly changing and I’m always discovering new things, I have been able to write a lot about all of those things. Songwriting is
my therapy, so whatever is going on in my life I write about.
Is there a story behind your newest single “My Dear”? What was the inspiration to write it?
EMMA: Yes! I wrote “My Dear” a few months ago when I was living in London for a period of time. I was going through a period of transition and change, which was a bit uncomfortable and challenging, particularly when it came to my relationship. I took those emotions and poured my heart into “My Dear”, which discusses the optimism behind trying to make a relationship work while also realizing that things might never change. It’s about fighting for who you love and what you love while also acknowledging self worth within the relationship. I think it’s a subject that so many people can relate to and it’s something worth writing about.
Then what inspired you to write your older songs “New Found Sound” and “Sweet Sudden Loathing”?
EMMA: The songs of the EP ‘Hazy’ including “New Found Sound” and “Sweet Sudden Loathing”, were all written within the same year while I was transitioning from moving out of my home to NYC and starting college. It was a insanely difficult time and I felt my only outlet of expression was through my music, so I wrote about it. Because of this, all the songs blended so well together and really made it easy for me to create the record.
What would you say is the theme of your upcoming new music? And is there a tentative release timeframe yet?
EMMA: I’ve been writing a lot recently and I think that my songs are a continuation to my stories of self discovery, love, and loss. I’m experimenting with different guitar tunings and alternative songwriting methods so I’m really excited for what’s to come! I plan on releasing a few more singles throughout the year, hopefully with the soonest release by the end of summer or early fall.
What do you think you have learned from your professional journey so far?
EMMA: Everyday I feel like I’m constantly learning new things about the industry! I’ve learned how important it is to really own who you are and what you are creating and understand that criticism or rejection in this industry is natural and will just help you in the long run by making you more aware and more ambitious.
Are there any cool perks of where you are in your career right now?
EMMA: Really just having new people follow me on my socials is a cool perk because it shows that what I’m creating is resonating with people. Just continuing to grow my fan base in general is the biggest perk I could ask for.
Has there been any great advice you have gotten?
EMMA: I know this sounds cheesy, but as long as you believe you will achieve has been such great advice for me. During times where I’m filled with doubt I get less opportunities and I feel like positivity and belief really exudes to others and can bring in great opportunities. Also, I’ve been told that I’m just writing chapters in my ‘book of life’ and each situation or step back is just another chapter, which is really comforting and helps me get excited for the future.
What advice would you offer to other upcoming and aspiring singers/performers?
EMMA: Stay true to who you are as an artist and don’t let anyone get you down. One thing that has been a struggle for me was comparing myself to others or being easily affected by opinions, which is something that can really hurt you, especially in this industry. Throughout the years, I’ve learned how important it is to just do me and not worry about the success or the pressure that music can bring. As long as you focus on writing great music and expressing yourself, you’ll be solid. Confidence is honestly key.
What do you consider to be one of your proudest accomplishments as a singer/performer?
EMMA: Releasing my EP last year, hands down. I spent over a year recording the record and a year prior writing the songs for it, so it took a major amount of time and effort to create something that I felt completely comfortable and happy with to share with the entire world. Although I have been writing for years, the EP was the first thing that I professionally released and to hear everyone’s reactions was so amazing,
Do you have any other upcoming projects that you can share that fans should keep an eye out for?
EMMA: I’m working on some concepts for a ‘music video’ or live session of my new single “My Dear”, which I’m going to dive into this summer. So be on the lookout for that as well as some new music throughout the year!
Are you actively involved with any charities? Which charity do you work with most? And which would like to see your fans become more involved with and support?
EMMA: I really try to support charities and as I continue to grow I really want to involve myself fully in charities. My whole family gives to others constantly, and for me in particular the Parkinson’s Foundation has been a crucial one for me to give back to. My grandmother has Parkinson’s and it is such a terrible disease which deserves to be highlighted because anything that can be done to help them find a cure would be amazing!
At a time when women’s voices are rising to be heard and respected around the country and world, what do you recommend your fans do to lend support in that endeavor?
EMMA: Speak your mind! Especially for the women, it’s so important to stand your ground and be heard because we finally have a great platform to do so. I personally feel great because calling myself a sad girl or making sad girl music can, in the real world, have a negative connotation because women are often told that we are too emotional or dramatic. Using the term as a positive thing associated with my music allows me to embrace emotion and shows that it is beautiful to feel deeply and express fully.
What do you recommend your fans get involved with in order to further support musical artists?
EMMA: I think honestly just keep listening to the music and buying it! Streaming is taking over so it’s important to keep up with that and remain engaged in artist’s and their music, but also buying music can really help us out. It’s one thing to get streams but it’s a whole different kind of support having fans stay in touch and stay updated.
Where can fans find out more about you and your music?
EMMA: On my socials! I’m constantly posting and would love to keep in touch with anyone who’s digging my music.
Instagram: @emmataylormusic
Twitter: @emmataylor
Facebook: @emmataylormusic
Website: emmataylormusic.com
You are invited to explore Emma’s incredible vocal art and share in the appreciation of her songs.
“My Dear” Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/3koIzLbmVoFIrgzmmPCZ60?si=m5ItsiTfQrKCcP-X1e0dFg
“My Dear” Embed Code:
“Sweet Sudden Loathing” music video:
“New Found Sound” video:
SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER | Tiffany covers events such as San Diego Comic-Con, WonderCon and press junkets, as well as covering events at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills. She has a great love for television and believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored. Tiffany is one of the newest members to the prestigious Television Critics Association and is happy to be able to share her passion for television shows with an even wider audience of fans and her fellow critics..
