TRANSITION, TOUR AND STORYTELLING: A CONVERSATION WITH ETHEREAL INDIE-POP FAVOURITE EMMMA

Fans of boygenius, MUNA and The Japanese House – we’ve officially found your new favourite artist. Meet EMMMA: an indie-pop princess with a knack for lyricism, a killer discography, and clearly a bright future in the singer-songwriter world. Her latest single Whiplash has been lapped up by listeners old and new, and soon she’ll be taking it to the Pale Waves’ stage in her support slot on their autumn tour. Find out more about this exciting adventure, her songwriting inspirations, and the work she’s got on the way…

So, your latest triumph, Whiplash – what were the big ideas behind this project? What do you really want listeners to come away with?

I am so proud of this body of work – I think it comes from a really transitional place in my life, and I think the uncertainty translates through to these songs. I hope that if people who are listening are also feeling uncertain, maybe they can take away the feeling that they’re not alone in their transition and that other people are feeling the same things. 

The lyrics in this song are strikingly vulnerable and utterly beautiful. Which songwriters inspire you?

Thank you so much! I’m glad they reached you. I am deeply inspired by lyricists like Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers and Joni Mitchell. Their storytelling and use of language is so elevated. 

As well as the song itself, the single’s artwork and photography is captivating and bold. Why did you choose this dark butterfly image? We’d love to hear about your creative thought process around this shoot.

We chose the butterfly in armor to show that it’s in moments of weakness that we are our strongest. Something so delicate and vulnerable can be really powerful too. 

I hear a second EP is in the works… What can you tell us about this project? How does it differ from your first EP?

Yes, I am in the process of finishing my next body of work! I think it is more evolved and I am allowing myself to say exactly what I want to say without holding back. I think it’s stronger and more unapologetically me. 

Just next month you’ll be embarking on your biggest UK tour yet, supporting the incredible Pale Waves. How are you feeling ahead of this journey?

Yes!! I truly can’t wait. Pale Waves are such an incredible band, and I am so excited to share my music with their fans! They’re going to be my biggest shows yet, so I am very eager to get going. 

You were in the UK earlier this year with JC Stewart – which place are you most excited to return to?

I was! I had a great time with JC, and I think I am the most excited to play another show in Manchester! The crowds there are amazing! 

As an exciting rising star yourself, who else do you think is really killing it at the moment? Which artists have you been listening to the most?

I have been loving listening to Christian Kuria, Holly Humberstone and Chloe Quisha! They’re all amazing and I would highly recommend.

EMMMA will join Pale Waves on their Still Smitten tour this October. Remaining tickets can be found HERE.