- Bryon Harris
Emily Cole - Exclusive Interview
Emily Cole is a multi award-winning alternative pop singer-songwriter. While her produced/released music is alternative pop, Emily sets up acoustic for her live shows; she performs as a solo artist, a duo, and with her full band, accompanying herself with guitar, ukulele, and keyboard. Emily recently attended the Josie Music Awards where she was awarded the JMA for 2019’s "Pop/Contemporary Vocalist of The Year." Also being acknowledged as a Songwriter and as an Emerging Artist, Emily Cole performed at the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival in Alabama on October 26, 2019. In November, Emily performed 3 Showcases for the Mesa Music Festival, Arizona’s premier emerging artist festival. Her latest single, Unnerving, was released on 2/22/20, and is available on all platforms now.
What got you into music?
When I was little, my mom always had MTV (back when it was just music) playing in the house, and I would always sing and dance to the songs. I also grew up watching Taylor Swift documentaries, Selena Gomez releasing her first album, and watching the literal world premiere of Miley Cyrus on Hannah Montana (completely coincidentally, no lie), so all of them definitely inspired me at a young age to pursue doing what I loved! Then, once I got a little bit older, I started listening to people like Melanie Martinez and Ariana Grande, which eventually led me to discovering Billie Eilish. It's crazy how you can be influenced by so many people in so many different ways, and combine those influences into something completely unique and special.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) Tell us why.
I honestly enjoy every aspect of it, so I can't choose a favorite part! I just love being able to express myself creatively in any way that I can.
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
It feels like home! As much as I love performing, being in the studio is a lot more cozy feeling to me. I get in a zone by focusing on how I want the song to vocally sound once it's completely done, which means I basically listen to how I'm singing the lyrics as I sing them, and then I also act like I'm someone else listening to my music for the first time. This helps me be sure to get a final result that'll connect with people, if that makes sense.
As a songwriter or musician, are there any obstacles you have had to overcome or obstacles that you are facing right now in your career?
Having to think outside of the box when it comes to lyrics used to be a challenge for me. When I was first starting out, I'd only write about my friends or my family members, and there's nothing wrong with that! I just wanted to find a way to get more creative with the way I word things, which lead me to start using metaphors instead of writing literal/straight to the point.
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
Billie Eilish, Billie Eilish, and Billie Eilish! She isn't afraid to be herself, and I respect that more than anything. Besides that, she's insanely talented and isn't like anybody else out there right now.
To date, what do you think your best song is? Can you describe the song for us?
It's actually a song I haven't released yet!!!! I don't want to give out the title of it yet, but I think you guys are going to love it.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
Right now, I'm constantly in the studio recording new songs! I'll be releasing singles every two months or so, eventually leading up to either an album or ep that, if things go as planned, I'll release on Halloween of this year.
Outside of recording, I'm about to perform during SXSW week in Austin! I'm super excited, and am so grateful for the opportunity. To find out more information, along with all other gigs I have, go to emilycoleofficial.com/tour!
Tell us where fans can access your music?
#EmilyCole #Unnerving #MusicInterviews