emie nathan - white light (EP) + 10 Questions
The striking EP will include two other new songs in the shape of ‘blue jays’ and ‘full circle’ both of which act as strong commentary on emie’s pop sensibilities. The EP’s title track, released only recently, her first-ever single ‘noman’, and follow-up songs ‘roses’ & ‘upstream’ comprise the rest of the record’s tracklist. Of the singles released so far, Clash labeled her sound ‘beautiful’. Offline she’s had tastemaker support on BBC Radio 1 and has amassed has over 2.5 million global streams (making her the cover of Spotify’s ‘New Pop UK’ playlist with her title track release last month, in the build-up to the EP’s release today.
emie sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamus 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I was really lucky to grow up in a musical household - both my parents play instruments and really encouraged us kids to pick them up when we were younger. I played violin and piano and messed around on the guitar a bit. My brothers both played various instruments to a high level and so we sort of formed a little family jam band… quite funny looking back. My dad was the main catalyst though, we both love music so much. He is an incredible violinist and pianist & he would accompany me while I sang, usually a jazz standard or a classic show tune of some kind. As I got older I would throw whatever pop song I was loving at the time at him and he would just be able to play it on the spot. We had a lot of fun and it definitely trained my ear in ways that helped me finesse my tone and style. I also joined the Capital Children’s Choir when I was 8 and for ten years received an incredible education on how to arrange harmonies, blend in a group and what it means to record and perform. I still go back and help out/teach with the choir sometimes, it’s like a little family to me. Between making music at home and singing in the choir, it was kind of a no brainer - I knew music was something I needed to do.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’ve definitely been influenced by a number of different genres over the years but the most relevant influences have to include Maggie Rogers, Bon iver, Coldplay, The 1975… the list could go on. But truthfully I just love anything that sits slightly left and that paints a real soundscape. I’d be honored to work with any of the above if ever there was a chance to do so. I’d also kill to work with HAIM, Charlie XCX, Christine and the Queens and King Princess. Just cool female artist/ producers who know themselves.
3. What are some of the issues you have faced making and releasing music during the Corona Virus pandemic?
The pandemic hit me hard, as i’m sure it did every other creative in the world! I hadn’t written music that was set for release yet, I hadn’t met my main collaborators and I was struggling to get on board with adjusting my process to work over zoom. I love people and I love working face to face with them, so this was something I really struggled to get over. It made me feel like I wasn’t good at writing songs and that took time to build back. It wasn’t until we were allowed to be back in studios again that all of the songs I had failed to write during the lockdowns came pouring out and made the EP what it is now. So, I guess it was a small blessing but my god it was in disguise for a while there.
4. How would you describe your sound?
It falls somewhere between electronic and organic, drawing the best of what I hear in both to create a dark but hopeful pop-noir sound… in less flowery terms its indie pop haha.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I had a really cool moment this past week where my first ever headline show sold out. Especially coming out of the pandemic where live wasn’t even part of the conversation, this means so much to me. I can’t wait to play.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
There is no sugar coating that it is an absolutely mad industry, but if you have people around you that you trust and who have your best interest at heart things will pan out how they are supposed to. Find your people and hold them close.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Sophia Alexa is opening my headline, she is brilliant. She just released a song called “House of Cards” and it is so beautiful. Such a talent, I can’t wait for her EP to drop.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I have a few, but I must say that Bon Iver 22 A Million is never not on heavy rotation. It is probably my most listened to album ever. Joy Crookes is also up there recently, her Album Skin is amazing.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I am a painter so I spend quite a bit of time making art. More so than music at this point it is my way to switch off and get out of my head. I can sit down intending to paint for and hour and five will fly by. I really enjoy coming away from a painting session with a tangible, finished product I can hold and look at. It feels good to make physical things.
10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My hydroflask water bottle - it is the best water bottle on the planet. 2. My songbook - I hate writing lyrics on a phone or computer. I map out my thoughts in a messy scribble and tidy them up later. 3. A scrunchie.