Photo by Bobby Quillard
Growing up in Australia, Emily was immersed in a completely different culture with an entirely different take on the music industry. Learning things a bit differently has given Emily the drive to pursue a career in the United States. Writing her single Boom with legendary producers The Jackie Boyz, Cindy Valentine and The Furthur was a transformative experience for Emily. “A collaborative writing session like this really is quite beautiful. Everyone’s adrenaline is up, ideas are flowing, vocals are vibin’ and you all just come together to create something really magical. The second I heard the track I was so pumped. It had a juicy vibe that I loved and that I couldn’t wait to start writing to.”
The song is complete with Emily’s unique, charismatic tone and a hook that hangs around long after listening. The remix package was done by 2016 Grammy Winner Dave Aude (Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Adele, Beyonce, Chainsmokers), Dave Matthias (Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, Dua Lipa) and DJ Twisted Dee Martello (Nelly, Mary J Blige, Michael Jackson, Beyonce).
Describing her music as “a blend of pop and dance with contemporary undertones,” Emily keeps several songwriting books that are constantly flowing with ideas. “Everything I’ve ever felt or thought or seen, I’ve written down. When writing songs, I try not to over think it. It’s most organic when you just let it happen.”
Her upcoming album will have the same vocal consistency but will be quite a new direction for Emily in a lot of ways. “We’re going to slow it down with this next single and I really hope it reaches people in a unique way. And that’s all I can say until you hear it! ”
Outside of music, Emily loves to dance, read books, and watch movies. She also loves fashion and is constantly embracing all styles and trends as they come and go. She describes her personal style as “quirky, yet cool and classic, yet edgy.” Dedicated to using her voice for good, she is passionate about foundations such as Art of Elysium, Butterfly Foundation, and Beyond Blue. The Butterfly Foundation and Beyond Blue both touch on issues that are quite misunderstood and often wrongly stigmatized yet affect so many people, including people close to me. Art of Elysium is a wonderful way for artists to bring joy and happiness to the lives of others on a more personal level.”
We had an amazing opportunity to speak with Emily about her latest projects. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Emily! We love the vibe of Boom. Now, you’re preparing to release a new single called Walk in Silence. Tell us about the song.
Thank you! Boom has a great vibe, it just makes you want to get up and groove. My new single, Walk In Silence, definitely has a different feel than Boom. My vocal style is consistent with all my music but we’re going to slow it down with this next one. Walk in Silence has a mid-tempo, contemporary pop vibe that I love to create. Lyrically it song means a lot to me. I hope it will have a strong reaction and connection with others.
Tell us about the writing process.
This song is definitely on the slower side and has more of an emotional meaning to it. We put a lot of love and energy into this song and I know that listeners will feel that. When you’re putting your true thoughts and feelings into a song it’s pretty special how the song naturally matures on its own.
How would you describe your sound?
I like to think I have a unique tone that translates across different genres … which is really cool because I love so many different genres! My goal is to create music that connects with people. Whether the music makes them feel good or whether they can relate to the lyrics, ultimately I want my music to reach each individual listening. I want to create all different kinds of music. I want my music to grow with me. I don’t like the idea of being singled into one specific genre. I identify as a pop artist but today that is such a broad term. Today we have so many sub-genres – rock pop, contemporary pop, EDM pop, the list is truly endless. I want to explore all these different areas with my voice and with my music. On top of all this, I want my music to surprise people! So that they never know what’s coming next.
You’re starting 2018 off on an exciting path. Tell us about your Holiday break. What did you do?
I spent the holidays in Los Angeles. It was my first Christmas away from home so it was bittersweet but I still had a great holiday with some family and some friends, new and old. Other than that, I spent a lot of time writing, eating, preparing for my new release and dancing my little butt off in soooo many classes.
Tell us what inspired you to sing.
My music actually stemmed from my dance background. I’ve been a dancer since I was 3 years old and from there I became involved with singing. Dance is my way of expressing my thoughts and feelings, bringing those emotions out and giving them life through movement. My music is an extension of that. I started to really develop as an artist and plan for a career in the music industry during my teenage years. I couldn’t imagine doing anything different with my life!
Growing up, what songs inspired you?
Gosh, I have the most bizarre playlists … songs from the sixties through to now and every genre. As a dancer, obviously I love musical theatre (Hamilton anyone?) and I especially love anything with an intricate beat structure. Some of my all-time favorite songs, just to name a few, and some of my favorite tunes right now would be – I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing (Aerosmith), Electric (Alina Baraz ft. Khalid), Tears Dry On Their Own (Amy Winehouse), Liability (Lorde), Weathered (Jack Garratt), New Man (Ed Sheeran), Hey Ya! (OutKast), Say My Name (Destiny’s Child), Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake), I’d Rather Go Blind (Etta James), Weight In Gold (Gallant) and I’m gonna stop myself before you all die of boredom.
No! That was so much fun! We enjoyed learning about your musical tastes. It’s an impressive playlist. Do you draw from personal experiences to create your music?
Definitely. I have several songwriting books, like five or six that are just overflowing with who knows what. There are songs in there from 10 years ago and songs from yesterday. Everything I’ve ever felt or thought or seen, I’ve written down. When writing songs, I try to not overthink it. It’s most authentic when you just let it happen. However, I always refer back to these journals when I’m in writing sessions. Some of my most true and organic material has come out of those books. I definitely draw from my experiences but also from what others have been through. It’s easier for the general public to connect if they have felt the same way as your music describes.
You’ll be performing at the SOIREE — the Music Industry’s Annual Kick-Off Gala during GRAMMY weekend at B.B. Kings on Saturday, January 27th in NYC. We know you’re excited. Tell us what are you doing to prepare for the show?
I have a pretty full rehearsal schedule working on vocals and staging. Taking care of my voice with lots of remedies and plenty of water. That’s the work part and I can’t get enough of it. It’s a lot of work but ultimately this is my passion and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Of course, putting together the vibe for my stage outfits and my red carpet look is a lot of fun. I am very excited to be performing my newest single for the first time.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about singers?
To work towards being your best in anything is incredibly hard. It takes dedication and commitment and SACRIFICE. I think a lot of people think it’s all fun and games hanging out with large crowds, but in reality, as a creative, you spend a lot of time alone translating your feelings and emotions into your work, shut off from everything going on around you. You gotta work. People don’t see all the behind the scenes. Nothing gets handed to you. You gotta work for it. But it is my passion and I would never change any of it!
What is your favorite experience in your career to date?
Recording at the studios at Capitol Records was a thrill and certainly the highlight of 2017. The presence of the incredible singers and musicians who have recorded there over so many years just hangs in the air and it’s a humbling experience and also a challenge to live up to expectations.
List the 5 things you need to have with you on a stage.
Water, dance shoes, love, passion, and fire within! But I would never say no to a killer band and some killer dancers.
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
Yes! The video shoot for this single is coming up very soon. We have a unique concept that we’re working on. Videos for music are one of my favorite things and I love that I get to create visuals to elaborate on the story behind my music. I’m also going to be traveling a lot this year with trips to New York, Chicago, Australia and Miami already scheduled. You can keep up with everything I’m doing on all social media outlets under @theemilyperry.
Complete this sentence; if I had an opportunity to change anything, I would change____________.
DISCRIMINATION! We are all beautiful, special, equal and no one should be treated differently because of who they are, how they look or who they love.
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Connect with Emily:
Web: https://www.emilyperry.me/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theemilyperry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theemilyperry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemilyperry/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/emilygraceperry
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/emily-perry/869376705
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Kh7xpEdpjGo4U7lzxwL5z
Featured Image Credit: Bobby Quillard
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