FINDING
A songwriter ’ s dream is seeing their lyrics come to life , baring their soul for all to see by their own hand and sometimes by their own voice . The groundwork for this dream may take a bit of prompting , inspiration and diligence with every song . Many artists are able to get their start early , and it can be easier with a good inner and outer support system . For the younger generation , we bring in artist Emma Taylor , who undergoes this endless yet inspirational journey , as she finds creativity knows no bounds . For those that need a little guidance and support while finding their way in this world , Emma Taylor ’ s lyrics are molded by authentic experiences and honest reflection .
Emma ’ s musical beginning starts in childhood , with her first song titled “ Dream ,” when she was twelve years old . It was during and upon its completion that she was led to explore songwriting seriously . The very next summer , Emma took up a songwriting intensive class and explored the history and the tools needed for lyrics , and the rest was history as she says , “ ever since then I write every chance I get .”
Being away from family and home is a common sacrifice when it comes to a college experience , and a platform for life changing experiences . For Emma , it was no different , saying , “ It has been such a positive experience for me overall , because it has helped me mature and realize what I want out of life both personally and professionally .”
Any craftsman always should keep preparedness & practice in mind . As Emma grew up , she said her music toolbox strengthens along with her passion . “ I can
54 honestly say that music is in everything I do . I view my life through an artistic lens which naturally has influenced my experiences growing up .”
As her outlook and environment changed , Emma says the constant movement in mind and surroundings definitely strengthened her songwriting . Having solid influences also can make a difference in adapting and forging one ' s own style . Emma also cites her exposure to artists like Carole King and Joni Mitchell , especially Mitchell , for the artist she is today . Mitchell is at the top of Emma ’ s majors for her standout melodies and influence among the genre , saying , “ Joni is a genius artist . Her words are powerful and necessary . She ’ s shown me the passion behind songwriting and what it means to be a true creative being .” Emma comments that 1970s era was songwriting at its finest , saying , “ I found that specific genre to be so moving and it clearly stuck with me !”
Emma definitely gives thanks to her parents for letting her experience that music genre during her younger years . Because songwriting also entails careful expression , Emma makes room for inspiration anytime , so she prepares herself saying , “ I have a notes section on my phone where I write any lyrics or concepts that may come to mind ,” but she also keeps a lyric book so as to not become totally technology-dependant . Emma adds , “ There ’ s something satisfying about writing the lyrics with a pen and paper .”
Every end has a beginning . Songwriting isn ’ t any different , as Emma describes her process for writing a song as if preparing to build a home , from the blueprint that is her
www . clichemag . com lyrics . She says , “ I usually come up with a guitar melody for the verse or chorus before writing the lyrics . Once I get a nice idea of the sound , I can think of lyrics that fit that mood and will go from there .”
Music and vulnerability go hand in hand , and Emma says she has no issue evoking this in her music regarding her experiences in life . “ I constantly find myself very invested in all of my personal relationships and I tend to get pretty emotional very easily , especially with the ones I love !”
For any writer in any area of expertise , being able to reach an audience , and establishing a common ground is important . A lot of playlist adds or fan declarations lie in the artist ' s ability to have a quality about their music that keeps us listening . A common trait is relatability because , in this regard , even though we may not personally know the artist , we come to familiarize their experiences , and sometimes realize that they are truly shared . Emma Taylor says this is part of the reason why she toutes universality as being important in her music , although its appeal lies in its spontaneity .
“ I would sing my songs to an audience and after the gig , people would come up to me . I remember one person in particular told me that she felt my song was created for her , getting through her tough time and it moved me like never before . I ’ ve never really sat down and purposely written a song that is universally relatable , but I do write from my heart about subjects that I find people can connect with , which is so important to me .” Emma strongly believes in the importance of honesty and that being able to get everything