I view my life through an artistic lens which naturally has influenced my experiences growing up .
HER SOUND
out may rightfully take some time . However , she believes songwriting is therapeutic , and with her affinity for story-telling , reaching the goal of a well-crafted song isn ’ t formulaic or grueling for her .
Emma Taylor reached ears with “ New Found Sound ,” singing from an unsure yet confident place . With a compelling melody , it ’ s her most streamed song on Spotify . She says it was good timing despite her rocky feelings at one point in her life . “ The song came about at 2 a . m . when I was writing in my room and had the guitar melody stuck in my head for months . I came up with the entire song in almost an hour and the words were flowing out of me . I was in a very emotional period in my life where I was halfway done with college , figuring myself out and wondering what the next steps were for me .” Emma says that her intent was to create something “ almost motivational ” but also reassuring , as most can relate to feeling wary about the future , even as eventually it comes together .
Her single “ My Dear ” is a great mix of steady atmospheric folk-pop , singing the realities of her outlook on a struggling relationship . Regarding its background , Emma says it came about “ a few months back when I went to London for a semester . It ’ s about hoping that maybe this time things would be different and that maybe this would be the time that things change for the better . However , there ’ s always that worry that things might not ever change .” Emma believes the track is especially relatable as love is universal and because of its familiarity , she says , “ The song helped me get through some tough times , so it has a
All photo credits to Tia Elisabeth Glista
special place in my heart .”
Throughout her experience as a young artist , Emma Taylor has taken her words from the paper , the stage and to an official release . Her debut EP Hazy includes both “ New Found Sound ,” and showcases an artist able to show off her voice , her writing and a path to a new foray into complementary production . Everything from the guitar , strings , organ ( hear “ Here ”), the harmonica and rousing chorus ( hear “ Living ’ s Lonely ”) are also to be found . The decision to release an EP was unplanned , Emma says , but came about as she had enough material . She says , “ I realized that I could actually create something pretty powerful with all the pieces . I came together with my producer , Adrian Cota , and my engineer , Dhruv Agarwala , and started working on recording the songs .” The process took about a year she says , but once confirming it could be released , Emma says “ I really locked things down , figured out the small details , and we created Hazy . It was a really amazing , organic experience .”
Confidence in your work also means putting it to the test and showing it off at a given opportunity . For a musician , writing and making songs also means getting up on a stage at some point , almost until it becomes second nature . In this way , the artist is able to generate local buzz , interest and appreciation for their work translated from the decent earphones and solitary enjoyment , to well-crafted stage and an audience . Emma Taylor says her music experience is only enhanced with every live performance she gets to do . She says that it allows her to be at her most authentic self . “ Performing onstage with my guitar ... I feel completely myself
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with absolutely no worries in the world . It ’ s unbelievable , actually , and I truly live for it .”
Emma goes on to say it ’ s that feeling , plus an audience , that keeps her passionate . “ The second I get off stage I want to get right back on because there ’ s something , for me , about laying my whole heart out on stage with an audience that I can ’ t get anywhere else .” Of course not every live gig is a smooth one , but Emma says that doesn ’ t dissuade her from it . “ There are times where I get in my own head . I take my gigs really seriously , and of course not every performance is my best , but I just try to have as much fun as I can , be myself , and leave my heart on the stage .”
For the rest of 2018 , Emma says she definitely has her goals set with more live performances , and other music avenues for her current and future fans . “ I ’ m writing a lot , and have already started talking about what to release next , so stay tuned for that ! I also want to release music videos and get more into the visual aspect of my music .” With her creativity , hope and determination , Emma Taylor may definitely see those dreams come to life , and those who hear her music just may be inspired to do the same . BY RAGINA LASHLEY --- Emma Taylor ’ s debut EP Hazy is available on Amazon Music , and Spotify . Her current single “ My Dear ” can also be streamed on Spotify . Keep up with all things Emma Taylor on Facebook and Instagram @ emmataylormusic , on Twitter @ emmataylor , and her website emmataylormusic . com
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