work. My favorite part of singing in these groups is that we get to sing all genres of music! I am also grateful that the traditional choral sessions usually require the singers to be able to sightread sheet music, which isn’ t common in most pop studio sessions. It feels good to flex my music theory skills.
[ WM ] How do you cultivate a healthy relationship with your audio tech teams?
[ Emily ] Gratitude and respect are the first words that come to mind when I think of our tech and production teams. We singers would not be heard or seen without these incredible people. Saying hello, please, and thank you are the basics! Sitting with them during breaks and meals, getting to know them, always using a respectful tone when addressing them during rehearsals or sessions: these are all things that build trust, and if there’ s trust and unity between tech and talent, then everything sounds more beautiful and the work environment is more enjoyable!
[ WM ] Do you do sing outside your church too? Do you do any studio sessions?
[ Emily ] I have a good balance between worship leading and singing on sessions. I am so thankful I can do both. Many are told they have to choose but God has shown me that is so far from the truth. He loves to use our voices in all different types of settings!
[ WM ] Do you have a home music room or studio? If so, tell us about it?
[ Emily ] I have a very humble studio setup in my garage. A wise vocal director encouraged me to set one up right before Covid hit, and it’ s the best thing I’ ve done for my career. I use a Shure Sm7B mic and a Universal Audio Apollo Solo interface. I am a Logic girl, so that’ s my DAW of choice. Setting up a home studio for singing is so much easier and more affordable than I expected it to be, and the investment is worth it. Many producers nowadays will hire you based on your ability to record from home. I also use my setup to record vocal isolations for the vocal teams, choirs, and background vocalists that I work with.. [ WM ] Can you list two or three worship albums that inspire your own worship singing?
[ Emily ] Michael W. Smith’ s Agnus Dei is the first worship song I remember crying out to as a kid and it set the trajectory for my worship life. Fred Hammond’ s Somethin Bout Love album is what made me want to become a worship leader and fall in love with gospel music.
[ WM ] Do you have a favorite vocal mic to sing through?
[ Emily ] I used a Vanguard v13 mic for a Disney project I sang on and it’ s the only time in my life I’ ve thought“ wow” when I heard my voice through it!
[ WM ] What about in-ears? What brand / model?
[ Emily ] So far, my favorite custom IEMS that I’ ve used are the Ultimate Ears 7. For a highquality, non-custom IEM, the CCA C12’ s have been faithful!
[ WM ] Words of encouragement or advice for worship vocals / BGV folks?
[ Emily ] I would encourage vocalists to really get to know their voices and learn to use them to their fullest ability. Getting a trusted vocal coach is the best way to do this. I feel like we need to bring excellence to every opportunity we get; on the platform, in rehearsal, or the studio, because we serve and sing for an excellent God. No more“ good enough” mentality. Bring your absolute best to every situation.
@ emilybemusic on Instagram
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