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An Interview With Indie-Pop Singer-Songwriter, EMMY THE GREAT On Her Latest Album, “Second Love”, Favorite Tour and More!
Posted On 05 Apr 2016
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“Second Love” is the third studio album by the NYC-based singer-songwriter, Emma-Lee Ross, known by her stage name Emmy The Great. She has previously released “First Love” in 2009 and “Virtue” in 2011. Via Bella Union, “Second Love” comes five years after “Virtue” so much has changed in Emmy’s life. For one thing, she moved from London to Los Angeles and on to New York.
Learn more about Emmy The Great in the following All Access interview:
You just released your 3rd studio album, “Second Love”. How do you think your sound and really you as a musician has changed on this collection? I’ve read that you think your songwriting has become more enjoyable. Can you elaborate on that? Why do you think that is?
Songwriting used to be a mystery to me – I didn’t know how I did it. In recent years I’ve got to learn my own process and that little bit of knowledge has turned it into a much less stressful experience. I spent a lot of time exploring during this album – both the outside world and my process, and I hope that sense of exploration is evident in the songs.
Tell me why you decided to move to New York after moving to LA from London? How did this relocation affect “Second Love”? What about the recording process?
I moved to be closer to my boyfriend, and at the time I still had a few songs to go before the record was finished. These ended up being the most angsty ones on the record – all my thoughts were about rent and noise.
You just wrapped a short US tour. How was it? Where were your favorite venues and/or crowds? Are you excited to Europe very soon?
I loved every audience! It was fun to do a second run of touring and see the same faces in each city. I’m about to hit the UK now and preparing myself. It’ll be nice to do the shows now post-album release. Although the US audiences were so patient and generous, I felt bad that they didn’t know the songs yet.
As a fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, I have to ask you about the re-enactment you did with Kate Nash on Halloween a few years ago. How did you get involved with this? Are you a fan of the show too?
Yes, Kate and I used to watch Buffy together after discovering we were both on cycle 1000 of the whole series, and I don’t remember how the idea for the show came about, but I think it was during a marathon that involved wine and chocolate.
What artists have continued to inspire you through the years? Who would you still love to work with in the future?
Laurie Anderson, Leonard Cohen, Blur… I would love to continue doing writing for pop musicians, as I find the writing room really active and fun.
At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?
It’s OK to be you!
