An Interview With Pop & R&B Newcomer EMALIA About Her Newest Single ‘On Your Own’, Her Debut EP and More!

Meet the Australian Pop/R&B singer Emalia! She recently released her brand new single and video “On Your Own”. The single is off her upcoming debut EP slated for a summer 2017 release! “On Your Own” follows the release of “Do Your Own Thing”. Co-written by Emalia and Australian song-writer/producer Adam Reily, “On Your Own” is a catchy pop tune that will for sure be your new heartbreak anthem.

The Pop/RnB record tells the story of a cheating partner and explains the emotional journey and thought-processes a person might go through after experiencing such a betrayal. Emalia takes the listener right into the centre of the narrative through her powerful, emotionally raw lyrics and soulful sound.

Although there is an undeniable aspect of vulnerability and helplessness in her words, Emalia encourages her audience to stay strong in hard times such as these, with themes of empowerment and self-love prevalent in the lyrics as she sings, “Showed no respect for the love I gave… Go, you’re on your own”. The track features strong 90’s and 2000’s RnB throwbacks, nodding to the likes of Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah, which ties in nicely with Emalia’s own original modern-pop spin.

Learn more about Emalia in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! What are some words you would use to describe 2016 for you and your music? What were some of the highlights? What are you most excited about for 2017?

Thanks for having me! Hmmm; euphoric, nerve-wracking, eventful, challenging, creative, innovative, transformative, and rewarding. There were so many highlights of 2016. I specifically loved my trip to LA, and when my debut song charted on the Australian iTunes charts. Hearing my music on the radio for the first time was pretty exciting too. For this year, I can’t wait to release my EP, and start doing some shows!

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

Yes. I wanted to be a musician for as long as I can remember. I have always loved music, singing and performing. It has been my entire life. One of my earliest musical memories would be performing in the school talent quest in my first year of school. I sang Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid – and I wore this dreadful long blonde curly wig (we didn’t have a red one) complete with a mermaid tail and clam bra. Blonde is definitely not my colour, haha! I had so much fun performing that song. My family and the whole school was super supportive too. I have always wanted to be Ariel – she is my favourite disney princess. We still have the performance on tape – and no, you will never see it!

You recently released your single “On Your Own.” What was the inspiration for this track? What was it like working with the Australian songwriter/producer Adam Reily on it? 

A close friend’s situation with her ex inspired this song – it is about a cheating partner. I love working with Adam. He makes every session enjoyable, but each session is also a great learning experience. I really believe he is the best of the best.

What was it like making the video for “On Your Own”? How creatively involved were you with the making of it?

Making the video was so fun and creative. I was working with an incredibly talented and lovely group of people who made the whole venture so enjoyable. I was very involved- I helped to direct the video, and wrote the entire story board with Adam. I made sure I was happy with the look of each take/scene as we went – the Depth Collective boys who filmed and edited the video are great to work with in that way especially; they were very committed to making sure I was happy with the result.

I understand that you will be putting out your debut EP this summer. What was it like putting these songs together? Did anything surprise you about the process of putting together an EP?

It has been a very exciting, intense process. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I can drive myself crazy sometimes trying to get everything right. But it’s been an amazing experience for me. I am doing what I have always wanted to do, and I have found that very empowering.

How do your previously released singles “On Your Own” and “Do Your Own Thing” prepare your fans for the rest of your debut EP? How does the sound compare?

I think both singles are a nice introduction to the rest of the EP – both content and sound wise. There is a nice range of different sounds within the EP – but they all connect to both the singles.

Do you have plans to tour this year in support of your debut EP?

I sure do! Keep an eye out for upcoming tour dates!

Who are some of your all-time favorite artists? Who would you love to work with in the future?

I have so many. I would say Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, The Internet, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kehlani, Ne-Yo, and Frank Ocean. Any of those artists would be an absolute dream to work with.

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs?

That being different is a good thing. Being confident in who you are and being true to yourself is what matters most. Speak your mind. You don’t have to follow the rest of the crowd if that doesn’t feel true in your heart.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I am an advocate for anti-bullying, and am more than happy to listen to anyone out there who is going through a hard situation and needs someone to talk to. I try my best to respond to everyone who messages me needing some advice or help – so to anyone reading this who has connected with my songs and wants to talk about their own experiences – I would love to hear from you.