An Interview With The Canadian Singer EMILY CHAMBERS On Her Latest Music, Her Dream New Orleans Music Video and More!

Raised in Vancouver, BC, singer-songwriter Emily Chambers now splits time between Canada and the US, residing part time in Nashville. But if you’re looking for her, chances are she is on an open highway. A road warrior at heart, in 2016 Emily quit her 9-5, moved into a camper van and is touring indefinitely.

Her newest single “Real Talk” was inspired by a relationship that never should’ve happened and features rich production that highlights Emily’s smooth, soulful vocals.

Learn more about Emily Chambers in the following All Access interview:

Now that we are half-way through the year, how has 2019 been treating you? What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them? 

This year is flying! It has been busy and tumultuous and wonderful. My main goals for this year are to secure management and a booking agent. I’d say I’m halfway there.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make? 

I always loved and listened to music. When I was 6 years old I showed up to career day at school in a pair of strappy red heels from the dress up box and the lyrics to “Hero” by Mariah Carey in my pocket. I was like “ima be a singer!”

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life? 

I flirted with the idea of going to journalism school. I loved writing and reporting, now I just love writing. I could see myself going the publishing route and writing for other artists, but nothing outside of music.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? 

I think the biggest surprise was that it is doable. I am a full time independent musician living in Nashville somehow making it work. There are a million challenges but I welcome them all because I’m pretty in love with what I do.

I would love to more about what it was like quitting your job and begin touring? How scared/nervous/excited were you when you first did it? 

It was more satisfying than anything. I was a bit nervous about money but also went in with the mindset that I would not fail and I will never go back into insurance. Money ebb and flows. How you spend your day is how you spend your life and I was certain I didn’t want to spend mine in an office job I didn’t care about.

Let’s talk about your newest single, “Real Talk.” What was the inspiration for this track? How do you think it prepares listeners for more music from you? 

Real Talk was inspired by a relationship that never should have happened. It’s about getting under those surface conversations and admitting to yourself and each other that this isn’t what you want, even if it’s comfortable. I write about real stuff – I think this single is a good introduction to new listeners of both the music and the unapologetic lyrics.

How creatively involved with making the music video for “Real Talk” were you? What was it like making it? 

I’m super involved in my music videos, from the theme to the outfits to the set design. I worked with South Bound Creative on this one and they were so easy to work with – two guys, one camera, myself and my buddy Dave playing the love disinterest, and of course the dancers. I hired Kelly Kelly Eberle to do choreo. It was easy and fun!

Do you have plans to release more new music soon and a full collection of new songs? Are you currently being inspired to write more? 

I have written a ton of music this year already and am continuing to write. The plan is to keep dropping singles for now – it just makes more sense financially for me at this point to focus on pushing one track at a time. Next single will be out 08.08.19!

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started singing and writing songs? 

I’m growing every day. Major growth spurts happened when I left music school and then was busking in Europe and realized I can’t quit. When I recorded my first album and signed my first (and hopefully last) bad Artist deal. When I started my band Champagne Republic and quit 6 years later to go solo. When I left my day job to do this full time. When I moved to Nashville. Always growing more into myself and my music.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now? What has social media done for your career? 

Instagram is definitely my most used platform and the best way to connect with my fans and them with me. I am horrible at twitter and try my best at facebook. I don’t mind keeping up with the social media but I’ll be excited when someone else can handle my website. IG has been an amazing tool for me in booking tours and finding venues and other bands across the US. I’m not sure how people did it before…

(Find Emily Chambers on Instagram HERE)

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future? 

Too many to name, but right now I am in love with H.E.R. Also Emily King, Raveena, Amber Mark, Maggie Rogers and so much of the UK R&B scene. I would die to work with Pharrell one day.

If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like? 

Oh man, probably filmed in New Orleans. So many colours, choreographed dancing in the street, maybe some drone footage of a synchronized swim routine… a fire hydrant busted open spraying water in the street…. fun fun fun!

Where would you absolutely love to hear one of your songs? On a TV show, in a movie or elsewhere? 

I’d love to hear one of my tunes in a Telus commercial, or in a Tarantino flick. HA!

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

I hope people feel inspired and uplifted from my music. I write so people can connect – that’s what music is about.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music? 

If you love what you hear hit me up on instagram @em_chambers and let me know where to play in your town!