Pop Singer-Songwriter, Emii Reveals A Little About Her Career So Far and Why Comics and Martial Arts Interest Her!

Photo Credit- Kimberly Metz

Hailing originally from Ohio, Emii is an actress and pop singer-songwriter. She currently has several songs on the charts, including “Fiesta” and ‘Leaving You Behind”.

Emii’s first hit music single, “Magic”, which received heavy airplay on Chicago’s 103.5 KISS FM, was the #1 Most Viewed music-related video worldwide on the day it hit YouTube. Her collaboration with Snoop Dogg on her song “Mr. Romeo” hit #13 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Chart, and her controversial follow-up single “Stilettos” was in heavy rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio’s 20 on 20 channel in addition to many radio stations worldwide.

2014 was a big year for Emii and 2015 is sure to be an even bigger one so keep a close eye on her! Learn more about this talented performer in the following interview:

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions for me! So where does this interview find you today?

I’m actually sitting in a stylist’s chair getting my hair done before I head to a radio interview. Glad to finally sit down and focus on you!

Can you remember the first moment that you wanted to be a performer?

I’m not sure why, or how, but I have always known it. Even when I was a toddler, I would unexpectedly hop onto stages that weren’t mine to perform. I was a handful as a kid, but I just loved to make people smile (and still do).

Your first name is Emily. What made you want to change/shorten your stage name?

It was more of a decision to stick with the name my friends and family called me than to go with my given name. Emii has been my nickname since I was a kid.

What do you think sets you apart from other singers out there today?

Distance. Also, vocal range.

The first line on your Wikipedia page says: “American actress, pop recording artist, and martial artist.” That’s quite a mouthful! Tell me about being a martial artist? How often do you get to practice? How did you get it originally?

I started training first in Taekwondo when I was around 10 years old and after a few years I moved on to study various other arts (American Kenpo, Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Jiu-jitsu). I train regularly, though my hectic schedule and having to travel often makes my practice a bit sporadic. But it keeps me centered so I make sure I don’t go too long without it.

Can you take us on a brief journey of your musical career so far? What has gotten you to this point in life? What would you say is your biggest accomplishment and what do you have your eyes set on next?

When I was 13, I decided to truly take my career in entertainment seriously. I joined the community theater, recorded music and performed whenever I could, acted in as many theater productions as possible, and then as soon as I was barely 18 I made my way to NYC with barely a penny in my pocket. Worked with many producers, fronted several bands, but ultimately circled back to simply being myself.

I was still living in NYC when I signed with an independent label and then moved out to Los Angeles where I currently reside. I believe the only thing that has gotten me here is determination. I’ve been knocked down a thousand times but I keep getting up. Gotta roll with the punches to get the knockout. My biggest accomplishment so far is my new song “Leaving You Behind” hitting the Top 40 charts… and working with Snoop Dogg on my song “Mr. Romeo” was definitely a close second. I’ll always aim above and beyond the stars.

How do you think your music has changed and grown over the years?

I’ve written and performed various styles of music and all I’ve loved, but I’ve grown the most by listening to my instincts, musically and otherwise.

I have read that you are an avid fan of Marvel Comics and were featured on Marvel.com. Tell me about that? How did you get into Marvel Comics?

My publicist at the time was able to get me a tour of Marvel Headquarters in NYC. Agent M at Marvel kindly allowed me to weild Thor’s hammer for most of that adventure (I sure didn’t want to let go of it when I finally left). Everyone was incredibly cool and it really made my day to be able to see everything. Following that they interviewed me and featured me on Marvel.com. I grew up reading comic books and the fantastic stories of superheroes and overcoming impossible situations really sunk in. Times were tough when I was young and that was one of the things that helped me get through it.

Since Christmas wasn’t too long ago, let’s talk about your Christmas song, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”. What made you want to release a holiday song?

It’s my first holiday release! I really wanted to contribute to the holiday spirit, even though it was a little trippy working on Christmas songs in October. I’m thankful the song turned out as well as it did despite all the Halloween candy I ate.

What are your favorite songs to perform live?

“Leaving You Behind”, “Mr. Romeo” and “Heart in a Box”. Of course I love all of them but those are my personal favorites.

Can you think of a funny or interesting thing that has happened at one of your shows?

When I was performing in Beirut, Lebanon on the bill with Flo Rida and Iyaz, in front of a record-breaking 25,000 fans, something went wrong with the sound system during my set. I had to entertain the audience a capella for several minutes (which feels like an eternity when the show stops and it’s all you). Thankfully everyone had a great time and they got everything up and running with everyone in the audience chanting “Mr. Romeo”! Fun times.

More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

I’m inspired by quite a few acts right now but Bruno Mars is the first to come to mind. He is truly talented.

Has there been anything that surprised you about the music industry since you’ve been in it?

It’s unpredictable, chaotic, dramatic, and a whole lot of fun if you have a thick skin and truly love what you do. I went in knowing it wasn’t going to be easy. But I love doing it and it’s worth it to get the music out to the fans.

Photo Credit – Kimberly Metz

Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music?

Let go of any bullsh*t that may be dragging you down. I want people to move forward and have fun despite how sometimes life can get you down… We have to make the most of the time we have. Might as well do it with a smile.

And lastly, is there anything else that you’d like new fans to know about you or your music?

I put my heart and soul into it and I love you all. Stay beautiful.