EMI Is Straight From Another Planet

The music world is pretty saturated with the same kinds of beats right now — especially as potential “songs of the summer” drop day after day. You might start to wonder where the music world’s originality went.

Well, look no further than EMI, the Seattle-based musician who just released her debut album, the aptly named “Planet.” Give it a listen, peep our interview below, and check out the photos shot by Amber Asaly and you’ll be convinced EMI’s not of this world.

Congrats on “Planet”! Can you sum up what it’s all about in 140 characters or less?

Anthems for both suppliers and consumers.

Why is it important to you?

I’ve spent over a year putting this project together. Everybody has put so much work into all my tracks, that we had a hard time deciding which ones should get selected for this tape. These eight tracks stuck out as a joint work because they all contain commentary on the music industry, the drug industry, and unconventional love in one way or another.

Even the order of the songs was carefully thought out and meant to reflect my personal journey through all the different industries and situations. This is my first project, so it’s always going to be my baby. It shows growth from the beginning until now, and will always have a special place in my heart.

What was the moment when you realized you HAD to be a musician?

I never had a solid moment where I “realized” anything. I’ve always just assumed it was what I was going to do and when it started happening, I just felt a sense of satisfaction that my life was going according to plan. I’ve always made music, playing piano and singing since I was four, and using two tape recorders to make multi-track recordings when I was six. It only made sense to make this my career, because I can’t stand to spend more than 15 minutes at a time on anything else without wanting to get back to the music.

What’s been your favorite part of the process so far?

I love recording. I would record even if I weren’t doing this as a job. Recording is where I actually get to share what’s on my mind. When I know I have a hit, I dance all over the booth and do ridiculous ad-libs over the track because I get so fucking excited. Nothing else matches that energy.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?

That my lyrics aren’t a reflection of my real life.

Who’s been the biggest inspiration to you during this process?

So many people, I can’t choose just one person. Everyone around me is so encouraging and helpful, I wouldn’t be going as hard as I am if I didn’t have so many dope people in my circle. I’m so inspired to keep moving so I can take care of all the people who have taken such good care of me.

Have there been any times when you doubted or had second thoughts about this project? 

Nope. I knew it would fuck up the game.

What’s next for you?

More recording. Getting my stage game together. More visual stuff. The other 90% of being an artist.

If you could have any artist in music history cover “Planet,” who would it be and why?

Shit. I want to hear an artist from every genre to cover it so I can hear it in every form possible. But if I had to choose ONE I’d say Sean Paul. That would be fire as fuck. He just brings such good vibes to any song he’s on.

Photography by Amber Asaly


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