Meet Emily Tressa, The Rising Pop star
Emily Tressa is a singer, songwriter, and DJ who broke out onto the music scene with her cover of Madonna’s “HUNG UP.” Now she’s taking over the world with her debut single, “STAR POWER”; an electro-dance club track for the dolls, alongside the EP including 5 reimagined versions of the song titled “STAR POWER (THE REMIXES)”. Emily is known for her music, live performances, and her background in LGBTQ+ activism. She makes music to uplift her community while wanting everyone to dance along and have fun. As a transgender woman, she strives to bring trans artists to the forefront.
Influenced by the greats, Emily grew up listening to Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, and Charli XCX. Now she is on her way to bringing original transcendent pop music back to the oversaturated music world. We chat with Emily on her musical journey, who inspires her and what’s next for the rising star. Read our full interview below.
Featured Interview:
Who is Emily Tressa?
I am Emily Tressa, foremost an artist. I’d describe myself as honest, compassionate, and optimistic. Music has forever been my safe place, providing an escape from the isolated town in New Hampshire where I spent my upbringing, often feeling misunderstood. I’ve always felt it’s not where I’m meant to be. My mom’s Madonna CDs were my early inspiration, making me want to be as confident. I’ve always wanted to perform. I used to go out in the rain and dance and sing like I was in some music video. I used to give little shows for my parents on my back porch and I’d make sets with cardboard boxes. I started making music when I was 19 and it gave me an outlet to express myself freely. To take something from my mind and heart and turn it into something beautiful. When I was 20, my move to NYC showed me there are endless opportunities and spaces where I feel welcome. Being in the studio and on stage is what makes me feel alive. It makes me feel like I’m doing something right. It makes me feel like I can connect with the world. I am dedicated to showing, especially as a trans woman, that I am so much more than that. I am multidimensional. Music is a vessel to liberate my mind, and I get to go beyond that with visuals and performances.
What inspired you to write your new song “Watching Me”?
The inspiration behind “Watching Me” stemmed from a demo crafted by my talented producer and dear friend, Kiry. She shared an instrumental she had created several months prior, sparking the creative process. Together, we delved into writing, and the concept of reclaiming the unsettling notion of being observed emerged as an anthem of self-empowerment—channeling a feeling of defiance, as if to say, “You can watch me, but it doesn’t faze me.”
What have you been working on?
I’ve just finished up a little Halloween promo tour of my new song “Watching Me”, as well as my single “Starpower” and my cover of Madonna’s “Hung Up” I performed at venues across NYC. I’m putting out my first music video for “Watching Me” very soon. It has been a thrilling experience creating a visual fantasy.
What else can we expect to see from Emily Tressa?
You can expect many more performances, more music videos, more singles and of course a mixtape in the future. I can’t reveal the name quite yet.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process varies. It often starts with a reflection on my emotions triggered by personal experiences. Writing music serves as a therapeutic outlet for me, letting me transform my feelings into a form of art that resonates with others. Additionally, I get to collaborate with my producer peers. When they share a beat, within the initial moments of listening, I can tell whether it resonates with me and if I feel inspired by it. With that, I’ll write lyrics and come up with melodies based on the emotions the song makes me feel.
How would you describe an Emily Tressa show?
An Emily Tressa performance always will have the presence of live vocals. I step onto that stage with purpose and intensity. My goal is to create a space where inhibitions are shed, both for me and the audience. I thrive in high-energy venues, where I can draw inspiration from the power of the crowd. Expect a lot of movement, with dancing and high-energy moments. Ultimately, I aim to deliver a performance that leaves a lasting memory for everyone there.
What’s your dream venue?
As cliche as it is, I have to say Madison Square Garden. There is nothing like the energy of playing in an area in NYC. I’ll actually be attending MSG for the first time to see Madonna on her Celebration Tour. I have a feeling I’ll be crying that night.
