Our #WCW series where we shine a spotlight on newly discovered female artists continues with the endearing Emma Louise. The Australian artist is well-known “down under” after her debut album Vs Head Vs Heart earned a prestigious ARIA nomination (think the Aussie Grammy’s) for Best Female Artist, which lead to a tour with Sam Smith, a top 5 hit in the UK (“Jungle”), and a contribution to Flight Facilities’ 2014 single “Two Bodies.”
Now, Louise is about to break out stateside with a just released new album Supercry that’s been supported by a wicked Little Dragon remix of the lead single, Underflow.
Also: Feature | #WCW Jessica Audiffred Drops The Bass
We got a chance to ask Emma a few questions via email about her personal second album, latest music video, and daring new look.
Crave: There’s been some great music coming out of Australia lately (Tame Impala, Sia, Cut Copy). What’s in the water down under?
Emma Louise: Haha! Well, it is very far away from the rest of world. I think there was always good music coming from Australia, but I think the internet is making the world closer, no matter the distance. Also, it’s easier to be influenced by music from all over the world because we have such easy access to it now.
Your songs are very personal in the way you write and sing them. How do you tap into that inner part of you?
I think I don’t have to try to tap into it. When I feel the feelings I have to write a song. So it’s kind of in that order.
What’s something that you haven’t revealed about yourself in a song… until now?
Hmmm… probably stuff that is too private to share. I am very open to sharing everything, but I think some things are just meant to be kept sacred. I may express things in song, but never release them.
You like to be involved in almost every aspect of your career from designing on-stage outfits to painting your cover album art. What was something that you had to let go of during the making of Supercry?
Over the past few years, I’ve learned to let go of the things I don’t need to hold onto in the creative process. It makes it a lot easier. Working with great people always helps, too.
You had to shave your head for the “Underflow” video. That’s commitment.
I had long blonde bleached hair in the “Underflow” video. But after we shot the scene of me covered in plaster I had to shave it off because the plaster didn’t come out. I was a bit distraught for an hour or so but then I just went with it. Haven’t really thought too much about it because I’ve shaved my head three times before.
How is Supercry (stream it below) different than your first album?
It’s from a different time of my life, so it’s different in that way. I was learning different things in each of those different times. Sonically I think Supercry is more confident and more of myself then in ‘Vs Head vs Heart’ (her first album). I don’t know if it sounds more confident, but I was more confident when I was making it.
As a female artist who opts for more personal songs rather than pop ones, how do you fit into the current musical landscape?
I don’t really mind where I fit in. Of course, it would be great to fit in and still be making the music I want to make. I think there’s a very sensitive space between trying to make your music honest and real and still reachable and relevant. The way I see it is that my music will live longer than me. It doesn’t have to be relevant when I’m alive… I just enjoy making it. And if it isn’t relevant at any time that’s fine — as long as one or two or three people listen to it and it affects them in a good way.
