Emma Louise (05/08/2011)
Emma is one of those people who were born to play music. She was the one who avoided maths and science classes to teach herself guitar and write songs in the high school music room. It paid off. At age 15, Emma had already been lauded with two Q Song Awards for her song writing. The 59th Sound briefly spoke with Emma Louise, who will be performing as a part of the Brisbane Big Sound Live showcase.
To the general music loving public, it may seem like your success has happened overnight – how has the process been from your side of the microphone?
I can definitely see how people would think that because I have been guilty of thinking the same thing about other musicians. It hasn't felt like it has been overnight for me but im so happy that my music is getting out there to people now. I have been trying to do this 'music thing' since I was 15 and it has been really fun so far.
When you upload a raw version of a new song to your YouTube channel, do you already know how it will sound with the band?
No, not really. I usually upload it to youtube so that I can send it to my band for them to learn!
I recently read that your feathered friend Henry Littlewing could be a tax deductable expense..... does he also demand part of your busking money?
No he doesn't, although he should because without him I don't think I'd make any money. More people know Henry than me. The other day I was sitting at a cafe with Henry and this couple walked past and said ''oh look, it's Henry''. I need to get him some little bird sunglasses to make him look cooler.
Your debut single “Jungle” from the “Full Hearts and Empty Rooms” EP has hit the ground running in Australia and overseas. Which song is still your favourite to perform live?
I love to play a song called '1000 sundowns' because it still holds so much emotion for me when I sing it and I want people to feel it as much as I do.
You have enlisted the amazing talents of local band Charlie Mayfair’s Hannah Shepherd to perform with you onstage – how did this come about and will she be touring with you when you support Josh Pyke in September?
Yes! She certainly will be. I actually used to play in Charlie Mayfair doing backup vocals for a short time and thats how we got to know each other well. We had a pretty special moment at Woodford (Folk Festival) this year when I asked her to do backup vocals and when we were rehearsing we both started crying because our voices sounded like one person... and because we are massive wusses.
You’ve toured nationally with Boy and Bear and recently recorded a Finn Bros track with Lior but who would be your ultimate recording collaborator?
Probably a musician called Ane Brun. She is a Norwegian singer/songwriter and I am in love with her music.
How excited are you to be playing with Andy Bull at the Brisbane Festival after being such a longtime fan?
Very! I remember sending him messages on myspace being like "Hey im a musician too... wanna listen to my music. Maybe we could jam sometime?". It should be a good night!
The tattoo on the side of your head– are they notes from any particular song?
I always get asked that! They could be notes from a Britney Spears song. I wouldn't know because I can't read music.
Your schedule is looking pretty jam packed for the next few months, will we be seeing you on any 2012 Festival Circuits other than Falls?
Not sure yet! I'm just focusing on this year at the moment but hopefully... That would be cool!
“Full Hearts and Empty Rooms” has been at the top of the AIR Independant Charts for 10 weeks and you’re already recording the next EP. What can your fans expect from this upcoming release?
Definitely more songs but with a different CD cover. I am very excited about recording these songs. This group of songs mean a lot to me.
Full Hearts & Empty Rooms featuring ‘Jungle’ and new single ‘Bugs’ is out now through MGM.
Andrea Davies
To the general music loving public, it may seem like your success has happened overnight – how has the process been from your side of the microphone?
I can definitely see how people would think that because I have been guilty of thinking the same thing about other musicians. It hasn't felt like it has been overnight for me but im so happy that my music is getting out there to people now. I have been trying to do this 'music thing' since I was 15 and it has been really fun so far.
When you upload a raw version of a new song to your YouTube channel, do you already know how it will sound with the band?
No, not really. I usually upload it to youtube so that I can send it to my band for them to learn!
I recently read that your feathered friend Henry Littlewing could be a tax deductable expense..... does he also demand part of your busking money?
No he doesn't, although he should because without him I don't think I'd make any money. More people know Henry than me. The other day I was sitting at a cafe with Henry and this couple walked past and said ''oh look, it's Henry''. I need to get him some little bird sunglasses to make him look cooler.
Your debut single “Jungle” from the “Full Hearts and Empty Rooms” EP has hit the ground running in Australia and overseas. Which song is still your favourite to perform live?
I love to play a song called '1000 sundowns' because it still holds so much emotion for me when I sing it and I want people to feel it as much as I do.
You have enlisted the amazing talents of local band Charlie Mayfair’s Hannah Shepherd to perform with you onstage – how did this come about and will she be touring with you when you support Josh Pyke in September?
Yes! She certainly will be. I actually used to play in Charlie Mayfair doing backup vocals for a short time and thats how we got to know each other well. We had a pretty special moment at Woodford (Folk Festival) this year when I asked her to do backup vocals and when we were rehearsing we both started crying because our voices sounded like one person... and because we are massive wusses.
You’ve toured nationally with Boy and Bear and recently recorded a Finn Bros track with Lior but who would be your ultimate recording collaborator?
Probably a musician called Ane Brun. She is a Norwegian singer/songwriter and I am in love with her music.
How excited are you to be playing with Andy Bull at the Brisbane Festival after being such a longtime fan?
Very! I remember sending him messages on myspace being like "Hey im a musician too... wanna listen to my music. Maybe we could jam sometime?". It should be a good night!
The tattoo on the side of your head– are they notes from any particular song?
I always get asked that! They could be notes from a Britney Spears song. I wouldn't know because I can't read music.
Your schedule is looking pretty jam packed for the next few months, will we be seeing you on any 2012 Festival Circuits other than Falls?
Not sure yet! I'm just focusing on this year at the moment but hopefully... That would be cool!
“Full Hearts and Empty Rooms” has been at the top of the AIR Independant Charts for 10 weeks and you’re already recording the next EP. What can your fans expect from this upcoming release?
Definitely more songs but with a different CD cover. I am very excited about recording these songs. This group of songs mean a lot to me.
Full Hearts & Empty Rooms featuring ‘Jungle’ and new single ‘Bugs’ is out now through MGM.
Andrea Davies