Interview: Singer-Songwriter EMA Discusses Her New Video "Love Languages"
Congratulations on the release of your new single "Love Languages", and its music video. Tell us about your creative process for the song itself, and the inspiration behind its writing.
Thank you so much! I actually am so grateful to have had such an amazing small team to help support me with this project. The original idea for a song like this strived from one of my many inspirations, Adele.
Growing up, I’ve always loved watching Adele’s performances and hoping to one day be able to write music that showcases my vocals like her pieces “Hello” & “All I Ask”. Taking some inspiration from that, along with experiences I’ve had in my life, I was able to write a song that I could sing out in, while holding the lyrics close to my heart. However, it wasn’t all easy. I wanted to build a gorgeous bridge with lots of string instruments supporting a softer line. With the help of my vocal coach, Aline Martin, we were able to figure out what fit best for the bridge!
How did you come up with the treatment for the "Love Languages" visual, which you directed? Do you plan to direct your future videos as well?
Going to University for Media Production, I’ve been able to learn lots about film and direction. I have directed and produced plenty of shows in the past, and I got the hang of what is needed to be done in short and large scale projects.
I knew that if I wanted to create a music video for my own song, I could do it all by myself if I needed to. I gathered some of my classmates in my program who have also had experience in production, and we got to work. I booked out a studio space that felt reflected the song, and filmed the whole thing in less than 4 hours. I edited the film myself as well, and had it all done in around 1-2 weeks.
I would love to continue directing my music videos in the future, because I love the creative freedom that comes with it, and achieving exactly what you envisioned.
When you are working on new songs, what are some things/people/places that inspire you creatively? Also, what do you look for in the production that you write to?
I try to capture experiences I’ve been though before, or write about concepts I’m interested in. When I was writing “Love Languages”, I loved the idea of the five love languages and how they’re so important to identify in a relationship or friendship to fully love the people around you the way they understand it.
In terms of production, I love to jot down what I’ve heard in the past, taking inspiration from my favourite artists at the time and using that to build my own sound and song.
Will "Love Languages" be featured on an upcoming EP or album? If so, what can you tell us about the project?
I’m actually releasing the acoustic version of “Love Languages” on August 20th; so we aren’t quite done with the project yet!
This song is so special to me and I wanted to capture as much attention as possible to the single and really get creative with what I can do with it.
I’m currently releasing that version and another single soon, and hopefully am looking forward to doing another EP in the future!
With "Love Languages" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year?
I really want to keep building my fan base and audience. I love everyone who listens and engages with my content currently, but I feel as though I have separate audiences for all my social media platforms.
I hope to keep building my brand and start getting loyal followers who look forward to my releases and content!