Hi Emmy, it’s great to have you! Can you share a bit about your journey?
Hi! Thank you for having me. My story starts in the Chicago suburbs, balancing two very different worlds: ice hockey and music. It was a bit like being Troy Bolton from High School Musical, constantly pulled between these opposing passions. While sports were a big part of my identity growing up, music was always where I truly expressed myself. Eventually, music won out, and after a semester of college hockey, I transferred and immersed myself in music. Now, at UMiami, I’m juggling modeling, economics studies, internships, and most importantly, writing, recording, and producing pop songs that capture genuine, relatable emotions.
Who were some of your early musical influences? What kind of music filled your home growing up?
Music was always playing in our house thanks to my parents. My dad is a huge KISS fan, and my mom loves Elton John. Whenever a song by either of them came on, I’d instantly grab my guitar or run to the piano, put on some ripped jeans, and try to jam along – a bit embarrassing looking back! Even as a kid, I was always drawn to emotive songs, tracks that really resonated with feeling, like Elton John’s “Your Song.” That emotional depth in music has always stuck with me.
What are your earliest musical memories, the moments that sparked your passion?
Beyond maybe singing OneRepublic at school talent shows (cringe!), my earliest memory is just this intense desire to learn every instrument imaginable. It started in first grade with my dad’s acoustic guitar. By second grade, I was taking classical piano lessons and learning harmonica from my grandpa. Fourth grade saw me pick up the bass – both electric and the upright bass. In middle school, I was playing drums in the school jazz band. Then, in high school, I discovered music production software like Ableton Live and started combining everything! That’s when I really started to see the possibilities of creating my own sound.
When did you realize that you had to pursue being an artist and releasing your own music?
It’s funny because I grew up with absolutely no connections to the music industry, but the desire to be an artist was there from a really young age. Growing up as an only child, I often felt a bit isolated, like I didn’t quite fit in. I was the “sporty girl” – shorter hair, basketball shorts, playing tackle football and ice hockey, which led to some teasing as a kid. Then, freshman year of college was a real turning point, a bit of a shock. I guess I had a “glow up” and started modeling, but ironically, my mental health was at its lowest. I quit college hockey, went through a major identity crisis, moved out of the dorm to live alone and produce music, and transferred schools. I also find it hard to talk about my feelings directly, so creating music became my way of processing and expressing everything. It’s genuinely therapeutic for me.
Could you share some records or artists that have significantly influenced the music you’re creating today?
Definitely! These albums have been massive influences on my music:
- Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange”: For its incredible storytelling and genre-bending sound.
- Olivia Rodrigo’s “SOUR”: For its raw emotional honesty and pop-punk energy.
- Juice WRLD’s “Goodbye & Good Riddance”: For its vulnerability and blending of emo and hip-hop.
- Odesza’s “In Return”: For its atmospheric electronic soundscapes and emotional depth within electronic music.
These artists, each in their own way, have shown me how to blend genres, be emotionally honest, and create music that truly connects with listeners on a deeper level. Much like Adele’s songs resonate deeply through their raw emotion and powerful vocals, these artists prioritize authenticity and emotional impact.
“Over” is your debut single – what does it feel like to finally release your first song?
It feels unbelievable, honestly. Releasing music has been my biggest dream for as long as I can remember, but until now, I was simply too afraid to actually do it. Putting yourself out there is vulnerable! But even if just one person connects with “Over,” if it resonates with a single listener, then it’s all completely worthwhile. That connection is what it’s all about.
Can you walk us through the songwriting and production process behind “Over”? When did you start working on it, and who helped bring it to life?
The songwriting and production for “Over” was quite a journey of discovery. I started working on it about six months ago, literally laying in bed at 3 am, processing a very intense but short-lived situationship. It was one of those experiences that leaves a lasting mark. I collaborated with some incredibly talented engineers: Cole Kruggel for recording and mixing, and Danny Garcia for mastering. They really elevated the track with their expertise. And the producer of “Over” is Arcane Beats, an incredibly gifted musician. We spent countless hours in the studio, experimenting with different sounds and refining the lyrics until we felt we had captured the exact emotion and vibe I was aiming for.
What emotions were you experiencing while recording “Over”?
Recording “Over” was a real emotional rollercoaster, for sure! I felt everything from pure excitement to deep vulnerability. I was pouring my heart into every lyric and every note, while also trying to maintain this kind of dreamy, almost nonchalant vibe that comes through in some of the verses. The song starts with this cinematic piano intro before these electropop elements come in, so there are definitely some shifts in mood throughout the track, reflecting the emotional complexities of the song’s theme.
Do you have a favorite lyric from “Over” that particularly stands out to you?
Yes, definitely. It’s: “Now I’m home from Paris fashion week. Put your hand on my shoulder, tell me it’s not over. But you’re looking straight through me.” I really loved writing that line. There’s such a fascination with this idea of glamor, especially on social media. It’s almost an illusion. We all know that nobody’s life is actually perfect, even though there’s this pressure to portray it that way online. Being a model in the age of social media, I’ve actually had people ask me, quite seriously, what could possibly be wrong in my life after seeing a few photos from a shoot. So, this lyric is about that contrast – the stark difference between the seemingly glamorous, fast-paced world of fashion and modeling, and the very real, very messy emotional turbulence of a relationship that’s falling apart. It’s about feeling unseen and unheard even in the midst of outward success.
What made you decide that “Over” would be the right song to introduce you as an artist with your debut single?
I chose “Over” as my debut because it felt like the perfect introduction to my sound. It smoothly blends both organic and electronic pop elements, creating layers that are both melodic and introspective. The song creates this soundscape that’s simultaneously uplifting and melancholic, which I think really captures the kind of emotional duality I aim for in my music. As a first single, that variety and emotional depth felt like the right way to introduce myself and my artistry. Just as Adele’s debut singles captured rawness and emotional power, “Over” is my way of starting that authentic conversation with listeners.
