Project Description
.
EMERAULD
‘IN THE FIRST PLACE’
Single Review
(7th March, 2025)
Review by Melanie Griffiths
.
.
Emerauld, the 19-year-old songstress from regional Adelaide, has a knack for turning raw emotion into captivating melodies. She’s working hard and honing her songwriting, and producing some cracking tunes. Her latest offering, “In The First Place (Stripped Back)”, poses a new challenge for Emerauld by taking an existing song and revealing it’s other emotional colours.
“In The First Place” in it’s original arrangement is a rollicking and soaring indie track. Now she has revisited the song and stripped out the flourishes to present a song in it’s purest form. It’s a testament to her ability to distill complex feelings into a minimalist arrangement that resonates deeply.
The track opens with a delicate guitar riff, setting a contemplative tone that invites listeners into Emerauld’s introspective world. The absence of elaborate instrumentation allows her ethereal vocals to take center stage, revealing a vulnerability that’s both disarming and compelling. Her voice, rich with nuance, navigates the song’s themes of self-doubt and anxiety with an authenticity that speaks to the universal experience of stepping into adulthood’s uncharted territory.
.
.
Lyrically, the song reflects on the uncertainties that accompany life’s transitions. Lines like “Caught between the past and what’s to come” embrace the tension of moving forward in life. This stripped-back version sheds the original’s rock-infused layers, offering a raw and intimate perspective that feels like a personal confession.
The inclusion of Lucinda Machin’s cello adds a melancholic depth, weaving seamlessly with the piano to create a haunting soundscape. It was Emerauld’s intention to create something that felt cinematic and boy does it. There is an melancholic weight present that captures the ebb and flow of genuine emotion.
It’s hard to believe Emerauld is just 19. There is maturity in her peformance and “In The First Place (Stripped Back)” she pushes herself with emotionally to offer a song that delivers poignant truths.
.
.
BIO
Emerauld is a dynamic 19-year-old artist hailing from regional Adelaide, whose emotional lyrics and powerful voice have captivated audiences. Since releasing her first original track at just 14, Emerauld has been celebrated for her raw talent, earning glowing reviews and an artist spotlight from Triple J. Her 2022 release, In the Silence, landed a spot in the Unearthed High Yearbook and regular play rotation on Triple J Unearthed, cementing her as one of Australia’s emerging young talents.
In 2023, Emerauld’s talent shone brightly when her outstanding Australian Idol audition earned her a golden ticket to Sydney with unanimous praise from the judges. This milestone was followed by high-energy performances at Scouted 23, Adelaide Fringe, and IndieFest 24, where she served as “The Face” of the festival.
Transitioning seamlessly from solo artist to band frontwoman, Emerauld is leaving her mark on the Adelaide music scene, with standout appearances at Semaphore Music Festival, Beer and Cider Festival, and Feast Festival. As she works on a series of releases for 2025 with performances booked for New Found Sound, Main stage at The Gov, The Cranker and WOMAD 2024, Emerauld continues to captivate audiences with her heartfelt songwriting, electrifying performances, and undeniable passion for music.
.
.
Follow EMERAULD
Instagram – Facebook – Spotify – Unearthed
.
.
Press Release 28th February 2025 (below) HERE
Raw and Honest:
EMERAULD
releases stripped back
version of
‘IN THE FIRST PLACE’
.
.
