Project Description
Interview
with
EMILY MARKHAM
Interviewer – Mirrin Gray
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For any new fans, how did you discover your love of making and performing music?
From 3 years old I loved dancing and performing on stage. When I was 7 I took up singing lessons to go along with my dancing. After years of continuing with both singing and dancing, I decided to focus on just my singing and music. At 12, I picked up the guitar and started learning the keyboard. Ever since then, music has been a major aspect of my life.
Who are you biggest musical influences?
Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, and Amber Lawrence. Taylor Swift was a major influence when I was in the earlier years of my song writing journey.
What do you think is unique about your sound?
My music is powerful yet has elements of vulnerability. There is light and shade within my voice and my lyrics which helps reinforce the honesty and truthfulness I write about in all my songs.
Your new single ‘How The Story Ends’ is out on the 28th of February. Can you tell us about the track and your inspiration?
I had the line “if I need to be the villain in your story that’s okay” and knew I needed to write an empowering song using it. I was sitting on the floor of my hotel and just stared to ad lib around this line. Over the last year or so I have come to realise that you have very little control over how others see you, and how other people tell their story. When I realised this I feel like a weight was lifted from me. I know it sounds corny but the pressure to control other people disappeared. When writing ‘How The Story Ends’ I wanted to share what I had learnt and hopefully this would allow them to release that control.
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How is this song different to your prior work?
This song is completely me. I feel like this song is a more mature concept to other songs i have written and i am incredibly excited for people to hear it. I hope this song speaks to people and they can relate to the idea of being the “villian” in someone elses story, even though they haven’t done anything to disturb it, in their opinion.
What does your song writing process typically look like?
I usually sit in my music room, grab either my guitar or sit at the keyboard and start playing some chords. Normally I’ll play around with a few different melodies and then start to sing some lyrics. Sometimes, the lyrics are completely ridiculous, but it gives me the perfect starting point.
What is it about country music that appeals to you as a musician?
Ever since I started listening to and singing country music, I have loved the stories that country songs tell. There is always such an honestly in the lyrics and the emotion of the artist comes through every second of the song. Not only is it the songs in country music that draw me to it, but country music is a family. The artists and the fans all make it such a fabulous industry to be a part of.
What is it like travelling back and forth to Nashville for your music?
Nashville is one of my favourite places. As soon as I step off the plane I can feel an energy that is different to anywhere else I’ve been. The flight to and from Nashville is never fun, but it is completely worth it. I love being able to be a part of the music industry in Australia and Nashville and form friendships with such incredible musicians and songwriters. It can be hard being so far away from my family and my comfort zone, but when I’m in Nashville my soul is so full.
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If you could tour with anyone, who would it be and why? (Dead or alive)
I would love to tour with Shania Twain. I have always looked up to her as an artist and I think she is inspiring. Her music has a power and attitude that I find empowering (hello, Man I Feel Like A Women!). When I saw her perform in Sydney, I shed a little tear. I was in awe!
What’s coming up for you next?
I am going to continue writing songs and performing them to as many different audiences as I can. I’ll be focusing on pushing myself in my craft and continuing to improve and grow as a person and an artist. There will be more single releases coming up and more trips back to Nashville.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – What you see is what you get: Luke Combs
Artist – Shania Twain
Movie – Five feet Apart
Place to visit – Texas
Venue to play – The Swallowed Anchor in Wollongong. I atmosphere is amazing and they make the most amazing food!
Food – chocolate, my guilty pleasure
Drink – Coke Zero
Person in History – Frida Kahlo
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) For the last few years I have wanted to get a longhorn skull on my upper arm. Just a nice simple outline.
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Check out
EMILY MARKHAM below
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Rising Singer-Songwriter
Emily Markham
Releases Beautifully Heartbreaking Single
“How The Story Ends”
Australia’s own country singer-songwriter Emily Markham is on the rise and making waves with her brand new single, “How The Story Ends.” The NSW South Coast native has penned a remarkably relatable tune detailing the aftermath of relationships that don’t always have happy endings. Despite the sad subject of the song, the upbeat tempo and Markham’s powerful vocals provide a refreshing twist on the topic of relationship aftermath. From the vibe of this foot-tapping single, it is evident how Kasey Chambers, Maren Morris, and Kacey Musgraves have influenced Emily Markham’s vocal and writing style.
“How the Story Ends” was recorded at UMG Australia’s Forbes Street Studio.
“This song is completely me. I wrote this sitting on the floor of my hotel room in Nashville,” says Markham. “I had the line “if I need to be the villain in your story, that’s okay” and I knew I wanted to write a song about the different sides of a relationship. I feel like this song is a more mature concept to other songs I have written and I am incredibly excited for people to hear it.”
Emily Markham released her debut EP Come on Over in 2014, which was crafted by award-winning producer, Matt Fell. Her single from that EP “Collision” was added to over 100 radio station playlists in Australia. Emily has been named Today’s Country 94.1 Brand New Star on the NSW Central Coast and appeared on the auditions for season 5 of The Voice Australia. In 2018, Markham released her sophomore, seven song EP, Right Where You Are. From that body of work came “4 Days (Til Friday)”, which was added to the KIX Country radio playlist.
In the past two years, Emily Markham has been taking trips to Nashville, TN to write with hit songwriters like Bill Diluigi (hits on Billboard and Americana Top 100) and John Capek (hits with Cher, Olivia Newton-John, Rod Stewart). Markham’s recent Nashville ventures have elevated her craft, which is clear with the release of “How The Story Ends.” Her time in Music City has fueled her fire for success, and the new music reflects her tremendous growth. Moving forward, Emily is focused on creating a thriving career in country music that spans across the world, relating to and connecting with diverse audiences.
“How the Story Ends” is available on all streaming platforms NOW – HERE
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Click HERE
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