Emily Kay
Emily Kay is to make her return with her brand new EP 'Now Or Never'.
We got the chance to chat with the musician about the upcoming album, her past and just where she draws inspiration from as an artist.
Has music always been a passion of yours?
Surprisingly no. During School and College I wanted to be a drama teacher but then my passion for music definitely grew over time. Especially after I returned from New York and I’d been through a few tough life lessons in relationships I generally found comfort listening to hours of music.
What is it about music that you love?
Music for me isn’t about acrobatic vocals for example, its about the feeling and the experience you encounter from listening to music. That’s what I love about music.
What's your earliest memory with music?
When I was younger, I remember my older brother was learning to play the bass guitar for the first time. There were 3 main CDs Maxwell, Jamariqui and Omar and I’ll never forget hearing my brother play “There’s Nothing Like This” (by Omar) over and over again in his room. When he was out, I’d sneak in and switch on his CD player and listen to them.
Who or where do you find inspiration from?
Firstly I can never deny my gospel roots. I was brought up around church choirs and powerful singers, so gospel music is my first inspiration. Then I branched out to neo-soul artists like Angie Stone. I purchased all of Angie Stone’s albums; I love her music. Following my 3 months in New York, I purchased Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and Etta James CDs and couldn’t stop listening to them.
Tell us about your new single 'Now Or Never'.
I wrote the lyrics to ‘Now or Never’ earlier this year when my Manager hooked me up with Producer Dwayne Patrick (whom might I add, has just won the 2013 Producer Battle at ‘Jump-Off’ competition). As soon as I heard this track, I immediately penned the lyrics that night! Sometimes the lyrics will flow like tap water and I won’t go to bed until I’ve finished the song. That’s what happened with this song in particular. I felt I needed to get these lyrics off my chest. It’s about a guy I have very strong feelings for and I know what I want to move forward but I’m telling him that it’s time to make a decision about what he wants.
You're releasing an EP of the same name in January - what can you tell us about that?
My new EP is entitled ‘Now or Never’ because I feel this is the stage where I am emotionally and mentally. Not only am I on a journey with my music but in my life in general. Some things won’t change unless you give the situation an ultimatum to say its either now or never!
The lead single is prepping you for my EP and what’s to come. I’m an emotional person and my lyrics are too so that is what you should expect from my EP in January and I hope you enjoy it.
How was the process of bringing this EP together?
Since releasing ‘Emily Kay Unplugged’ (to which Female First have been so supportive thank you), then my latest single ‘Soldier’, it was important to me that the bar was raised a little on my next release. I knew what I wanted going forward so I have been stricter with myself.
I also have a great Manager, which is key. Your Manager should truly believe in your music and that’s what I have in Andrew. Plus I have a good support network around me. So when it came to making decisions for this EP, I can go to my Manager for advice and he has helped steer me in the right direction.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would you choose?
This changes so often but my dream collaboration would be John Legend.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
This time next year, I would love to play at concert halls and intimate venues in different Countries, which would be a dream that I’d like to fulfill. Also, I’d hope that I would be concentrating on my music full-time and no longer working a 9-5 in the office too haha.
What other projects do you have in the pipeline you can share some details about?
At the moment it's the release of my new EP in January. It would mean a lot if everyone who hears my music & likes it, supports my music by purchasing the EP! That's my main project right now.
I'm also talking with some producers regarding a remix too so lots of good stuff to come.
Emily Kay's 'Now Or Never' EP is released January 12 via Grinnin' Records.