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Rock
sensation Em took the music scene by storm when she released her controversial,
yet astoundingly popular new single ‘Liquefied Strength’ after being incognito
for almost three years! We get to know the girl behind the music in an
exclusive feature of her very first interview since her return.
What is
your earliest memory of music?
The first thing I remember is when I was little, my dad took
my mother and I away on holiday, it was to one of those holiday camps with the
show on at the bar every night, the first night it was a kids disco, I remember dancing around the floor,
singing at the top of my voice, and thinking ‘I never want to be anywhere else’
Who do you
credit as introducing you to the kind of music that has shaped your career?
Before my break, I would have said maybe Paramore, they were
always an inspiration to me, but as I’ve grown up and thought about who I really want to be, I don’t want to be
like people that are already around, I don’t want to have to be compared to
people, I want to be able to define myself.
Do you
think rock music could ever end up having the same recognition as pop music?
I feel like it is becoming more recognised and more popular
but personally I think that we need more ground breaking and modern acts in the
genre before we can really break through the barrier that’s been built around
rock. I think more and more stereotypes and preconceptions are being proved
wrong daily so it shouldn’t be long before we’re being nominated at the Brits
Awards.
The sound
of your new music is significantly different to your last albums, is there a
reason why?
When I was making music before, I was still a teenager. My
old label and my managers were able to tell me what to do and what would sell
and I would listen, but it gets tiring being the media’s puppet. That’s why I
needed time off, to really figure out who I wanted to be, it was sending me
bats**t crazy. I’m going to make the music that I want to make, the sales
aren’t important to me. It’s more important to me that I stay true to who I am
now, this is the time people
get to know the real me, whether they like it or not, I don’t really give a
f**k anymore.
A lot of
your fan base try to look like you, they do their hair and make-up like yours
and buy the things you do, do you think that this makes it even harder to be
your own person if other people are going to do what you do?
I guess you learn to block it out, at first it’s nice to be
able to influence people, to be their idol, but I don’t want people to think
they should be like someone else, everybody should do their own thing and find
their own identity, if that is like mine then that’s great but it shouldn’t
feel forced. Growing up my sister listened to whatever bands I would listen to,
even though the content was far too mature for someone her age, she wanted to
be like me, and I was worried she wasn’t becoming her own person and she was
just becoming another me.
Have your
friends and family supported your decisions?
Some did, some didn’t. My parents and siblings have always
supported me and wanted me to be happy, my wider family were never that close
until I started getting my name out there. It’s hard to know who is there for
you and who is there for your bank account. When I took the break, some of my
friends showed that the end of my money flow meant the end of our friendships,
but now I know who is real and who is fake, it all worked out.
It’s
rumoured that you’re planning on bringing out a multi-million pound clothing
range, any comment on that?
It honestly sounds like a sick idea but I don’t think I’m
even fashionable enough to dress myself never mind influence other peoples
clothing choices. The idea of it would be a lot better than the reality of it.
The money wouldn’t really inspire me to pursue the idea, I’m lucky enough to
not have to worry about money so if I were to do it I’d want it to have the
proceeds going to charity.
A lot of
your fans were getting rather excited about it, you must influence their
fashion choices in some ways?
I didn’t realise people actually liked what I wore, my
wardrobe is mainly a combination of other artists brands (like Oli Sykes’ DROP
DEAD Clothing) and some bizarre items I find in charity shops. I’m actually so
happy they like my clothes, it’s really unexpected.
And
finally, what can we expect from you in the near future?
I’ve recorded a few songs that I’m really happy with and I’m
currently in collaborations with some inspirational artists to help me write
some more. Hopefully soon I’ll have enough to release an album, well, that’s if
people actually want to buy my music! I’m not in any rush, I’m just enjoying
being back in music and taking it all in, as myself this time, not who I’m expected
to be.
