Meet Emily
Vocalist with BoogieMoonBand
From Leona Lewis to the Beatles, and busking on the street to playing some of Birmingham's iconic live music venues, Emily talks about her songwriting and performing.
How did it all start?
When I was a small child I remember getting CDs for Christmas and standing in my room singing along to the lyrics on the sleeve. And then about seven I started writing my own lyrics and making up melodies. Then one day a letter came from school about singing lessons, and ever since then I carried on with it all through school.
What were your influences as you grew up?
Leona Lewis, she was an early inspiration on X factor. Such a beautiful voice. I was a bit of a pop girl, Rihanna’s “Umbrella”. My dad used to play McCartney songs, and I got obsessed with The Beatles, which opened up the door to this whole other generation of music from the 60s and 70s: Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane … Abba was another band I grew up with from my mum because she's their number one fan; I love their songwriting, clever isn't it and such strong emotive voices.
How did you start performing?
My mum had concerts from me for years, since I was about eight. And then I don't know why because I was such a shy child, but I did a talent show about 10 years old. That was my first ever performance in front of people. And I just loved it. I was so nervous, but the rush of the adrenaline and people reacting to what you're doing, I just got a kick out of it. I performed in all the school talent shows and then about 17, I started doing gigs around Birmingham. There were some promoters that put on gigs for emerging artists in different venues, like the Sunflower Lounge, The Victoria in Moseley. So I started doing gigs supporting other artists, solo with guitar or piano. And busking too, I did alot of that which is really good practice.
In the spotlight ...
Which of the band's songs do you most like singing?
Lost in Music. I really love that song because I understand the lyrics, like it's just describing what we feel as musicians. So that makes me feel emotional a little bit, in a good way. Young Hearts Run Free because it's a really good one to get the crowd going.
What does it feel like when you’re performing?
Playing with the band is a whole different experience that I really love, it’s like having a party
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Up close and personal ...
Memorable live gig moments:
Biggest: OT Institute, Digbeth supporting a local band. The Dark Horse in Moseley which was my gig and it sold out. Hare and Hounds too in Kings Heath.
Worst: One guy said "I like your singing, but I don't like your songs". Another said, "Play something happy, like we're sad enough!" And then someone wanted to do a duet but couldn’t sing and I was trying not to laugh, but they were happy, they just wanted to have some fun!
Quick Fire:
Chocolate or alcohol? Chocolate
Dream car? Morris Minor
Digital or vinyl? Vinyl
Guilty pleasure artist?
Favourite weather presenter? Shefali
In your dreams ...
Dream gig?
Glastonbury: The Introducing Stage
If you could meet your biggest musical hero?
Stevie Nicks: what's her song writing process. Paul McCartney too: how he writes, where do his ideas come from?
And finally ...
One piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
"To believe in myself"