- Words Notion Staff
EMMMA is quickly emerging as an artist to watch, building on the momentum of her debut single ‘Playing It Safe’ with the release of her new track ‘Plastic Swings'.
EMMMA’s raw, introspective approach to songwriting has already resonated with fans of artists like Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA, and Boygenius, and her new music promises to take listeners even deeper. With ‘Plastic Swings,’ EMMMA delves into the nostalgic echoes of her childhood in Westport, Connecticut, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of human relationships. The song’s grunge-tinged alt-pop soundscape offers a darker, more anthemic evolution of her debut while continuing to explore the themes of vulnerability and self-realisation.
Having honed her craft as a guitarist and keyboardist in Sasha Alex Sloan’s live band, EMMMA is no stranger to the music scene. But her solo career represents a bold step forward, reclaiming her voice and story after feeling like a secondary character in her own life. Collaborating with acclaimed producers Doug Schadt and Emily Haber, she has crafted a debut EP, Secondary Character, set for release on November 28th, which captures the growing pains of transitioning from adolescence into adulthood.
In this interview, EMMMA reflects on her journey, the inspirations behind ‘Plastic Swings,’ and what listeners can expect from her upcoming project.
Your debut single ‘Playing It Safe’ resonated with many listeners. How does ‘Plastic Swings’ build on that foundation, both thematically and musically?
I think ‘Plastic Swings’ is a natural progression from ‘Playing it Safe’ because the song is a bit more anthemic, a bit darker, and a little bit stronger as well. It’s kind of like starting soft and then going in for the punch with this one! ‘Playing it Safe’ spoke about not taking enough risks and wondering why you’re feeling stagnant in your life, and ‘Plastic Swings’ expands on childhood memories and the experiences that life has given you.
You’ve described your realisation around feeling like a “secondary character” in your own life. What was the turning point that inspired you to take charge of your story?
‘Secondary Character’ has really taken on a new meaning for me as time has gone by. I originally wrote it about doing anything for the people you love, but as time went on the meaning changed, specifically about how I shouldn’t bend over backwards for people if they don’t deserve it. At the end of 2023, I cut out a lot of people in my life and realised there was no point in becoming someone else’s “secondary character” anymore.
What role does nostalgia play in your music, particularly in ‘Plastic Swings’? How do you balance looking back while also moving forward as an artist?
I am definitely a very nostalgic person and I had a wonderful childhood, and I had a lot of moments that really shaped me as a person and as an adult. I think it’s important to look back on those moments and remember that you are who you are because all of these things that have happened to you in the past. It’s really gorgeous to recall.
Collaboration seems to be an important part of your process. How did working with producers Doug Schadt and Emily Haber shape the sound of your new single and your upcoming EP?
Doug and Emily were both amazing to work with. We spent a whole week in Doug’s studio in Brooklyn writing the songs, and I think that was a really important turning point in my career as I had laid out everything I wanted to talk about in the EP, and we were pretty much able to execute it all. Doug and Emily really shaped the EP into what it is today.
Your music blends grunge dynamics with alt-pop soundscapes. What influences or artists do you draw from when crafting your sound, and how do they inspire you?
I’m hugely inspired by Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, Hozier, Holly Humberstone and The 1975. If I’m stuck lyrically or thematically I’d like to imagine how my favourite artists would become unstuck and it helps a lot!
What would your younger self think of ‘Plastic Swings’?
I think she would be really proud of all of the themes I was able to conquer in this song, and she’d probably feel really represented! And probably shocked that I went this grungey!
What elements of your younger self have you directly referenced in the track?
I grew up on Evergreen Avenue which is one of the first lyrics in the song! I had a lot of kids on my block who I was entwined with and my childhood was shaped by those people.
Can you share a specific memory from your childhood in Westport that inspired the writing of ‘Plastic Swings’? What about that moment felt significant to you?
I had a pretty unrequited crush on my neighbour as a kid which shaped me quite a lot, and I just remember learning what that felt like at a young age – painful and new!
You mentioned wondering about the experiences that shape people into who they are. How has your understanding of this idea evolved as you’ve grown and created music?
Honestly, it has made me have more patience and sympathy with a lot of people because you just never know what someone’s backstory is and what they’ve gone through to shape the person they are today.
With your debut EP Secondary Character on the horizon, what can fans expect in terms of themes and emotions across the tracks? What do you hope they take away from your music?
A lot of Secondary Character stems from growing pains going from young adulthood into a bit more mature part of your life. I don’t really know how to navigate life and love, so writing it down helps me an understand it a lot more and hopefully it helps other people understand it as well!