By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Christian Hodgson
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) My sound is a mix of 2000’s pop rock and modern alternative, giving you a new sound you feel like you already know.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) I grew up on Alanis Morissette and Elvis Presly, both having huge impacts on my music taste and stage presence. As I went into high school, I discovered Paramore, specifically Hayley Williams, and have been studying her biblically ever since. I aspire to be as vocally competent and lyrically enticing as Hayley is.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Behind.” Crafting it sounds like it was a catharsis that you didn’t know you even needed.
A) It totally was. I’ve had pent up feelings about the way certain relationships ended and how new ones started and this song was just pure word vomit of what I wish I could say to their face. I remember going into this session, having anxiety about not saying anything too specific, but that quickly went out the window once me and my collaborator, Addi John were in the weeds of writing.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think everyone has that one relationship that we look back on and wish to understand more. This song is also like closure in the sense that, I’m saying what I‘ve been holding in but I’m not putting myself in a position where I’m face-to-face with that person because that wouldn’t be good for either of us. Music is a means of escapism and I think this song can really take you into those memories to work out and vent how you felt towards that person.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) My lyric video for “Behind” is me on a mental health walk, working out the feelings in my head. I set it in nature cause that is something I do often, walk and talk it out. I highly recommend it!
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Me and my collaborator Addi John usually talk about what we’re feeling, share a few song references and just hit the group running. He and I have gotten so comfortable writing together that the first draft of the song took two and a half hours to get through and there weren’t too many edits. One thing I will do is write down ideas in my notes app and give them a little summary of how I’m feeling and use that as a spark to dive in deeper.
Q) I heard that having severe allergies added to the production of the song. What made that demo the perfect take?
A) My producer Ron Lopata, regardless of if it’s a demo or the real thing, always wants the best takes. When we recorded this song in the spring, I was so down bad with allergies, I could barely talk and I was so scared I was going to miss my deadline to get this track done. But the universe gave me a sign. A video about Christina Aguilera’s “beautiful” popped up on my feed and the producer mentioned that that was her demo vocals and that made me immediately check what mine sounded like and, thankfully, I loved them. It was serendipity finding that video and I thank Ron for making sure I always kill my vocal performances.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I’m super into it! It’s not something I ever saw myself wanting to do but, it’s really fun! Ron’s also a great teacher with giving pointers and what to listen for. It’s become second nature and I’m trusting my instincts more which in other company, I was made to doubt.
Q) With “Behind” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) I’m not sure yet. I have so many songs that I’m working on that the EP hasn’t fully formed as a move at this point. I have an idea for an EP and what I want the content to be about, but the songs I have right now don’t really match – but maybe something for mid 2027!
Q) What can fans expect from a live Em Armstrong performance?
A) Lots of kicks, stomps and hair flips! When people see me live, I want them to think, “Oh…She’s an active one, she makes me wanna dance.” And I do not fear jumping in the audience and dancing with them. I want them to leave feeling joy and like they’ve connected to another human who gets what they’re going through.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) This is a hard question because Toronto has some sick venues. The Rivoli is a classic and the Drake Underground has a sick aesthetic that most places don’t have. My favorite, that I’ve only played once, has to be El Mocambo – my dream is to sell out that big room of theirs. It’s such a great location and the vibes are so fun, I hope I can play there again soon!
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Hayley Williams. Next question!
All jokes aside, I think we would make something so cool that it would break the internet.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) My music taste is very eclectic, so I’m listening to everything right now! My big three at the moment have to be Coldplay for the nostalgia of their concert in 2025, Kelly Clarkson because she’s a vocal phenomenon, and Macklemore (IYKYK).
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Genuinely: thank you! When I decided to take this on a year ago, I let the imposter syndrome get me a bit and thought no one would care. The lovely people who have come and supported my shows and music have been nothing short of kind and amazing! I played Hamilton’s Supercrawl recently and there were three people in the audience who weren’t friends or family who knew the words to every song I played and that was so magical. I’ve never seen that happen before in any of my previous projects and it filled my heart with joy! Those are the moments I do this for and I hope you continue to enjoy the passion I put behind my music!