Emily Brimlow – Misfits

By starrymag | February 8, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Indie, Singer songwriter, Pop/ Nature sounds

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Norah Jones, Billie Holiday, Paul Simon, Emily King, Gypsy Kings, Coldplay and Ed

Q) You grew up learning to play music from your father. What was some of the best advice he gave you?

A) “Don’t cover songs but write your own songs that people will cover.” I still think about that every time I’m writing a song. When you’re starting out everyone asks for covers. But I’ve stuck to my dad’s advice, and rarely will cover songs unless I absolutely love the song that I’m covering. Because if my originals are strong enough, in a couple more years my songs will be the songs that other artists cover.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Misfits.”

A) “Misfits” is about my relationship with my life partner Nathan. How we unabashedly rushed into our relationship, and travel in a van together. [smiles]

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think everybody is a little bit crazy and feels out of place most days. This song is for the people that feel like that, the misfits of our generation. [smiles]

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The video is just a compilation of footage Nathan and I took from our iPhone over the last three years. I like it because it shows our humanness. It’s messy and real.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I always grab an instrument and freestyle, usually I leave a voice memo recording open on my phone and sing whatever melody or lyrics come to mind. Then, I go through the voice memo and pick out/ fine tune the song from there. That’s how “Misfits” was written and almost every one of my songs.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I am quite picky with sounds and production, so I’m usually there for every bit of it. I have been lucky to work with some incredible musicians that I trust. They have good taste. So, when it comes to tracking bass, guitar, piano etc…I have been letting them take the lead and then listening back to see if I like it. Ideally, I like to be there for every instrument that’s been tracked, but with COVID restrictions recently I’ve been doing it all remotely.

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) That is the ultimate goal! Yes, but unfortunately, I can’t give any more details than that.

Q) With concerts currently on hold, have you given some thought to doing some live streaming performances?

A) Yes, I have done some.

Q) What do you miss most about being on stage?

A) The energy of the people, all coming together to enjoy a night of music; there’s nothing quite like it. I miss the unity that a concert brings, people are expecting to have a good time and the vibes are so incredible. When you’re on stage you can feel everyone’s energy. It’s real-life magic.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?  

A) Chris Martin.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’ve been listening to a lot of Leif Vollebekk. He is extremely peaceful and nostalgic for me, when I listen to him in the car I feel like I’m in a movie.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It makes the world smaller, and I can talk with people directly which is really personable and turns my fans into friends 🙂

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank You so much from the bottom of my heart. You are the reason I keep creating. Thank you for believing in me. Without you I’d still be singing to the wall sitting on my bedroom floor. [smiles]