Emily Lind – Castles

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) As a well-known actress, what made you want to crossover into the music industry?

A) Music has always played a major part in my life. I started writing songs as young as ten years old. I found It very therapeutic to be able to spill all of my feelings on to a page. Since music was such an outlet for me, I worried that sharing it with the world might muddy or ruin the process for me, but I always say you gotta run towards the fire and I’m glad I did.

Q) Walk us through the process of writing “Castles.”

A) I wrote “Castles” because I needed to hear it. I was in place in my life where I wasn’t feeling the best and I think we all know that when you’re feeling a certain way no one can say anything that’ll magically heal you. You have to find the answers in yourself.

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

A) I hope it’s different for everyone. For me, the beauty in releasing music is that it can turn into an entirely different song with an entirely different meaning, depending on the listener.

Q) What themes can we expect from your upcoming album?

A) Oscar Wilde said, “To define is to limit.” I like to think about that when I’m making music. I naturally pull from so many different genres of music and so do my producers, but there is so much beauty in not trying to fit a certain mold or label when making any kind of art. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that there will be a little bit of everything on the album and, therefore, something for everyone.

Q) You had the opportunity to work with Jerry Powell (producer for A$AP Rocky, Kanye, Ho99o9) and KoOoLkOjAk (producer for Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Kesha) on your upcoming album. How do you feel their time and input helped shape your sound?

A) The truth is releasing music into the world was never something I had the urge to do until I met these guys. They showed me I could release music in a way that was raw and real and didn’t take creativeness out of the process. They are my brothers and my creative partners and making music with them is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Q) Who would you consider some of your greatest musical influences?

A) Leonard Cohen, Nico, Bob Dylan, Elliot Smith, Bon Iver and Kendrick Lamar to name a few… each for different reasons and some for the same. I believe we are what we eat. And I think that listening to great artists will naturally reflect greatness into our own projects.

Q) If given the opportunity to work with anyone who would be your dream collaboration?

A) Leonard Cohen. Sadly, he’s passed. But, hey, another life.

Q) If I were to take a peek at your music collection, what would I find you listening?

A) Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Adrianne Lenker, some weird Thom Yorke stuff, Daniel Johnston and some old Karen Dalton. I don’t know, man. It’s constantly changing.

Q) After your debut album is released, is there talk of a possible tour?

A) Right now everything’s up in the air, but yeah, that’d be rad.

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

A) I have a love/hate relationship with social media, as I’m sure a lot of people do. But one thing that is really nice is to be able to interact with people who support the art I put out.

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

A) I believe our time is the most valuable currency in the world. So, thank you to everyone who has put their time into watching or listening to the art I’ve put out. It means much more than I could ever put to words.