Emma Jaye – Dumb

By starrymag | August 11, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would definitely describe it as unique. I guess the main element is pop, but installed in that there’s an eclectic mix of other musical elements. There are undertones of funk, dance and a sort of underground retro element too which is hard to describe.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love Ed Sheeran. I think he is a genius. Finneas, too. I love Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Ariana, Finneas [O’Connell], Billie [Eilish] and Taylor Swift. But I also love jazz music and I think listening to a lot of Jazz has influenced the way I make music as well. There is a special something Jazz accomplishes with just production alone that I have learned a lot from.

 

Q) We’ve loved your work as an actress. What made you want to also pursue music?

 

A) Oh, thank you so much. [smiles] Honestly, music has been the thing that for some reason I have loved and wanted to do the longest. Even as a kid, pre all society’s conditioning and what have you, music was the thing I was asking for lessons for before I asked for anything else. I guess my heart has always known it’s what I love. And as I got older, I decided it was time to stop running from myself and start listening to my heart again and it brought me right back to music. Plus, it is in my nature to want to hide from society, so music really forces me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to be seen; and there has been something very profound about that too and essentially acting against my conditioning.

 

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

 

A) [laughs] That song is so silly. I had so much fun recording it. Dumb is basically our culture. We live in a culture where everyone flaunts what they have on Instagram, presenting their best lives- the message behind “Dumb” is one we see all the time in society. So I wanted to shine a light on our culture, while also giving women a song that they can actually feel empowered by. After you reconstruct it, the song is really about learning to feel unapologetically confident in your own skin.

 

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

 

A) I think they connect to wanting to feel unapologetically confident. Looks aside, feeling confident in your own skin is so important. And owning who you are is tricky stuff, but messages of empowerment I think can help.

 

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

 

A) The video is fun and silly, kind of life how the message is supposed to come across.

 

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

 

A) Not really, no. I write every day, sometimes a few songs a day. Without music. But I can write with music too that is really fun. Song writing for me is therapy and I need to do it to feel okay. The notes section of my iPhone is just so many songs. [laughs]

 

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

 

A) I don’t produce music (yet), but I do help when it comes with coming up with melodies. I have ideas about production and I give a direction in terms of the sound I am looking for with my music.

 

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

 

A) Yes, there will be!

 

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

 

A) Oh man, this is so tough. But I think collaborating with Ed Sheeran would be amazing.

 

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

 

A) I am listening to LANY a lot these days and I dig their music because it is so feel good and just awesome.

 

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

 

A) It is so important because I can show them love instantly on social media, which is nice. Also, it is a great way to let them know about upcoming events or song releases and we can stay connected on there. I don’t see my fans as fans I see them as family so it is nice to have that tool to be able to stay updated.

 

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 for all of the love and support. I’m not perfect and I don’t claim to be, but thank you guys for accepting me and loving me as I am – flaws and all. You guys are the best. I have so much new music coming for you I think you will love and I can’t wait to show ya and I love ya. [winks]