EMPRESS – We Own This Crown

By starrymag | February 5, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My music is Pop. I’m a lyric focused artist and there’s always a layer of classical music hidden into the production of each song – probably influenced from my SF Ballet years.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Ella Fitzgerald, Philip Glass, Tchaikovsky, Spice Girls, James Taylor, Adele, Carol King, Frank Sinatra, The Eagles, Michael Jackson, Sara Barellies, Billie Eilish and John Lennon. These artists inspire through feeling, songwriting, stage presence and powerful vocals.

 

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

 

A) “SnowGlobe” was about my realization that happiness comes from within. This song takes the listener on a full-circle journey to discover that the grass isn’t greener on the other side; it’s perfectly green right under our own feet.

 

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

 

A) I wrote this song a couple years ago about my transition from a ballerina/actress to becoming a singer/songwriter, but I feel like this song has taken on a new meaning due to the global pandemic. We’ve all been forced to shelter-in-place or go “within” and live in our own little “snowglobes.” I think that when the world opens back up, we will have a new appreciation for life and have a newfound internal happiness that we wouldn’t have found unless we were given the extra time alone to find it.

 

 

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

 

A) I was excited about using the zorbs to represent how I have felt throughout this global pandemic. I just thought it was the perfect visual metaphor for sheltering in place.

 

I knew I wanted to film it in Lake Tahoe (my hometown) and thought it would be a really cool. full-circle moment for me to go back to my childhood dance studio and work with the students and my friend Dino Elias (who choreographed). It was so fun to dance together – even though we’re all in individual zorbs. Visually, I wanted dancing to represent inner happiness, which ultimately sets us free from the zorbs. It was a community effort and I am so proud of how it turned out.

 

 

Q) The song dropped December 11th. How did you celebrate its release?

 

A) A glass of my favorite champagne! (Salmon Billecart Rose just in case anyone was wondering! LOL)

 

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

 

A) Songwriting comes in all shapes, sizes and forms. Sometimes it comes in melodies, sometimes it comes in the lyrics, sometimes it comes in visions. I don’t care which way it comes. I am just grateful that it does.

 

Some of the tricks I use for songwriting is to visualize what I want to sing about. I guess I kind of see a music video in my head while I’m writing a song because I need to be able to see and feel what I’m writing about.

 

Q) Grammy-nominated engineer & producer Bart Shoudel lent a hand with “SnowGlobe.” How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Bart and I work really well together. We’re both super chill and like to laugh a lot. He creates a safe environment where I can be myself and is so supportive and respectful towards women – which is probably why all the women in pop from Selena Gomez to Beyonce music work with him. Bart is definitely a musical soulmate and we have a blast working together.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your upcoming EP We Own This Crown?

 

A) This EP is a journey to discover how to become the ruler over your own life, creator of your own happiness and become the best version of yourself.

 

Q) What are some songs on the EP that hold a special place in your heart and why?

 

A) There’s a story of my life right now and each one of them, but We Own This Crown holds a special place in my heart. It pretty much sums up everything that I stand for as an artist and I’m really proud of the lyrics.

 

Q) What were some challenges you faced while creating the EP?

 

A) I’m new to the music industry, so, EVERYTHING. Ha! I am a very independent person, but I’ve realized that you can’t make it on your own. It definitely takes a village! My ever-growing team is amazing and I am so grateful for each one of them.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole?

 

A) I’d love to inspire other people to become the empress or emperor over their own life. I believe that if each one of us focused on being the best person we are capable of being, we would change the world in a very positive way.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, will you be doing any live streaming to help promote your new music?

 

 

A) I’d obviously rather be onstage because that’s my favorite place to be in the whole world, but I’m looking forward to doing live streaming concerts. I don’t have anything on the calendar yet, but that will change very soon.

 

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

 

A) So many people. I would love to work with Finneas, Khalid, John Legend, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake and DJs like Marshmello, ZEDD and The Chainsmokers. I’d LOVE to write songs for/with SIA, P!Nk, Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

 

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

 

A) Billie Eilish, her lyrics always click, Finneas’ production is epic and her vocals are just dreamy yet grounded.

 

-Dua Lipa is on fire these days.

 

-I am obsessed with Taylor Swift’s new album(s), she’s such an incredible songwriter.

 

-Oh! And Lady Gaga is a beast – You can just call me “Captain Obvious!” LOL!

 

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

 

A) It’s literally the only way to connect with fans these days. We need each other more than ever and social media provides a place where we can be together. Music always brings people together, so it’s so an incredible privilege to be able to share something that brings people together (safely) during this crazy time.

 

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

 

A) Thank You! I am so grateful for your support and encouragement. It can be scary sharing new music with people, but my fans are always soooo amazing and make me feel so loved. I love and appreciate each one of you and can’t wait to perform for you in person when it’s safe. (COVID-free) XOXO