Interview: Emma Taylor Defines Herself With Evocative New Single, ‘Made Your Bed’
Emma Taylor has never been one to follow formulaic trends when it comes to her craft. Although the L.A.-based songwriter’s haunting and ethereal music is drawn from personal inpsiration, it’s the conversational passion in her lyrics that truly defines her as an artist.
There’s a timeless curiosity about Taylor’s sound that not only resonates with the listener but also hearkens to the mid-70s singer-songwriter world of artists like Joni Mitchell, Carole King and James Taylor.
In her new single, “Made Your Bed,” Taylor showcases a new perspective in poetic subject matter. Where previous songs had discussed such topics as being stuck in pongnant, unhappy relationships, we now find the songstress learning to stand up for herself and not settling for anything less. Taylor’s infectious, evocative vocal and uniquely powerful production is a gentle reminder that true artistry still exists in a pablum-fueled world of status quo.
I recently spoke with Emma Taylor about “Made Your Bed” and more in this exclusive new interview.
The first thing I have to ask is how have you been dealing with the quarantine we all find ourselves in?
Emma Taylor: It’s definitely affected me. It’s crazy to not have the inspiration from social interaction but, right now, it’s a lifestyle change we all have to make. I do miss regular day to day things and conversations we all take for granted. As far as performing goes I’m not sure when that will happen again but when it does, it will most likely be different.
Can you give me a little backstory on your new track, “Made Your Bed?”
ET: Some of my previous songs have had an underlying theme of being stuck in a relationship. For this one I really wanted to flip the table and say, “Hey. You’re screwing up and I’m not going to allow it anymore.” It’s a song about taking responsibility for your actions and not letting someone you love get away with it.
Your lyrics are conversationally-driven and never seem to follow a formula. Was that something you defined over time?
ET: I’ve been writing that way for a while. My inspiration comes from 70’s singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell who were very conversational. They never worried about standard format or rhyme. I like it when I can read my lyrics out loud and it sounds like I’m just talking to you. My favorite part of the process is when I’m able to end in a way no one would have thought of. That’s what I strive for.
What is it about those 70’s musical influences that appeal to you?
ET: I love their authenticity, uniqueness and vulnerability. They wrote about the lifestyle that was going on around them, which was so different than what is going on today. There wasn’t as much technology and social media back then, so engagement and the material they were writing about was a lot stronger. In the case of Joni, her lyrics were mature, in-depth and brilliant. She wrote about things that may not have been pretty but were necessary to write about. She also didn’t conform to popular demand.
Can you speak a little as to how you’ve grown as an artist?
ET: I graduated from college a year and a half ago and moved back to Los Angeles from New York. It was a huge lifestyle change for me because I moved into my own space to be independent and deal with all of the pressures of being on my own. Musically, I’ve immersed myself in a lot of different genres to help me grow as an artist and not be stuck in a bubble.
Are there any other projects you’re currently working on?
ET: Now that the new song is out I’ve done a few Instagram live sessions. With everything that’s going on in the world I think it’s important to find ways to reach audiences who listen to your music. I’m doing as much of that as I can during this time.
What kind of career do you think you’d have if you weren’t in music?
ET: I’ve always been creative and love fashion and vintage clothing. I try to include that as part of my brand by wearing things that emulate my music. I think that’s where you’d probably find me. Somewhere in the fashion scene.
