Interview: Emma Taylor Discusses Her Ethereal New Single, ‘For Forever’
Following the release of her infectious single, “My Dear,” and having taking some time off to finish her education, singer-songwriter Emma Taylor is back with a powerful new track. The ubiquitously-charged, “For Forever.”
The single, inspired from stories the songstress heard from friends about unhappy relationships, is both poignant and poetic. Moreover, it’s a track that, when stripped to its barest of essentials, resonates deep with emotion and energy — both a key to Taylor’s signature sound. At its core, “For Forever” is a song that not only yearns for repeated listenings but also showcases the depth of maturity in Taylor’s vocal and artistic prowess.
I recently spoke with Taylor about the new single, her songwriting and much more in this exclusive new interview.
How did the new single, ‘For Forever’ come about?
Emma Taylor: All my songs have an underlying theme of love, loss and relationships. I love telling stories or taking a small emotion and creating an entire song out of it. I’m at the age where my friends have been dating guys or trying to date guys. Some of them are unhappy but will tell me they’re scared of being alone. I took that idea. It’s a song about being in a toxic relationship with someone but not willing to take the risk of being alone because you’re so used to being comfortable. It’s uncomfortable to have change in your life, and it’s something everyone can relate to. Not just with love but in taking risks in their careers. I drew all those emotions and put it into the song.
What else can you tell me about the writing and recording process?
ET: The basis of the song and the skeleton happened so naturally. Originally, “For Forever” was just a placeholder title. I tried to find different words but I just couldn’t get it out of my head. I remember when I first had the chorus and melody and posted the idea on Instagram. It sounds the same now as it did then. You know a song is going to be digestible if it sounds good with just guitar and vocals. If you can break it down and it still has depth you know it’s going to be special. This is such a deep song and I want people to just listen to the words and story.
Listen to Emma Taylor’s new song, “For Forever” — Click Here!
Is the new single part of a larger body of music you’re working on along with live shows?
ET: By the end of the year my goal is to release three new songs, including “For Forever.” I’ve also been gigging for years, but ever since my transition back to L.A., I’ve been more focused on writing. But with this song I knew it was time to get back to the live performance. So, in addition to performing a lot of new songs I haven’t done before, I’ll also be adding an extra dimension to the music. I’m very excited about it.
In what ways have your grown as an artist?
ET: This past year has been so important to my artistic growth. I’m at a cool point in my life where I’m discovering new parts of the writing process and diving deep into things that inspire me. I’m a singer-songwriter and it’s all about finding what makes me different from anyone else.
Here’s an interesting question: If you could’ve been born to perform in any other decade, which one would it be and why?
ET: I would say the 70’s, for sure. My favorite album; Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’, was released in 1971 and I would’ve loved to have seen her perform it. What was cool about that decade was that everyone from Joni Mitchell to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young to James Taylor all hung out, collaborated and supported one another. You don’t really see much of that today. Although there’s cross collaboration, artists of that caliber tend to shy away because of competition. The music and stories then were so deep, important and impactful, and I would’ve loved to have been a part of it.
What excites you the most about the new single?
ET: I’m excited to have music out and for people to hear it. I really want to know what people think about the new song and how it makes them feel. I’m also excited for people to see my growth as an artist. These next few years are going to be so important. This is only the beginning.
