Emmy the Great, the UK-based singer-songwriter, was in town to perform an intimate gig at the House of Häagen-Dazs launch party. Weekender caught up with her
By Chia Hui Jun & Lester J Wan
The House of Häagen-Dazs is a new platform to convey the premium ice cream brand’s philosophy of luxury, experience and superior craftsmanship.
The launch of this premier lifestyle concept took place in the penthouse showroom of bespoke furniture designer Christopher Guy.
There, UK-based singer-songwriter Emmy the Great performed an intimate gig for the invited guests. The guests were privileged to be the first to hear Emmy performing her brand new single, Swimming Pool. It is her first new song to be made public in three years.
This performance was an enticing taste of her third album. Many were captivated by her soothing voice and heartfelt lyrics.
Weekender managed to sneak in a short interview with this Brit siren.
How did you get into music professionally?
I’m mainly someone who enjoys music and I was always a writer growing up. I started trying to write songs in my late teens, partly inspired by the British punk bands that were totally s*** but didn’t care. Then I made a very basic demo in my room and it hit the Internet.
Who are some of your musical influences and inspirations?
Joe Strummer, Kathleen Hanna, Sleater Kinney, any s***-hot woman with a song.
What are you currently working on?
I’m right this moment working out a treatment for a music video for one of the songs I’ve just finished.
What strange or interesting experience have you had in the course of work?
For my last video, I had to stay up all night in an abandoned mall in North London and get attacked by zombies until 6am.
Which has been your proudest moment?
I think the first time we played the John Peel stage at Glastonbury.
It was the reason I got into music.
What makes you happy?
Art makes me happy. And I mean art as even like movies, TV and anything that is an expression of something. I weep my way through a lot of trash.
If you weren’t a singer, what would you be?
Internet police.
About Emmy the Great
Emmy was born in Hong Kong but moved to London with her family at the age of 12.
She has released two solo records to international acclaim. The Guardian described her as “one of the boldest young writers in pop”
Emmy is currently recording her third album. She has also worked with Napoleon Dynamite co-writer Jerusha Hess on the soundtrack to her new film Austenland, to be released later this year.
Listen to Emmy the Great at soundcloud.com/emmy-the-great
ADVERTISEMENTS