Check out our interview with self-made instrumentalist, producer and songwriter EMM, who just released her new single “Delilah.”
Written by EMM, “Delilah” was inspired by a scene in the Diary of a Mad Black Woman; where the ex-wife of an extremely abusive man finds herself in a caretaker position because he becomes paralyzed, and she is deciding whether or not to take revenge for what he has done to her. EMM elaborates, “The story of Delilah is a bible story where a woman uses her power to drain a man of his strength. I saw a TikTok that said “most men would leave immediately if they were treated as poorly as women are often treated, and women are far more likely to stay.” That really inspired the lyrics “Show no mercy…he would do the same.”
Follow EMM on IG @emminreallife & TikTok @emminreallife
Hi EMM, please tell us a little about you?
I’m passionate about making music and performing and building universes. For fun I eat as much good food as possible and do puzzles and research aliens and weird spiritual guru shit. I’m an introvert and I have no filter.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Really Fkn Dope.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Both of my parents are full time classical musicians so I grew up around great artists. I didn’t really choose music, it chose me. I just do what it tells me to do.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano, guitar, drums, bass, and I produce.
Tell us about your new single “Delilah?”
It’s industrial dark-pop, inspired by a weird mix of Sia, Trent Reznor and The Weeknd.
What’s the story behind the song?
Delilah is this girl in the bible who seduced a man into telling him the secret source of his super-strength. And then she stabs him in the back and betrays him to his enemies. I saw a tik tok where this girl was saying that most men would never put up with what a lot of women put up with. And at the same time I had multiple friends of mine leaving extremely abusive relationships with men taking advantage of their power. And my friends still had empathy toward these horrendous men and felt “bad” leaving them. And I wanted to write them a song that said – he would hurt you. He has hurt you. Don’t feel bad hurting him by doing what’s best for you. You’re worthy of being protected even if it “hurts his feelings.” He has done way worse to you.
We know there isn’t a release date yet, but can you tell us a little about your project “GENESIS?”
I can’t say much about it because it’s still top secret. But it’s going to liberate a lot of women and call a lot of people on their shit.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The DM’s and conversations at shows when people tell me how my music helped them through something. And my nieces seeing me and knowing they don’t have to accept the boxes that the world gives them and they can be weird and brave like their auntie, even if it makes everyone uncomfortable.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Think and Grow Rich. And also Rich Dad Poor Dad are a great place to start. 7 spiritual laws of success and the power of awareness are also great for understanding your power.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell myself that every minute of double-mindedness – every minute I’m not believing in myself is wasted time. I’d tell myself that I get to decide my future and my thoughts are always creating it. So to be aware of negative thinking and eradicate it. And I would tell myself most of all to trust my gut. Because my intuition is always right. And it’s only when I don’t obey it that I get off track.
What’s next for EMM in 2023?
Lots and lots of music. Lots of performing. Lots of growth. And 3 Projects.
What is your own definition of happiness?
The secret place.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jane Fonda or Dolly Parton. Or obviously Madonna or Beyonce. But today it’s Jane Fonda. I was reading more about her last night. Her life has been so impactful and she refuses to stop blessing the world and being involved and caring about what’s going on and how she can help. She didn’t check out as she got older or let Hollywood scare her away from speaking up. She leaned in. And that’s really inspiring to me.
Best advice ever given?
Top of my head, a mentor named Swagg told me “The best music isn’t about making the most complicated or more complex thing. It’s about making the simplest thing possible and letting that be great.” That’s my terrible version but that’s what he said basically.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Depends on my mood. I love Celine though.
Where can we follow you?
@EMMinRealLife on TikTok for feminist rants and daily encouragement. YouTube for slaying visuals and performances. And spotify/apple music for streaming. Just search “EMM – Freedom” and I’ll come up on all the streaming platforms.
Book: God Calling
Quote: My therapist: Save yourself so you can save the world.
Movie: The Lord Of The Rings.
Tv Series: The Office
Favorite Food: Cupcakes from Sprinkles
Travel Destination: Maui right now but it changes
Sports Team: the halftime performance
Photo Credit: Kevin Sarrico @ksarrico
