Irish/Canadian folk-pop artist Emily Jean Flack has released her new album, How You Love Me. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
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The album was recorded in the small town of Grimsby, Ontario and produced by Aaron Brown and Bradley Barnham (also known as Family of Thing). The collaboration brought about many co-writing opportunities amongst the musicians which gave life to the blended sound of folk and contemporary music and production.
Emily says, "I had moved home to Canada. When it was time to record it was almost like starting from ground zero. I had heard of Brad and Aaron through a mutual friend and loved the music they had released previously.
"I thought that while our sounds were very different, they had a melodic sensibility that was close to mine and were very rhythm driven. I thought it was worth a shot to reach out! The rest is history. Looking back, I recognize how much I was craving to take some chances with my sound.
"The collaboration was perfect for me to be able to bring my roots into the indie-pop space. Talk about being terrified and liberated all at the same time!"
Speaking about the album, Emily says: "This album was a labour of love. It was a project that took a life of its own and allowed me to push my own boundaries. The result was a surprise to even myself.
"This album is filled with stories of love, pain and personal growth. I write songs to wrestle my own heart. I think we all need an outlet like that. A place you can go to work through your joys and sufferings. A place where you are required to be vulnerable. Music is that for me."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am a singer-songwriter from Canada. I grew up playing traditional music. I also play piano and step-dance (Canadian style!)
I lived in Ireland for three years where I pursued my MA in Traditional Song at the University of Limerick. During this time, I also wrote and recorded my first EP Throwing Shapes (2020). A huge influence on me starting to record my own original music was Karan Casey, who was my main vocal coach at UL! Her wisdom was superb.
I am also a part of the folk duo Léda with fiddler and harpist Eadaoin Ni Mhaicin!
How would you describe your music?
My sound is contemporary folk. It's all about the collide - traditional music and pop/contemporary. I think the two can really go hand in hand :) At the heart of it all though is my love of melody and rhythm, which I definitely attribute to my trad roots.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Sarah McLachlan, Abba, Celine Dion, Keith Urban, Allison Krauss, James Taylor, Phil Collins, Foy Vance, and traditional music!!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Peter Gabriel! I was about 10 years old! My aunt and I went on a last-minute whim! Best decision ever.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I believe the first record I ever bought was Keith Urban's Golden Road. It still is one of my favourites. I think the car speakers practically had the record memorized. We played it A LOT.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Go Ahead - Wilder Woods. LOVE his voice and the production. Simple, powerful, raw.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Can't pick just one!! :) But love this song. (Sorry for it being so painful lol). "I Can't Make You Love Me, Cause I can't make you love me if you don't, You can't make your heart feel something it won't, Here in the dark, in these final hours, I will lay down my heart and I'll feel the power, But you won't, no you won’t, 'Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't." - I Can’t Make You Love Me - Bonnie Riatt.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Irish Boy, from the soundtrack of Cal by Mark Knopfler. Reminds me of my mum. She would play the soundtrack when I was a kid.
Where can people find your music/more information?
All streaming platforms! Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and all that jazz:) And my website.
Alan Corr
