Following on from the love and praise she received for her debut single 'Hey, It's You', emerging singer and songwriter Emily Laing is back with another equally enjoyable offering in the form of 'I Feel Fine'.
With support from Notion, LOCK and FMS Magazine under her belt already, 'I Feel Fine' sets itself as the perfect upbeat remedy to shake off those lockdown blues. With its sugary sweet and uplifting direction, mixed with her distinctive vocals throughout, her newest delight will keep your hips shaking from start to finish.
So with her new release proving she is fully on the up, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has influenced her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano - even though I can’t play a note! I’ve always wanted to play Comptine d’un autre été, l’apres midi from Amélie.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Mazzy Star’s openness and simplicity. Martha Wainwright being completely fearless. Scott Bradlee’s total JOY. Damian Rice for that folk sound and killer lyrics!
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
This, that and everything! The Cranberries, The Beatles and Damian Rice played me through my GCSEs. I also dabbled in musicals.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
Honestly, no! I’ve never really felt like I made the active choice to pursue it. It was something I fell into because I loved writing and finding melody. I loved having control over my own voice. I do remember hearing Edith Piaf’s Milord and recognising a similar vibrato, which was a ‘maybe my voice isn’t so weird’ moment.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Something that raises the spirits! It can change daily, but usually a good bit of Postmodern Jukebox will sort me out!
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Most of my songs are inspired by people in my life. Friends, ex’s, my boyfriend, my family (mainly my brother). My next song coming out in September is written for my ex boyfriend. It was a little tricky to write and record.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
My ‘Hey It’s You’ release back in April. It was like a fever dream!
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Theatre and film. I’m an actress as well as a singer so it’s a huge part of my life. It holds a big part of my heart.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I spent a lot of time in different parts of Africa as a child and teenager so I’d like to think I’d be with my friends in Botswana working with animals or conservation.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
Be fearless! I started because I felt stuck and forced myself to do something that scared me. I got my first live gig because I asked if I could sing at a bar I was in.
-
Emily Laing's new single 'I Feel Fine' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.