Interview 2: Emily Daccarett

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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

Music has always played a big role in my life. I started dance when I was 5, so early on I developed this relationship with music and everything I have wanted to do in both fashion and film has been guided by music. I started my music career unofficially with my fashion brand. I would work on original music for my fashion campaigns and shows with my friend and film composer S. Peace Nistades. It wasn’t necessarily a secret that I was the one writing the lyrics and providing the vocals of the songs I  presented along with my collections, but I didn’t promote it either. I wanted to keep the focus on the brand and not myself. Over time I felt I was denying a big part of who I am, I had always been a performer, artist, writer, and I could not keep hiding that side anymore. I released my ep, Cannibal, in  2019 and have been working on merging my two worlds ever since.  

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity? 

I love to watch obscure indie films. My work is centered around storytelling, I like to see different characters which then inspire me in the stories I create with my music and fashion. I love indie films because of the risks and unexpected turns they make. Seeing the passion and work that goes into these movies motivate me to keep pushing myself as an artist.  

How long has music been your career? 

I started working on original music for my debut fashion show. I had produced a short fashion film and had wanted to use the French pop song ‘Je t’aime, mois non plus”, but getting the license was taking way too long. I was running out of time and decided to work with a film composer instead. I fell in love with writing songs and adapted that into my brand. So, altogether 6 years, but only 2 as a  singer/songwriter.  

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music? 

I’m based out of LA! I take a lot of inspiration from the 70s and it has so much history. It helps me tap into that mood.  

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played. 

I only got to perform live once with my band before going into lockdown. I’m really looking forward to having a better answer next time!  

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already? 

Many of the venues I had planned to perform have so much history in LA, like The Whiskey a Go-Go,  The Viper Room, The Mint, and Troubadour. I did get to play in a great venue before everything closed. It was for my release party and I had it at this castle-like house up in the Hollywood Hills. I wanted to recreate the atmosphere of the Hollywood Parties thrown by Mama Cass in the 60s. 

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket? 

Bonnaroo with Lana Del Rey, The Weekend, Foo Fighters, Tame Impala. Now it sounds like I’m listing this year’s lineup, but it’s a really good one!  

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music? 

Do not be afraid to start your career on your own. It forces you to wear many different hats and allows you to have full control of your career. You make mistakes and fall, but these steps are necessary to grow as an artist. 

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be? 

Do not be afraid. In fashion I have always felt like a fighter, but in music extremely vulnerable.  

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

Set Fire to the Fear. Writing this song helped me face the fears I had of pursuing music professionally.  

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most? 

I love to play Growin Addiction and Red Light. I really get into character with these two.  

What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music? 

I soak in my surroundings, which is why I tend to research a lot of different movies, but also confronting my emotions and putting them down on paper inspires me to write.  

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music? 

I like to spread hope, with a bit of fantasy and imagination. I want to create a sort of escapism with my music. I want my listeners to dream and let go of the things that hold them down.  

Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them? 

Yes, all the time, but as uncomfortable as they can be it challenges me to see a different point of view.  We get past them by talking them out or sometimes we will do different versions to see what is best for the music. We try to keep egos out of the studio, the music comes first.  

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is  coming up? 

I recently released my lead single ‘Fading Memories’ this past March and my album ‘Yours Always’ will be coming out in May. This is a concept album that deals with love, loss, rejection, childhood innocence, and hope. I have a lot of separate projects surrounding ‘Yours Always’, which I’m so excited about!! I’m bringing in the designer and art director side of me into the album!