Interview with EMILY MAC

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

• Before I even played a live show for an audience I was singing and dancing around my living room for an imaginary audience lol, it feels very much like I was born that way. I also love to act; performing, writing, storytelling and connecting with people on a deeper level than we do in day to day life is what drives me to create.

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

• I love going out and seeing bands performing at local music venues and l bars. I get inspired by their passion and music.

How long have you been making music?

• I’ve been performing in bands on and off ever since I was a teenager. Even before that when I was kid I used to make up songs while I was lying in bed at night to help soothe me to sleep.

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

• Toronto, Canada is my home base. There’s a great music scene here and fabulous historic music venues. When I was younger I played in cover bands, having the opportunity to get into the scene at a young age molded me into the musician I am today.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

• Some of my favourite shows were really recently. This November I played the El Mocambo and did a cool acoustic rootsy version of my live show. It was really fun to hear the songs in a different way. I like to experiment and explore different versions of my songs. I also played an epic rock show in September at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern. A bunch of my friends and fans came out and they were dancing along to the music that was awesome!

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

• I really love the Horseshoe Tavern, El Mocambo and the Opera House. Locally I’d love to play Massey Hall. I’d also love to play more international shows, I’d love to play at the Whisky A Go- Go in LA.

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

• Aerosmith, Heart, Joan Jett and Alice Cooper. I’d love to play in a show with my rock n roll heroes that would be mind blowing!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

• Stay deeply in tune with your heart and soul. Listen but don’t get swayed by other peoples advice if it doesn’t ring true to you. Bottom line: trust yourself more.

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

• My songs mean different things to me at different times. My next single “Kills Me to Love You” means a lot to me. It’s an empowering rock song about walking away from toxic love.

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

• “Whiskey Like Me” is a fan favourite. A lot of people request “Animal” it’s another song off my upcoming EP. It's a sexy sassy song, super fun to play live!

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

• I write songs about the things I have trouble expressing in day to day life. I usually get melody and lyric ideas first and then the song grows from there.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

• Love all sides of you, the dark and the light, walk away from people who don’t appreciate you and be your wild, free and badass self!

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

• I’m releasing my next single “Kills Me to Love You” in early 2023! It's a darker, edgier, rock song featuring an absolutely epic guitar solo from my guitarist Ben Healey. I can’t wait for everyone to hear this one! Also if you're in the Toronto area I got one more live show in 2022 December 17th at the Handlebar in Kensington Market.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

• Subscribe to my newsletter on my website emilymacmusic.com and follow me on socials, I’m on instagram a lot.