Interview with EMILY POWER

Jarod Smith

Mar 24, 2023

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

Growing up in a musical family influenced my love and pursuit of a music career. My mom was a soprano soloist and I remember as a little girl listening to her vocal warmups in her room. She would be warming up as she was putting on her make-up and getting ready for the performance. I loved listening to her and would try to sing along in my room. I also, used to stand in the kitchen and belt at the top of my lungs “OLD Canada.” Luckily my parents corrected me saying it’s “O Canada!”.
I leapt at any opportunity that allowed me to sing; school choirs, talent shows, singing with my uncle’s band at bars, my staple song was “Walking on Sunshine”. I loved to sing any chance I got!
I have always had this feeling, that this is what I’m supposed to do. I believe I was given a voice for a reason and I’m on my quest to pursue it in every way that I can. I hope I can make a positive impact and difference in people lives with singing. That is my dream.
If I hadn’t gotten into music I believe I would have been a mathematologist...KIDDING! (I still add with my fingers!) I honestly don’t know what I would have done. Maybe become a writer or a teacher. I was accepted into the English program at Western University but declined and auditioned as a vocal major for their music faculty! I am so grateful to be a Western graduate.

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

When I’m not playing music, I love to bake! I have a huge, sweet tooth and I really enjoy trying new recipes. The ones that come up on your Instagram or Facebook page. I immediately think…I need to try that! I also love being outdoors and meditation. I really enjoy my quiet time where I can find stillness and connection. It’s so easy to get off balance sometimes and I love reading a book or doing yoga to help me get back on track. The stillness allows me to have a clear mind where I can think deeper into things and then I find that sometimes it’s the birthplace for new song ideas.

How long have you been making music?

I have been making music for almost 16 years now. One of the first songs I wrote was called “Cards” and I wrote this when I was finishing up High School, trying to figure out my next steps.

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

I am based out of Wasaga Beach now. Being by the water is something that I adore. Being in a lovely space to enjoy the outdoors has given me the opportunity to find serenity and really engage with what I am feeling. It’s helped me tremendously be able to write about what I am really feeling. Not just words that rhyme nicely!

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

One of the most memorable shows was when I was performing at the Blue Mountain Village last summer for their Solo Summer Series. I had gotten to know some of the kids who come out to the shows with their parents on a regularly basis and a couple of girls each had coloured a picture for me and brought it up to me after the show. The one girl said I love your singing and the other girl said I want to be a singer when I grow up! I almost started to cry. I love looking out and seeing people of all ages dancing and singing along when I perform. I was so touched that they took the time to colour me a picture and the feeling that I might have just ever so slightly influenced them positively in their life to pursue music and their dreams. This is why I love to perform and sing!

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

One of my favourite places to perform is outside at the Blue Mountain Village! There’s something about performing outdoors that I love. It’s so freeing! There’s also such a diverse crowd from all walks of life. I always meet such kind and wonderful people there!
I have a bucket list of places I would love to perform at one day. This list could go on and on, so I’ll give you my top 6!
1. Budweiser Stage
2. The Ryman Auditorium (Nashville)
3. Grand Ole Opry (Nashville)
4. Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration
5. Royal Albert Hall (London)
6. Red Rock Amphitheatre (Colorado)

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

I love this questions so much! There are so many musicians that I would be honoured to perform in the same lineup. I would have to say Shania Twain and Celine Dion. Also, a show with Chris Stapleton, Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson!

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?

Some advice I would give to someone who is just getting into making music is that there is no direct path. I thought for a long time that there was an exact formula I had to follow which would somehow make me a famous singer. There’s no specific formula. Sing or play your instrument as much as humanly possible! I think busking is one of the coolest things you can do because you’re throwing yourself into all different environments where people may or may not pay attention, but it doesn’t matter you just keep playing and feeling the music, no matter what’s going on around you. I remember playing in restaurants and bars where everyone is talking not paying any attention, not clapping but it’s ok! It strengthens you and it definitely gave me stronger back bone. Last piece of advice would be… when something doesn’t go as planned, or you feel like you failed…YOU HAVEN’T everything happens for a reason and the reason that “bad” experience happened was so the universe could bring you to where you need to be… and that place is better than you ever could have imagined!!

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

My original song called “She Rises”, which is going to be the next single I release, has a special meaning and place in my heart. I wrote this song about two years ago when I was going through a very difficult time in my life, where I had no choice but to rise above it all, or else, I would have dropped so low I don’t know how I would have gotten out of it. This song is all about finding the light and following it and separating myself from a very challenging situation.

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

Some of my favourite songs to play are upbeat dancing tunes like Whitney Huston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody and Katrina and the Wave’s Walking on Sunshine. I love jumping all around on stage while singing these tunes. I also love to sing a good ballad, I really enjoy anything by Adele, “Easy on Me,” is one of my all-time favourites!

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

My creative process is ever changing. I sometimes make voice notes in my phone when I have a spur of the moment idea. I sometimes keep a clip board on my bedside table where I can write down an idea or even a dream sometimes when I wake up. I find I like to write a melody first then just start singing words and see what flows out of me. Then other times I like to have a writing day where I just write in a notebook and then try to put a melody to those poems and stories. I find writing music very therapeutic. When I get down or lost, I try to sit down at the piano and just play. It’s such a release for me. I have shed many tears at the piano!

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

I try to always have some sort of hopeful and inspiring feeling/message in my song. I like to write about feelings and situations that everyone can relate to. So many of us go through similar things and I love that music can make us feel a sense of community because we know others are experiencing similar situations and feelings.

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

I look forward to releasing lots more original material! Like I said above my next release will be “She Rises”, will come out this summer! I look forward to performing live with the band in more cities around Ontario and beyond! I’ll be in LA at the end of this month doing a photo shoot for She Rises, which I can’t wait to share with you all!!

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