Popwire Speaks With…UK’s Pop Talent Emily Burns

Popwire speaks with rising talent Emily Burns on her artistic process & what has led her to on her excellent journey to date.

She was playlisted on BBC Radio 1 as Introducing’s Track of The Week, signed to London-based label 37 adventures, and has achieved 15 million+ total streams to date.

Here’re Emily’s top tracks on Spotify:

Describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?

If I had to describe myself in three words… Passionate, fiery, freckly.

As a singer-songwriter, which comes first – the lyrics or the melody?

When I’m writing songs, I always like to start with a lyrical concept. It might just be a word, or a phrase, or sometimes a few lines I’ve come up with… then I’ll start to build the rest of the song around that. Usually the next step would be picking up a guitar and working out chords and melody that I feel express the feeling of the lyrics appropriately. 

Your success originated from a strong DIY mentality, where you carved your own path and worked extremely hard for – so what’s your advice for aspiring artists?

My advice for other aspiring artists would be to work really really really hard and fully believe that you can achieve your goal. No one else is able to make it happen for you. The drive and the determination has to come from within you. I really believe that if you want something enough, you can make it happen.

What is your quick fix when you feel uninspired?

If ever I’m feeling uninspired, my quick fix is usually talking to friends. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by driven, hard working people who inspire me every day. If ever I need a pick-me-up, a quick chat with some of my closest friends will usually sort me out. 

Name 3 Films and / TV Shows which top your list / have recently watched / are currently watching?

My three favourite films… Ahh that’s really hard. I really like thrillers, films that make me think hard and have good plot twists. I LOVE “Fight Club.” I really never expected the twist in that. “The Truman Show” is another favourite of mine. And “The Sixth Sense” – that film is incredible. They’re all quite dark actually… not sure what that says about me! 

Have you been to Singapore before? If you haven’t what are you looking forward to experiencing?

I’ve never actually been to Singapore before! I’m super excited to visit. I’ve been told the food is amazing so I’m excited to try that! The Gardens By The Bay also look beautiful… I’m hoping I have time to see them!

Emily’s latest single, ‘Too Cool’ was co-written with music producers Martin Luke Brown and Phil Cook, with the album cover artwork by Ferry Gouw (Major Lazer’s Art Director).

On the inspiration behind the track:

“You know when you’re with someone who is just too calm and collected about everything? They just agree with you constantly, even when you’re wrong. They are so wonderful in every way that it’s actually infuriating. That’s what I wrote ‘Too Cool’ about. I was lucky enough to be writing with Martin Luke Brown and Phil Cook on this particular day.”