Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Blue.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Emily. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a pop artist in Chicago, IL. I grew up in a relatively small college town (Champaign-Urbana) where I became actively involved in the music and art scenes. After writing and touring with a band Tara Terra for multiple years, I’ve only recently leaned in the solo direction, which can be both scary and liberating depending on the day!
My first record as Emily Blue came out of trauma and a lot of negative experiences — it’s called “Another Angry Woman” and discusses rape culture/sexual violence, as well as living in the world as a woman. All the profits from album sales go to R.A.C.E.S., a very important rape crisis center in CU that is special to my heart.
My most recent music has evolved into power pop and stems from wonderful friendships here in the city, namely my producer Max Perenchio. We’ve spent many nights in Logan Square basements recording, jamming, laughing together. I wanted to make music that made me feel like I could bend and break rules, hence the most recent release “*69” (star sixty-nine). As a person and an artist, I enjoy new experiences and evolving, and this record certainly helped me do that.
Has it been a smooth road?
Being an independent artist or musician is definitely a rough road. As a young adult (I’m 24), one of the most difficult parts is financial stability and turning my art into a business. The undying support of my parents helps me emotionally but there are times where I certainly question whether or not what I do is “realistic” or “practical.”
Of course, there are little moments in my artistic journey that remind me of my purpose. When someone comes up to me after a show and tells me about which songs mean what to them or when I make a goal and then achieve it, that feeling motivates me to keep making music.
My advice for other women in art or music is don’t be afraid to break rules. Don’t be afraid to be different than everyone else. Your experiences and tastes make you who you are, and you being yourself gives someone else permission to do the same. When I moved here, I had a lot of trouble feeling accepted, and the moment I gave up trying to fit in was when I felt freest to be me!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
A huge part of my goal as an artist is to discuss feminism or spark feminist dialogue. In both “Another Angry Woman” and “*69” I wanted to showcase the experiences and perspectives of women and create a space where women can feel represented and listened to. There are so many ways to do this, and for now, I’m just sticking to being absolutely unapologetic about my body and message. I use a lot of colors, movement, and performative elements in my shows and I think it makes for both a fun and empowering show.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
In the music industry, I’ve had a lot of experiences with male producers or executives where there’s this weird power imbalance, sort of like the “I’m going to make you a star” dynamic. There’s also this internalized pressure to be flirtatious with men in music because of that, and a lot of men will hold your dreams over your head and manipulate or pressure you into taking on a submissive role. That was a big challenge for me as a younger artist, staying true to my wants, needs, and seeing myself as an equal when people’s behavior toward me was objectifying or hurtful.
I feel that representation is everything. When women take positions of power, they slowly create a safer space and world for other women trying to make their way.
Contact Info:
- Website: emilybluemusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/emilybluemusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/emily.blue.music
- Twitter: twitter.com/emilybluemusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/31rxF8WiC0tz6yNzgVP5Tf
Image Credit:
Ross Feighery, Sam Fuehring
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