Artist Of The Week #286 - Emily Burns
This week's Artist of the Week is British singer-songwriter Emily Burns - who has just released her highly anticipated debut album 'Die Happy' via So Recordings.
‘Die Happy’, the album, is a collection of personal and candid songs that showcase Emily’s clear-cut and beautiful voice. From the soaring first single ‘Balcony Floor’, to the lo-fi electro-pop of ‘Cheating On Her’, it’s a project well worth the wait. The album, out today, sees Emily team up with Jacob Attwooll (Dua Lipa, Raye, Aitch, Hamzaa), Josh Record (Paloma Faith, Becky Hill, Anne Marie), Nicole Blair (Sigala, JP Cooper) and many more.
The album includes previously released tracks, such as, ‘Balcony Floor’, ‘Cheating On Her’, ‘8 Hours Behind’, ‘Give and Take’, ‘Are You Waiting?’ and title track ‘Die Happy’. The record also unveils a further five tracks including the harmonious ‘Second Guessing’, sonically spine-tingling ‘Gone’ and the uplifting closing track ‘One Day At A Time’. Emily reflects that “I always want it to be from a really genuine, honest, truthful storytelling place.”
She took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Emily, how are you? So your album is out now – how does it feel to have it out there?
Hey!! Thanks so much for having me! I’m really good thanks, very excited about the album and honestly just feeling blessed to have the opportunity to share it with you. It’s always pretty nerve-racking putting music out into the world but I’m beyond happy with how it’s being received.
It is called ‘Die Happy’ – what is the meaning behind that?
“Die Happy” is the lead single on the album. It’s a really special song to me ‘cause I wrote it when I had a bit of an epiphany moment. I spent a lot of my teenage and early 20s years beating myself up about all the things I hadn’t yet achieved in life. Then I had this massive realisation that happiness isn’t really defined by career success/things you tick off your bucket list… it’s more about the people you surround yourself with and the love you feel. Die Happy came when I had that realisation, that if all I achieve in life is being loved so deeply in the way that I am, then I could literally die a happy person.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share with us?
I recorded the majority of the album with a good friend of mine Jacob, between his home studio and his studio in North London. I’ve always been a big believer in, when you find someone you trust and work well with, stick with them. It just makes the whole thing a lot easier and way more enjoyable! We laughed a lot, cooked a lot of vegan food and drank more coffee than is probably healthy for the average person.
What are the key influences behind the album?
I’ve always loved words and only ever wanted to tell real stories through my songwriting. I think that was influenced by artists like Joni Mitchell and Elton John, who I listened to a lot growing up. The way they tell real, honest stories of heartache and love always really spoke to me. What influenced the album most was my coming of age… learning to accept, love and be proud of myself as a person. It’s 12 true, raw short stories about my life. Like 12 chapters of a book.
If the album could be a soundtrack to any film – which one and why?
I reckon “500 days of Summer” would be a good fit… if it had a slightly happier ending haha. It’s one of my absolute favourite films and really takes you through all the highs and lows of love, heartbreak, growth and acceptance. I feel like my album does a similar thing.
Do you have a favourite lyric on the album? If so, which one and why?
There’s a line in “Second Guessing” that goes - “When you’re alone, d’you still leave the hallway light on low? Singing “Chocolate” as you brush your teeth? Go to sleep watching the same movie?” It’s about wondering if someone has changed since you broke up or if they’re still the exact same person you knew.
I love that line so much because I remember asking my girlfriend to name one of her favourite songs and I would put it in the lyrics. I had the whole line but was missing the song title to slot into it. She said “Chocolate” by The 1975 and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The image of chocolate whilst brushing your teeth just really sticks with me.
Now the album is out there – what next for you?
Playing it live! I want to travel as far and wide as I can, visit cities I’ve never had the chance to play in before and let as many people as possible hear this album. It’s a really exciting time and I can’t wait for what’s next.
