Emma-Lee

Having more fun with her music than ever before

Photo Paul Steward

The first time I interviewed Toronto singer/songwriter Emma-Lee, we met in a tea shop on Queen Street during Canadian Music Week in 2009. We talked, we laughed, I asked for her hand in marriage—you know, business as usual. Even now, years later, I still recall that interview fondly. You always remember the ones with charisma, I figure—though it doesn’t hurt when they look like supermodels and boast a bawdy sense of humour.

These days, Emma-Lee is still the same. Sort of. A little older, wiser, and maybe even wizened, her new release Backseat Heroine has found her rocking a new-old style influenced largely by some of the greats.

If this album was motivated by any pieces of music, or musicians, what pieces and people?

A lot from the late 60s [and] early 70s. Some more obvious than others. Bobbie Gentry, Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Laura Nyro, CCR, Zeppelin, Steely Dan, The Beatles… but those guys are just kind of forever burned in my brain.

Is it important for you to change—take that any way you want—from album to album?

Yes. Nothing stays the same in my life, so why should my music? Everything I take in from the places I visit, the people I meet, fall in love with, break up with; the friends who come and go, life, death… Constantly changing. I strive to not repeat myself, or if I'm reflecting on old territory [I try] to find a new way to spin it. I'm not sure what I'll do next but I know it will be different. I may not go to the extreme with re-invention but I like to touch on different genres, explore new sounds and ultimately keep myself inspired.

Given the good local press you’ve been getting and the great release show at Lee’s Palace in Toronto last week, how are you feeling about Backseat Heroine?

I'm really proud of it. It's the best songwriting I've done thus far and I think my voice has grown a lot since the first record. Myself and everyone involved in the record—my band and co-producers Marc Rogers and Karen Kosowski—set out to capture a vibe and energy of real people playing real instruments. People seem to be digging the album and especially the new live show. I'm having more fun with my music than ever before and have reached a comfort level onstage I don't think I had with the first record.

Looking forward to playing Montreal?

I love Montreal and actually I always feel the love when I play there. Some of my best shows have been in that city, just in terms of how much people really listen. I always look forward to coming back! I also can't wait to have breakfast at Beauty's again.