Meet Emma Mcdermott | Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Mcdermott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is what being an artist is all about. It’s putting yourself into the unknown and not having any attachment to what the outcome might be. You need to be a risk taker in order to feel that ebb and flow of success and failure, achievements and set backs. In my life as a singer/songwriter, pretty much every time I’ve sent in a song, or performed, or been in the studio, there has been some sort of risk involved. No matter the outcome of any if those situations, I had to come to terms with the fact that the risk may not offer a reward, but as an artist you need to take the risk anyway in order to have any chance at being heard or seen.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, my drive is to make music that is honest and heartfelt. It is my deepest desire to connect to my audience through the feelings that we all share as human beings. I strive to create music that is intricately layered both harmonically and instrumentally, with lyrics that are both personal to me, and relatable to all who listen. If I can paint pictures through words and sonic journeys, that are drawn from real-life experiences, then I think I’ve done something right!

Growing up in the small town of Ann Arbor, Michigan, my environment was full of supportive, loving people who created a safety net for my music and art. With every member of my family being a musician, I was able to draw inspiration from them in a way that pushed me to constantly better my craft. From my musical beginnings as a violinist, then flutist, to my three pop EPs and first studio album “She Likes To Fly,” music has always been a haven for me and my creative energy. In addition to writing and composing my own music, I also enjoy collaborating and feeling the flow of energy with other creators.

I consider myself an indie/pop singer and songwriter. I am most proud of the diversity in music genres that I am able to write in. My first full length album, “She Likes To Fly” is a musical taste tester of different genres ranging from indie/pop, to flavors of R&B and soul, to light EDM. All of which came from the exploration of feelings and emotions that came through me while writing and recording the album. Music is forever morphing and recycling, so I was proud to put my best foot forward with my album and create something that had depth and wasn’t just one thing. I have created 3 EPs and one full length album of totally original music that I am proud to share with the world!

I got to where I am today as an artist by having patience with myself and by being open to new experiences. I had the privilege of going to a couple different music schools which gave great instruction and helped me further my craft of writing, performing and musicianship. I earned my bachelor’s degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music and attended Columbia College Chicago for about two years. There were many opportunities at each school such as sharing the stage with Ivan Neville and working with Cory Henry, as well as learning about collaboration and different songwriting techniques. Every opportunity I’ve had has made me dig deeper into being my authentic self and to really reflect on what it means to be an artist.

After graduating from college, I had the opportunity to start teaching music at Bradley School of Music, which is what I do now in the Bay Area of California. I feel so fortunate to not only share my own music with others, but to also wear the hat of the teacher who passes along everything I’ve ever learned. When I’m not teaching, I am either singing live shows, or playing in a duo called The Oaktones. Being in a duo gives me the chance to express myself both vocally and on the flute, and is a fun way to play covers and original music. If I’ve learned anything as a musician, it is that togetherness makes music that much more powerful. To share in the life force that is music, is magic.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I currently live in the Bay Area of California which has so much to offer! If it was someone’s first time here I would definitely take them to places like the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park Muir Woods, a drive up Mount Diablo, to a beautiful beach area and hiking spot called Point Reyes and perhaps even a boat ride to Alcatraz to take a tour. All of these activities take a good chunk of time, so I would definitely do one of these a day, starting the day off with my favorite vegan breakfast place called Rooted Coffee Co., finish the day at an SF sushi place called Ibisu, and maybe grab a boba at Little Sweet if you’re feeling fancy after dinner. All of these spots are quite breathtaking and are definitely worth seeing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I would like to shoutout my mother, Kelly. She has always been someone to tell me how brave I am and how good I’m doing, even if I think my song sounds like rubbish, or my performance stunk. All throughout my childhood and even to this day, she tells me to follow my North star and to never give up.

I would also like to recognize everyone else in my life who lifted me up and believed in me and my work. All of my friends, family members, teachers, collaborators, students and classmates have been such an amazing part of my musical career. For them I am eternally grateful.

Instagram: @vocalcake

Other: Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/16GpOQqeJgzhdSF9R7JIxi?si=itceY2xxRkiRRspqO4nzxw

Image Credits
Asher Witkin
Gen Geer Photography