Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Emily McLoud
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
The earliest musical memory that I have is riding in the car with my mom and listening to the Beatles on the radio. She would sing harmony and quiz me about who was singing lead on the song. I loved the harmonies and the catchy melodies, and it wasn’t long before I was singing along too.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
When I was in 3rd grade, a woman came to my school and did a demonstration and presentation on the violin. She was starting a group. I was immediately enamored and ran home begging my mom to let me play the violin. I had taken piano lessons before that but it wasn’t until then that I really discovered my passion for music and creating music with other people.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I have played in various bands and musical outfits for over 25 years now, but have only recently turned my attention to my solo project. I put out my first solo EP in 2022, followed by a number of singles. I have now recorded a full length album that is ready to go and will be released some time this year. I had the opportuntiy to work with some truly incredible musicians on this album and am really proud of the songs and how they turned out. It was recorded by Gordy Quist (Band of Heathens) at the Finishing School in Austin, TX, and produced by acclaimed Texas singer-songwriter and creative, Darden Smith.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
This is always a hard question and is probably the reason why the genre “Americana” has been adopted by so many artists these days. It can be hard to pin down especially when you are trying to objectively analyze something about yourself. My sound sits at the intersection of Americana, folk, and roots country, so, intimate, lyric-forward songs with organic instrumentation and a quiet emotional pull rather than big production.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Honestly, just learning to trust myself. Comparison is the enemy of creativity. It has taken me a long time to trust my own musical instincts. That doesn’t mean I can’t learn from other people but it helps me tune in to what it is that I am really trying to say. I am the only person in the universe who can write about being me.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
All I really need is an instrument and something to write with. These days I most often turn to the notes app on my phone. I also use voice memos to capture ideas. Most often I write with a guitar or on piano.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I have been really into the new Kathleen Edwards album lately. I also have been listening to the Snocaps record on repeat. So good!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I am really deeply inspired by my work as a palliative care/hospice nurse practitioner. Working in that realm lends itself to deep gratitude and appreciation for the world and the people around us. It reminds me that we are all connected and that we will all have to leave our bodies behind at some unkown point in the future. That kind of awareness allows me to really embrace the magic of creativity and see it for the lifeline that is. Art is an essential expression of our humaity and something that connects us to others.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
My hope is that people see themselves reflected back to them in my work. I want people to feel seen, to feel less alone in their experiences whether seemingly “postive” or “negative.”
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
I think maybe songwriting, specifically, has taught me how to spend time with what I’m feeling. How to really be present and curious about what might be going on inside of that feeling and in the process, kind of creating space to reflect. That’s the alchemy of it, I guess.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Oh man. I could think of a lot! I’d love to play Kerrville Folk Festival some day. In terms of venues, how can I not say the Ryman!
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Well, Gillian Welch is a real hero of mine so she is at the top of the proverbial list. I have also been a Brandi Carlile fan since I caught her live at a tiny venue at the Unversity of Texas in 2006. She is an incredible live performer and I have found a lot of inspiration in not just her music over the years, but also her activism and the way she lifts up other artists, especially women.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://www.instagram.com/emilymcloudmusic
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My hope is to just keep writing and playing and collaborating. That’s really what its all about. I’m looking forward to releasing my new album this year and am saving money to record the next one. Onward!
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I’m not really sure. I guess I am more interested in listeners discovering something in the music, the songs. I hope they listen closely and find something that is meaningful to them in one way or another. Even if just for one moment. Songs are like an offering.
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