Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Morgan Emslie

1) What is your earliest memory connected to music? 

My earliest memory is singing and dancing along to a show called Yo Gabba Gabba! when I was very little. They had an episode featuring My Chemical Romance  performing ‘Every Snowflake Is Different,’ and I made my parents replay it over and  over. I had no idea who MCR was back then, but it clearly left an impression because I  still listen to them today. 

2) How did your passion for creating music begin? 

When I turned five, I picked up my first real instrument—a pink Fender guitar that was  actually bigger than I was! I wanted to play it more than anything, so I started taking  lessons at the School of Rock in Burbank. For my very first showcase there, I  performed ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac. Standing on that stage was the exact moment  I realized making music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. 

3) What’s the story behind your current music project? 

I aim for music with real emotion. My latest single, ‘Caution Tape’ is an anthem about  refusing to let anyone else define you. It is about a toxic relationship or friendship. I  think everyone experiences an unhealthy friendship like this at some point and it is a  lonely time. I wrote this song because I want others who are going through it to hear  my song and instantly know that they aren’t alone. I want to remind them to own who  they are and to protect their individuality. 

4) How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music  before? 

I describe my sound as an alt rock, pop-punk vibe with a lot of angst. Standing up for  yourself and making sure people don’t feel alone are things that are really important to  me. My music reflects the emotions I deal with as a middle schooler.  

5) What is the one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make  music? 

I’ve learned that sometimes you have to say no to big opportunities until you are truly  ready. I want to make music for the rest of my list, and my parents remind me that  success is a long, patient process. It’s tough because I want to do everything right  now, but waiting until you are fully prepared is always the best choice. That’s why my  team is so important to me. My vocal coach, Dave Stroud, and my guitar teachers,  Michael ‘Fish’ Herring and Jimena Fosado, are all helping me strengthen my skills with  my lifelong dreams in mind.

6) What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? 

A day in the life of a middle schooler and a simple journal are actually my most  important tools. I write straight from my heart and share both the good and the bad. I  don’t write about specific people, but about the real emotions I experience every day.  Middle school drama can be rough, and I know I’m definitely not the only one surviving  it. 

7) Which indie artist or song are you loving right now? 

I’m incredibly inspired by Fall Out Boy and the brilliant way they write lyrics. For  independent artists, I think The Warning is a really cool band with a great sound. I also  absolutely love Dead Posey – with their vibe in their music and the singer’s grit in her  voice. 

8) How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? 

I am about to start the 7th grade, and I’ve learned that really trusting myself and my  instincts is so important. Knowing exactly who I am- and that others can’t change that  part of me- gives me a strength that I want everyone else to feel, too. I want people to  know that they aren’t alone when they are lonely, sad or in the middle of difficult times.  

9) What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? 

Don’t let others push you around just because they are toying with your emotions.  Most of my songs have a lot of anger and sadness. I feel like those are feelings  everyone has around the world every day. Those emotions are real and everyone feels  them.  

10)What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far? 

For me, music is a grounding tool that helps talk me up from hard times. I think that is  important and I appreciate the way that music can effect everyone in a different way.  It’s a cruel world sometimes but we are all the same species and we have to stay  together. Music is a great way to express that.  

11)What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at? 

The first concert that I ever saw was actually at the Hollywood Bowl. Watching the  Lumineers perform while sitting under the stars with my parents was the moment I  realized that I want to perform on big stages someday. The Hollywood Bowl would be  especially meaningful for this reason. 

12)If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

It would definitely be Paramore, because they were a huge influence on my taste in  music. They were the first emo band that I ever heard, and they have inspired me for  years.  

13) Where can our listeners follow and support your music? 

I would love for your listeners to join my journey. I have a wonderful, supportive “wolf  pack” on social media. Navigating life as a solo artist in middle school takes a lot of  sacrifice, and it often means missing out on other things to level up my skills. Having  an online community makes the journey much less lonely and really just a lot more fun.  I’ve started recognizing the names that pop up on my socials. Seeing familiar names  leave encouraging comments and suggestions completely makes my day. I appreciate  them so much. 

You can find my music videos on YouTube by searching Morgan Emslie, and get  behind-the-scenes updates on Instagram, and TikTok at @amped2howl. You can also  stream my latest singles directly on Spotify, or find all my streaming links in one place  at amped2howl.com. 

14) Looking towards the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical  journey? 

Since I’m 12 years old, I want to spend these early years of my career focusing on  connecting with as many people as I can. I want to share my music to make people  feel something real.