What is your name?  
Hey there! My name is Emily Perry. 

What is your genre of music?
  I’d describe it as pop with an urban/dance flare. 

Give us a little bio about you.
  I’m originally from Australia but I spend most of my time now here in Los Angeles. I released my first original song, Sugar-coated, in late 2016.  The song was a collaboration with incredible Aussie producer Alius. I’ve released five more singles since then, working with an amazing team of artists and producers including Grammy winners, Jackie Boyz and Damon Elliott plus many more! I’ve been honoured to have three of my singles chart on the Billboard Dance Chart and one on the UK Commercial Pop Chart.  Last summer, I embarked on my first solo tour which took me to 10 cities across North America. That was an incredible experience and my first time in most of the cities on the tour!  Following that, I was invited to join the High School Nation Fall Tour. They’re an amazing organization dedicated to bringing music and arts to schools across the US. We performed 25 festival shows to more than 40,000 teenagers, at high schools in seven States over five weeks in October/November 2018. We travelled in tour buses from Chicago all the way down the East Coast to Florida and across to Texas. I loved getting to give back to students and connect with my fans on a more personal level. It was a one of a kind experiences! 

What made you go into music? 
My music actually stems from my dance background. I’ve been a dancer since I was VERY young and from there I became involved with music. Dance is a way of expressing thoughts and feelings through movement. My music is an extension of that. I started to really develop as an artist and plan for a career in the music industry during my teenage years. I always knew it was my passion and would be what I ended up doing with my life. I love that I get to involve my dance background with my music.  

Are you a signed? 
Not at the moment, I’m an independent woman! But thankfully I do have some incredible people on my team working with me!

Describe the track in three words.
  Relatable   Empowering  Groovy 

Who did you work with on the single?
I worked with talented producer Gekko and writer Lynniah Herron at The Write Key Studios. It was sooo nice getting out of LA and into a more secluded space to work on this record. This team really is the reason this song came to life! 

What was the recording process like?
  It was just Lynniah and I in the studio for this one and it was definitely one of my favourite sessions to date. We allowed 2 days to record the track and we actually got it done in half a day! It felt so natural recording this one and I really got to play around with some vocal dynamics that I haven’t done in the past. We had so much fun in the studio and I absolutely loved working, watching and learning from another badass female. 

Will we see a music video for the single? If so what can we expect from it? Yes! There is a music video for ‘Not Up To Me’ and I am so stoked for everyone to see it! This video is definitely more cinematic and has more of a story to it. Of course I had to bring my gorgeous dancers and amazing choreographer, Rumer Noel, in for this one, which is always super fun! We had an incredible cast and crew! In particular our director, King Looi, was truly amazing and I was so honoured to have the privilege of working with him. His cinematic ability and creative vision was such a key part to the video. This is one of my favourite videos and it’s coming out very soon!   

Listen hhere

Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
  I’ve released quite a few singles now so I’m thinking that maybe its time for an EP. I have a lot of fun songs already recorded which I can’t wait for everyone to hear! They all have a different flavour to them but over all the EP will have a fun, edgy vibe that everyone can groove out to. 

Do you have any shows coming up? If so where will you be heading? 
I do! I will be doing shows all throughout the year but my next show will be in Los Angeles at The Hotel Cafe on Friday, June 28th at 8pm! All are welcome!! 

What else can we expect in 2019? 
Definitely more music to come and possibly even that EP! I have some shows coming up and then hopefully some touring later on in the year! I’m really stoked about the music I’ll be releasing next as well as the visuals behind them! Creating visuals has always been one of my favourite parts of a record so definitely stay tuned for that!  

Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists? Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
  I’ve been lucky to work with some very talented and successful producers/writers. No firm collaborations in the works but I’m always open to suggestions – I love collaborating and working with a team of producers and artists! All my contact details are on my website – www.TheEmilyPerry.com 

Do you play any instruments?
  I’m “kind of” self taught in piano. Emphasis on “kind of”! ? 

Who are your influences? 
The producers and writers I work with have definitely been a big influence. My songs past and present wouldn’t have been the same if it weren’t for the incredible teams behind them.  New upcoming artists constantly inspire me. That’s what I am and to know that it’s possible for “a nobody” to become “a somebody” is a big thing. Artists that make a difference/make a statement are for sure an influence. Music is such a powerful thing. Some people rely on it to get through life. Your music can make someone feel something that they really need to feel in a certain situation. It can make them feel better. It can make them feel understood. It can make them feel loved. And that’s a pretty beautiful thing. 

How do you get inspiration to write songs? 
I have several song writing books, like four or five that are just overflowing with who knows what! There are songs in there from 10 years ago and songs from yesterday. Everything I’ve ever felt or thought or seen, I’ve written down. When writing songs, I try to not overthink it. It’s most authentic when you just let it happen. However, I always refer back to these journals when I’m in writing sessions. Some of my most true and organic material has come out of those books. I definitely draw from my experiences but also from what others have been through. It’s easier for your listeners to connect if they have felt the same way as the story you are telling. I personally love working with other writers on my music. Top liners have a way of translating a story in a way that you might not. It adds a completely different perspective which I love seeing evolve into a killer song. Working in groups from scratch on a song is also loads of fun. Everything is written completely in the moment which definitely adds a whole other vibe. If you’re stuck on something, another writer will come up something that you might never even think of. It’s crazy to listen to a finished song and think, man, how did we turn that into this! 

Where do you see yourself in 5 Years? 
Creating with other talented, brilliant musicians.  
Making music that excites me. 
Touring the world!  
Waking up and hearing my music on the radio. 
Creating visual content that is new, innovative and exciting.  

When you’re not doing music, what do you do? 
You can always find me in a dance class. Like always! Otherwise I’ll be hanging with friends, creating photo content or traveling. 

What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene? 
  Everyday I am constantly inspired by new artists and new music that make me fall more in love with music. And as a dancer, music was a constant part of my every day life. There’s two quotes from female artists that I have really always resonated with.  

 “The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.” – Beyonce 

I think my younger self could probably belt out every early P!nk song. She has a vocal ability and a stage presence that I admire so much.  

What’s the best advice you have ever been given? 
To be as nice to yourself as you are to others. Sharing the love is obviously very important but I find that people are always so kind to their friends and family but never give themselves that same amount of love and respect. If you accomplish something (little or big) celebrate it, if you look good, tell yourself that you look bloody good! Self love is the no.1 most important thing, especially in this industry. Be your own hype man! 

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
  I think it’s important to try lots of different things and while you’re doing this I feel it’s helpful to have a support system around you. There’s a lot of influence out there so it’s key to have people around you who care about you and people who are going to have your best interests at heart. At the end of the day, you know what’s best for you. You have a team that you trust to guide you, help you make decisions, bring out the best in you but you have a good head on your shoulders and you know what’s right for you. Trust yourself. You need to believe in yourself as an artist before anyone else is going to. And I would also say it’s extremely important to be a hype man, not only for yourself, but for your fellow artists out there! And lastly I would say, don’t let people get comfortable with disrespecting you.  

What quote or saying do you always stick by?
  Empowered women empower women.  

Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
 Well I was born in Melbourne and live music down there is the besttttt! Besides seeing that, I would definitely hit up the Queen Victoria Market or an AFL game. I grew up mainly in Sydney and I would say the beaches out there are a must see for sure.  

Your coming off tour; 
Where do you go first?  To a dance class! 
Who do you see first? My dogs lol!  
What do you eat first?  
Some home made tacos for sure!  

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?  
Water, tea, honey, comfortable shoes and a hair tie.    

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
  Thank you so much to all of you who took a peep at this interview today! I hope you know me and my music a little better. I have a lot of crazy, exciting stuff coming up this year and you can keep up with everything I’m doing on all social media under @TheEmilyPerry and at my website