Rising LA-based singer-songwriter Emma Kern talks good days & bad days, musical highlights, music career advice and her debut EP ’80 Fenway’

What inspired you to begin a career in music?

I was drawn to music at a very young age. I started out in musical theater when I was 7 years old, and from then on, I knew I loved performing and singing. In middle school I started songwriting, and it opened up a whole new side of music for me. I ended up going to a performing arts high school where I studied musical theater and songwriting, which inspired me to further my career at Berklee College of Music.

What differs you and your sound from other upcoming artists in the music industry?

Every time I create a song, it’s important to me that it’s honest. I tend to write about myself and the struggles I’m going through, rather than about being in love or in relationships. I think each of my songs has a unique personality, but also portrays my feelings in a relatable way.

Your debut EP ‘80 Fenway’ is out now! Can you please describe the creative process and why you chose ‘Love Myself’ as the lead single?

Yes, I am so thrilled about 80 Fenway being out in the world! I started writing this EP when I was still living in Boston (at 80 Fenway), and wanted to write about my time living there. Being able to talk about my experiences in these songs has been so rewarding. “Love Myself” is a very personal song, and about something we all experience – questioning yourself and feeling unworthy. I picked “Love Myself” to be the album focus track because It feels the most vulnerable and relevant during these uncertain times.

Everyone experiences good days and bad days, as a musician, when you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?

Whenever I have a bad day I let myself relax, and break from music for a bit. Other times, I’ll be frustrated writing, so I’ll just start singing songs by other artists – which always motivates me. As long as I do one creative thing per day – I’m happy. Even if it’s just simply taking photos or styling outfits. It’s so inspiring to see all the positive feedback online – and that’s a big part of what keeps me going. I get genuinely excited when people tell me they relate to my writing. It pushes me to never give up.

In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?

Wow, this is a hard question. I have written a lot of songs that are extremely important to me. I honestly don’t know if I can say that I have only one that is the most meaningful. However, right now I would say “Sabotage” because it will always have such a special place in my heart.

Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments? Those moments that you stop to reflect and can’t believe you are where you are?

My “wow” moments always have to do with my growth as a musician. When I got accepted to Berklee, it was super exciting and sort of a “pinch me” kind of moment. Another “wow” experience was just creating and releasing this EP. Listening to it for the first time mastered from start to finish was truly amazing. Whenever I look at the amount of streams my music has, it amazes me and almost seems unreal. I can’t believe so many people have heard my voice and what I’m saying! It makes me so excited and hopeful!

What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?

I would say never give up and don’t let the opinions of others get in your way. I have always been confident in my career choice, and have never let anybody tell me that music is something I can’t succeed in. I am a huge believer that you are capable of anything you put your mind to. Just trust yourself and don’t be afraid to go for it.

What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?

I am hoping to release more music and perform more. It’s definitely a little difficult to navigate live performances right now, but I’m always writing and thinking of new ideas, so I’m excited to see what’s next!

’80 Fenway’ is available now via Spotify and all major platforms.

Connect with Emma Kern

SoundCloud | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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