New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Today,
Emma Louise announces 'Lilac Everything,' her new album to be released
September 14 on Liberation Records/AWAL. The project marks the first-ever production credit for Tobias Jesso Jr., who signed on to co-produce the album after Emma cold-emailed him her demos. Listen to lead single "
Wish You Well".
From the very first notes of 'Lilac Everything,' the music's otherworldly quality takes hold - a few moments of listening reveal the astounding and bold production choice Emma made that changed the sonic course of the entire album. "It was honestly the most relieving decision I've ever made, musically," Emma says of the choice to pitch all of her vocals down. "It just felt so right. I didn't even have to think about it." The haunting, velvety timbre of Emma's pitch-shifted voice sets the tone for a lush, honest and truly moving record.
After hearing Emma's demos, Tobias encouraged her to fly to the US, and the two retreated to Bear Creek Studio in Seattle to complete the record with the help of Grammy award-winning mixer Shawn Everett Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, The War On Drugs). "I never wanted to be a producer until I heard Emma's demos," says Tobias. "She has perfect instincts when it comes to songwriting; she means what she writes, and that truth comes across in her lyrics. Her songs make me feel as though I'm working through the same emotions as I listen, which is exactly what good songs do."
"One thing that's different about Emma is how badass she is," says Shawn. "It's such a strong statement and she's so willing to go where nobody has gone before, especially considering she has such a pretty voice to begin with. Normally someone with a voice like that would do anything possible to protect that part of their identity, and she does the opposite and screws with it for her entire piece of art."
Opener "
Wish You Well" transports listeners into a soundscape of simple piano chords and respiring harmonies, "Falling Apart" croons and sways before exploding into sheer emotion, and "Never Making Plans Again" smolders as horns surface amongst beautifully hazy strings. The altered vocals reveal previously unheard details in the quality of Emma's voice, and it's a reflection of that time in the studio. "It was the most magical, magical thing," she says. "It was in the middle of nowhere; we were drinking six bottles of wine a night. We did all the songs live."
SPIN has dubbed Emma "hypnotic," praising her "wise-beyond-her-years craftsmanship." Rolling Stone has hailed her "effortless, naturally affecting voice," and The Line of Best Fit has called Emma's sound "goosebump-inducing." She's been nominated for an Aria award and for Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year.
This summer, Emma will play select intimate shows in support of 'Lilac Everything,' including a pre-release performance at Zebulon in Los Angeles on July 24th. More dates to be announced soon.
'LILAC EVERYTHING' TRACK LIST
1. Wish You Well
2. Falling Apart
3. Just The Way I Am
4. Never Making Plans Again
5. Gentleman
6. Shadowman
7. Solitude
8. Mexico
9. A Book Left Open In A Wild Field Of Flowers
10. When It Comes To You
