emily vaughn questions: rachel coker PHOTOS: viviana contreras
You’re only TWENTY years old and you’re already in magazines talking about your work in the music industry! How did you get started as a singer/musician? EV: I’ve been musically inclined my entire life, I was already singing and writing songs in elementary school. I started taking piano lessons at age 7, self taught myself guitar at 13, and went to a music school after high school. I’ve literally written hundreds of songs throughout the years and I feel it won’t ever grow old to me. There’s nothing like the adrenaline I get whilst writing a song that I believe in. Music has always been a part of me and has brought me to life in so many ways. I feel incredibly blessed to have people supporting me and taking this journey with me. What’s the story behind your first single “Hollow” AND What kind of special meaning does it hold for you? EV: I wrote “Hollow” when I was transitioning out of a negative relationship. I’ve found that writing helps me verbalize my thoughts and come to terms with the reality of them. It’s a very transparent and vulnerable song about getting out of an empty relationship after finally seeing that I deserved better.
It’s definitely a very meaningful song to me because it was my first official single and it’s been so cool seeing so many different people that have been in similar situations relate to it. You grew up in small-town Florida but recently relocated to LA to promote your music, right? What has the switch to the big city been like for you? What do you love about LA? EV: These past few months have been filled with traveling back and forth from Florida to LA to work on my music. I’ve met some incredible people and worked with some amazing musicians on this journey and I’ve loved every minute of it. I think my favorite part about LA is that everyone I meet out here has such a strong drive to succeed, it’s super inspiring to meet people who are fulfilling their dreams. Who are some of your musical inspirations? EV: I have a wide variety of influences due to my deep appreciation for all different genres of music. I can’t get enough of female vocalists/pop artists such as Lorde, Banks, Taylor Swift and Tove Lo. Though my genre is alt-pop, I tend to naturally sing with indie vocal tones that add a “Broods” or “Daughter” feel.
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