Canadian artist Emily Krueger is only twenty-one, yet she’s already mastered the art of crafting bops which reel you in and keep you entranced – the latest of which is ‘Stuck’, exclusively premiering on SheBOPS today.
‘Stuck’, taken from Emily’s upcoming EP due out before the year ends, tells a tale of struggling to move on from a less-than-perfect relationship. Emily’s honeyed vocals glide across the truly phenomenal production, which fuses melancholic guitar riffs with a pop-trap beat and glistening, twinkling melodies. ‘Stuck’ is the third offering from the rising artist this year, whose natural songwriting abilities have seen her rack up a plugged-in fanbase of over 210K on Instagram.
Alongside our exclusive first play of ‘Stuck’, we catch Emily’s thoughts on her unique musical inspirations, her favorite lyric from the track, as well as what challenges she feels women in music are facing.
SheBOPS: What’s in your Recently Played list on Spotify?
Emily Krueger: Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Dominic Fike, Pluko, James Blake, and Smino.
What are your favorite sounds to incorporate into your music?
I love getting real life samples. Going into a forest and getting my own ambient noises, or recording wooden spoons or random stuff from someone’s kitchen – samples guaranteed no one has in their library. Also maybe guitar.
Where do your musical inspirations come from?
Often not actually from music. I’m always most inspired artistically by visual art – anime, indie films, paintings etc. I might be slightly plagued with synesthesia, which I’m grateful for in that sense.
What emotions do you hope your music conveys to the listener?
Anything deep. Ups and downs, just feel them deep, otherwise you won’t grow.
Generally speaking, what is your creative process like?
I usually always start with music, because that’s what I’m usually doing in my down time. I always have melodies in my head, and it all just comes naturally and easy, then lyrics.
What is the toughest part of creating new music?
Lyrics are always usually last because they are really the craft of the process. Something I feel I can always get better at, and doesn’t always come naturally.
You have a new EP coming up – what is the main theme and message of the EP?
This EP embodied everything I was going through at that time, a lot of ups and downs, but that’s good. The contrast of easy and hard is what makes you appreciate the good times more. But being present and allowing it to come and go, and really being in what going through, to get through it.
What was the biggest difference in terms of writing and recording this EP compared to your previous projects?
So much is different. I have a clearer direction with where I’m going. I had always previously written my own lyrics but having the ability to do the other aspects that I’ve done too, guitar, keys and even start getting a hand in production, makes it all feel closer to me.
Have you got a favorite lyric from the EP?
“I peeled you off from all the pressure but underneath all that’s left is still yours” in ‘Stuck’. It’s just really true to what was happening.
Was there ever a moment where you felt like giving up on music and doing something else?
I had that before I even pursued music. I was in nursing school and then realized I had no idea what the heck I was doing. That’s when I actually had a passion – music. Now I never doubt myself. It’s hard but I’ll always work harder.
Have you ever felt pressured to fit a certain ‘mould’ as an artist?
No, I have and will evolve where I want my music to be.
Have you noticed any double standards when it comes to gender in the music industry?
I wouldn’t necessarily say I notice many double standards as much as just connotation. Women and men can and should do whatever aspect they’d like – women should just be taken more seriously for it.
How do you feel about the representation and portrayal of women in music? Is there anything that you’d like to change?
Capitalizing on the previous – I think there isn’t enough love for our female producers. The representation that a female might not be as reputable as a male is strictly based in gender.
From a woman’s perspective, is there anything about the music industry that frustrates you?
Sexualization. There’s just no need for that, but for some unfortunate reason all the need.
What challenges do you think women in music are facing today?
A million. Bluntly put, the pressure to sleep with people who say they’ll get you places for it is sadly a reality. I think it’s something people keep quiet thinking they should, which is the worst part; feeling like there is no one that shares that struggle or you can open up to about it. The lack of transparency creates an idealistic facade that women in the industry are all doing just as fine as the next.
Are there any up and coming female musicians you have your eye on?
I’m really excited to watch Raveena continue to grow.
What advice would you give to young girls and women looking to work in music?
Rely on no one more than yourself. You have what you need, get leverage with your art and only that. Don’t be passive and everyday work harder than the last. But most of all be kind to yourself through everything.
Is there anything in your career that you feel like you are still learning?
Everything. Everyday I realize I’ve learned a new thing and can learn another twenty. The more I know, the more I realize that I don’t know a lot – the business side, even artist side.
What’s planned for 2020?
The EP, another EP, then hopefully touring them. 🙂