For some, a career in the music industry is a fate etched into the stars. And this is most definitely the case for the rising pop singer-songwriter, Em Beihold. Having taken to the piano at age six, 23-year-old Beihold began to build a skill set that encompasses a syrupy vocal tone, introspective lyricism capable of enchanting listeners far and wide, and of course, an affinity for the piano keys. The result has been a roll-out of pop bops that have warranted her viral TikTok success. Now, working to build on this ever-expanding hype, the artist is looking to give us a taste of what is to come, aka a pending EP drop, starting with the release of the tongue-in-cheek track, “Too Precious”.

Speaking on her journey so far, the artist explains, “Songwriting has always been my biggest form of therapy growing up. Sometimes just the process of writing lyrics allows me to understand my own feelings more. I also associate no shame with releasing my feelings into the world – when people tell me they feel less alone because of my songs, that’s the most gratifying response I could ask for and I never want that to change. I want to create a safe space in my music.”

With her new EP speeding towards release on July 22nd, and a newly released track racking up streams upon streams, the rising artist took some time to talk to Wonderland about her musical journey and what we can expect from her over the coming months. Head below to enjoy our chat with Em Beihold…

Hey Em! How are you doing today?
Hi there! I’m doing great! I’m about to go to a session with a producer I’ve dreamed of working with for years, so feeling very grateful and excited about life coming full circle.

You were first and foremost a fencing champ, what made you pursue music? Has the passion always been there?
I think music and fencing started together, really. When I was four, apparently I stood atop a restaurant table and started confidently belting the theme song to Zorro. But in all seriousness, yes, the passion has always been there. I started playing the piano at six and writing at seven because I was bad at practising classical music and preferred creating something new. I never stopped.

Where do you find the inspiration for your sound?
I grew up listening to female singer-songwriters of the early 2000s and 2010s like Regina Spektor, Feist, Fiona Apple, Kate Nash, and Sara Bareilles. A lot of that music was piano-based which is where I got my foundation. I loved how badass and unapologetic these women were in their writing and I wanted to be like them.

What was it like going viral on TikTok for the first time?
Exciting and equally overwhelming! The first time I went viral was for a Madison Beer riff I matched in her song “Selfish” – it was a trend at the time. I think it got 125k views and for the first time I couldn’t keep up with my phone notifications. Normally, I try to like and respond to every comment but it was impossible.

You often open up about your own insecurities and anxiety within your songwriting, is it important for you to keep your artistry personal?
Yes! Songwriting has always been my biggest form of therapy growing up. Sometimes just the process of writing lyrics allows me to understand my own feelings more. I also associate no shame with releasing my feelings into the world – when people tell me they feel less alone because of my songs, that’s the most gratifying response I could ask for and I never want that to change. I want to create a safe space in my music.

Congratulations on your new track “Numb Little Bug”! What inspired the title of the song?
So when I posted the chorus of “Numb Little Bug” on TikTok for the first time, I did a little talking intro like I always do to introduce the song. I said something along the lines of “I’ve been feeling like a numb little bug lately,” completely unplanned – I just sort of naturally describe things in strange ways. All of a sudden everyone was commenting that they wanted “Numb Little Bug” so to an extent, my TikTok audience named the song! Before that, the working title was “Broken and Broke.” I’m glad it changed.

And how did you come up with the concept for the track’s music video?
The music video concept was the brainchild of the incredible director Jamie Valdueza! Before filming, I was presented with a few different music video pitches, but what stood out to me about Jamie’s was the way he wanted to visualise anxiety in colourful, vibrant ways – similarly to how the dark lyrics of “Numb Little Bug” counteract the happy pop instrumental.

How was the effort received by your family and friends?
The first time my parents heard “Numb Little Bug,” they weren’t super thrilled about how honest the lyrics were. I think for their generation, talking about mental health so openly is a sign of weakness, but as they saw the response come in, they definitely started to understand it more. Regardless of their reaction, they were (and have always been) the most supportive of me and my music. My friends have also been my biggest cheerleaders and I’m immensely grateful for them.

What’s next for you?
I’m playing iHeart Radio’s Wango Tango in June which is absolutely crazy. I’ve heard it’s upwards of 15,000 people that tend to go which will be the biggest crowd I’ve ever performed in front of. Release-wise, I have a couple of singles coming out soon and a seven-song EP called “Egg in the Backseat” that’s coming out this summer!

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years I’m hoping to be in a place where I could go on a headline tour. It would also be cool to have performed on SNL by then. But most importantly, hopefully, I’m moved out of my parent’s house!

Is there anything you want your fanbase to know about you that you have never previously spoken about?
Not that I can think of!