When it comes to combining emotional potency with silky grooves, there’s not many better artists around than Emily King. The New York native is back, better than ever, with her latest full length body of work just around the corner. Special Occasion, primed for release on 5th May via ATO Records, looks set to delve deeper than ever into the artistry and persona resonance of King.

This is the singer-songwriter’s first album since the astounding 2019 body of work, Scenery. Nominated for two Grammys, the project took King from potential to bona fide industry heavyweight, with its dazzling vocal performances and forward thinking production. So what can we expect from the follow up – can King live up to the hype and succeed with the follow up where so many others have failed? If the singles so far released are anything to go by, she sure can. Stylistically, the three tracks are as diverse as we’ve ever heard King, whilst maintaining focus and a sharpened thematic and sonic manifesto.

The first single released, “This Year”, is an uplifting, slick number that leans into the pop sphere, bringing luscious soul tendencies to a grand and cinematic sound palette. The sophomore offering, “Medal” edged ever closer to commercial vitality, with striking and distinct production elements merged together with nuance whilst King delivers a show stopping vocal performance. The most recent teaser, “False Start”, is perhaps the most affecting and immersive, with its subtle but spellbinding instrumental an ideal foundation for the artist’s deeply personal narrative and heart rendering vocals.

Waiting with bated breath for the release of Special Occasion and its accompanying US tour, we decided to come up for some air and catch up with Emily, discussing her experiences, craft, Grammy nominations, and the long awaited new album.

Listen to the recent singles…

Read the interview…

Who and what influences your musical creation? How did your background and experiences affect the way you create and your artistry?
I grew up in NYC and it has had a huge influence on who I am (for better or worse – ha). It’s noisy and soft. It’s chaotic and I sing to soothe myself when I’m on the train or on a busy sidewalk. You can go to a great concert by a great artist and leave feeling absolutely crushed in the best way because it makes you want to be better at what you do. You create to escape the confines of your small apartment and the cold nights. I grew up listening to my parents sing jazz in clubs. I think I just wanted to be like them. 


We loved Scenery! Did you expect the incredible success and acclaim of the album? How did it feel for it to be Grammy nominated?
Thank you! That record was a big process for me. I moved out of NYC to try my hand at country living for the first time. My producer Jeremy Most and I made that album in a garage in the dead of winter. I learned how to drive and feed a wood stove. I think we were both genuinely excited to be nominated at The Grammys after all that we put into that record. You don’t think about it when you’re creating music but it was fun to be invited to a big party once it’s all said and done. We didn’t win but we immediately got burgers and fries after and were just as happy!


Has it been a challenge to match the previous album after it was so cherished and widely loved?
It seems like it’s always a challenge for me to make a record. Maybe I’m doing it wrong! I feel like I’m climbing Mount Everest. The whole time I’m like “how the hell am I going to finish this thing?!”. I try to give myself time to live and gather life information. I spend a lot of time writing songs and developing them. Sorting through lyrics. There’s often a lot of revisions until I get the record to a place where I am smiling about it.

What can listeners expect from your forthcoming album, Special Occasion? How has your style progressed since the last album?
I went through some major life changes during the process. Between the pandemic happening and my own personal relationship transforming. I was sort of catapulted into this new terrain emotionally. It felt like I was mourning the loss of an old life and trying to figure out a new one. Music helped me to find joy through the pain. The concepts of the songs and the arrangements became something new just by default. Through the wear and tear of growing up. 


We’ve been gifted a gorgeous teaser from the album, “Medal”. Talk us through the creative process of that one? What are you trying to convey with the single?
Thank you! Medal was a song that was originally a ballad.. one day I tried it uptempo and it gave it a whole new meaning. It became more of an anthem, this striving to acquire someone’s attention and at the same time feeling the power in proclaiming exactly what it is that you want. I think I was ready to have a fun song in my repertoire that was full of joy and didn’t take itself too seriously.

You’re heading out on a North American tour, how are you feeling about the prospect of touring the new album?
I honestly feel a little anxious! It’s been a long time since I’ve released an album and toured on a bus across the country. 4 years I think. A lot has happened. But then I remember the best part of this whole process after finishing the recordings is being out there with the cuties singing the new songs for the first time. It’s the most fun! And usually by the time it’s over I don’t want to come home ha. I’ll be twiddling my thumbs, looking for the next gig. Planning the next release!

What else is to come from you this year?
I’m really hoping to get my band overseas and tour Europe and Asia. Fingers crossed! We were in Europe on tour 4 years ago and had the most amazing time. So many wonderful friends out there. I’d also love to collaborate with different artists and get some more records into the world. I like the idea of starting a new project even before this one is released. Get ahead of myself and stay creative. Of course the simple things are always the best.. enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, having some laughs, being with friends. All of the little special occasions.. I’m looking forward to more of those this year.