Special Interview: Emily Victoria

THEAUSSIEWORD.COM special interview with Emily Victoria.

How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?

When I was really young, I used to spend hours making up songs and playing the piano. My interest in the music industry began when I decided I wanted to write and release my own music when I was twelve. 

What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?

Documentaries, conversations, and other peoples’ experiences inspire me to make good music. I am naturally drawn to music and love the feeling of writing a new song which captures a moment in time well.

What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?

Creative autonomy, an abundance of resources for music releases, making positive change in the world in a tangible way. 

What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?

There will be more music next year! No plans to tour yet. 

Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?

Humming Heart is a song about searching and encountering the unknown. I like that the song feels melancholy and uplifting at the same time. I would describe my music as lush Dream Pop.

Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?

I usually write songs because I am intrigued about the process. There are elements you can control however so much is unpredictable which is exciting. My songwriting practice is equally structured and spontaneous. The structure involves persistence and repetition which is very easy as I love songwriting so much! The spontaneous element is the part that is unknown, you can have a great idea suddenly or think of a new approach to writing that you had never considered before. . 

Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music? 

Yes. 

Success, what is the secret to it?

Success is feeling love and ultimate fulfilment within. If you can find that you will live a great life. 

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Performing in an interactive art installation in Beijing has been a highlight so far for me! 

Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?

Artists like Kate Bush and Caroline Polachek who have challenged the parameters of Pop music. 

Are there any new projects in the pipeline?

Always. I’m interested in producing more music similar to Humming Heart. I also love Experimental Jazz and Theatrical Music. I’m writing new music all the time. 

The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself in a few years?

I see myself travelling overseas with a flexible setup for work.

What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?

My favourite is the challenge of it, creatively and strategically. My least favourite part has been navigating how the industry works as someone who has just started releasing music. 

Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.

Hatchie, Empress, Grace Sanders.

The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?

I feel excited about where the industry is at presently. Creating music and a world around what I do is what I love most. I have the capacity to do this and use the internet to share what I’m doing! Social media can be a great source of distraction, however it is also an amazing platform to share work that I’m proud of.

How will you continue appealing to the international market?

Interesting question. Artistically I have confidence in what I am doing and think this will speak to many markets. Exposure is probably the key at this point in terms of reaching and engaging with the international market.

Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?

I am more of a solitary person with my music I’ve got to say! Anthony Farrugia who plays guitar on Humming Heart is one of the only people I feel really comfortable playing and collaborating with. He is an extraordinarily talented guitarist. I have collaborated with Lewis Moody quite a lot in different projects. He has an amazing capacity to arrange music and play Jazz piano. Wish list hmmm I’d love to collaborate with Caroline Polachek, learn about her production process, know more about her opera training and favourite literature . .

What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I think of love a second time I think.. Find a love of what you’re doing within yourself and good things will unfold for you!

A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?

I love conversations. Message me on Instagram!

Any last words?

Never stop being curious!

Facebook: Emily Victoria

Instagram: @emvictoria___