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How do we trust ourselves as artists? How do we trust our art? How do we build the confident audacity necessary to make the music we want to make and share it? How do we beat Imposter Syndrome and say something meaningful as songwriters?
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Austen of A Joke and the Old Folk's Home to chat about the inspiration for his song, "Irish Goodbye," which is the first in a series of songs about learning to trust and believe in yourself. Austen shares some of his remedies for Imposter Syndrome and discusses how his investments in his own artistry have increased. He also talks about how his creative process is messy and different every time--and why that's okay.
To learn more about A Joke and the Old Folk's Home, or to follow the project's musical journey, follow Austen on Instagram or stream songs like "Irish Goodbye" on Spotify.
How do you know which language best fits a song? How do you keep your saddest stories from sounding too depressing? Where do you go for sonic inspiration?
AMANDA tackles these questions and more as she sits down with Emmeline to discuss her brand new song, "Medio Oeste." They talk about the importance of pulling the right producers on board, how one riff can transform a track, and why songwriters are so tempted to tell stories that seem a smidge melancholy. Plus, hear them geek out over their favorite 90s musicians!
To learn more about AMANDA, or to follow her musical journey, make sure to find her on Instagram. For more episodes of Journey of a Song, Emmeline's other show, make sure you're subscribed to Journey of a Song on all of your favorite podcasting platforms, or visit here.
In "Requiem," a deeply personal composition about the struggles involved in chronic pain and mental health, singer-songwriter Ren deviates from her normal fare of witty one-liners, puns, and clever analogies to offer a passionately vulnerable glimpse into a different side of her life--one to which she's learned other people can relate. Because music can be delightful, fun, and truthful, all at the same time!
In this episode, Emmeline and Ren chat openly about mental health struggles, songwriting as a form of self-medication, and the challenge of being uncomfortably honest in music. Ren shares the surprise that came with having her "sad song" accepted into a festival, and she explores the disease of productivity that often keeps us from giving ourselves the very thing we need most: REST. Emmeline and Ren also talk about how we can stay busy and stay motivated at the same time--and why that line is especially hard for creative professionals to walk!
To learn more about Ren, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website or follow her on Instagram.
"How I wished to be your hero; I wanted to lean into it."
Sometimes, the best and most meaningful songs are borne from the darkest places. If we give ourselves space and time to process, the words often find us.
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Blake and Rosie from DFW-based alternative band MKN Coffee to talk about the band's new single, "Hero." The song is especially personal for Blake, who wrote it about one of the hardest moments of his life. He shares what ultimately inspired him to pen the song, how one riff made the words come to life, and how the music has brought some miracles with it. Plus, hear Emmeline and the band talk about their mutual love of 90s rock.
Sometimes, a song starts with a single image or a single line that grows into something much bigger and clearer.
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Dallas-based singer-songwriter Jacy Penland to talk about her new single, "Sip Your Coffee Slow." Jacy talks about the discipline of being a songwriter, about how quickly the concept of sipping one's coffee slowly turned into a full song, and about how collaboration and trust with other artists have fueled her songwriting journey so far. Emmeline and Jacy also talk about the challenges of writing and stacking harmonies in folk music!
To learn more about Jacy Penland, or to follow her musical journey, follow her on Instagram or Facebook.
Not all songs have to be serious. Not all songs have to be deeply probing--but they might be unintentionally!
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with dedicated musician and open mic host Will Stegall (A.K.A. Wild Man Willy) to talk about the surprising origins of his brand new rock song, "Dead Ahead." Thrashing guitars and thoughtfully produced vocals lend this track an air of reflection and soul-searching, but Will talks about the real inspiration behind its writing.
Emmeline and Will chat about the importance of community in songwriting, the necessity of open mics as a springboard for a career in music, and why, sometimes, you need a friend to say, "Hey, this song needs to be recorded!" before you consider jumping into the studio. They also bond over their mutual love of stop animation and creative music videos!
"Don’t be slow to bring your wounds to the salt and to the sun."
How do we strike a balance between being open-hearted and preserving our sense of self? Between being hardworking and being present? Between being intentional and being receptive?
In "Wandering One," Fort Worth-based folk artist Mollie Danel seeks to tackle these questions and more, offering the wisdom she's acquired about how to hold onto herself in a world that constantly seeks more permeable skin. In this episode, Mollie and Emmeline talk about the creative process that brought "Wandering One" into the world, from its beginnings on Mollie's guitar to its moments in the studio with her producer, Paul Demer. They also talk about how great artists influence a songwriter's musical journey, and how there's no wrong way to write a song--even if it takes years. Mollie even discusses how collaboration helped to start and continues to inspire her creative journey--from music to visual art with the "Wandering One" cover.
To learn more about Mollie Danel, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website, follow her on Instagram, and check out her tunes on Bandcamp.
We all know that music can be healing. Music can be reflective. Music can help us mark transformational chapters in our lives--and document our perspective as it changes. In the beautiful track, "La Última Vez," AMANDA reminds us of all this and more.
In this episode, AMANDA sits down with Emmeline to talk about creating music as a form of catharsis, songwriting in Spanish, and finding the language of her heart. She also shares the process by which she found her true voice as a songwriter--and talks about how writing helped her through the ending of an important relationship and into the beginning of a brand new musical era. They also talk about their mutual love for Opening Bell Coffee, acoustic covers, and deep, emotional music.
To learn more about AMANDA, or to follow her musical journey, follow her on Instagram.
How do we cope with loneliness? How do we build community? In a world where we feel like we don't fit in, how do we go about finding our people, our tribe? And what do we do while we're searching?
In "Asylum," the debut single from young singer-songwriter Aubrey Riddle, Aubrey tackles these questions in a thoughtful, resonant, piano-accompanied reflection on the impact of isolation. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Aubrey (live and in person!) to talk about walking away from toxic situations, giving yourself grace when you don't fit in, finding chosen family, and what comes next when we finally set good boundaries for ourselves. They also talk about theater and the healing power of horses!
To learn more about Aubrey Riddle, or to follow her musical journey, find her on Instagram or stream her songs on Spotify.
"I want to cut you with my loveliest knife, feel your insides, see what they're about."
Music. Love. Obsession. Perfectionism. Crunchy chords. Jazz school.
At the intersection of all of these things, the indie project Honin was born, and the song "Loveliest" arrived in an ethereal sonic cloud.
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Honin, an alumna of the prestigious University of North Texas Jazz Vocal program. Honin talks about creating with a vibe in mind, allowing curiosity to guide your art, gravitating toward resonance that feels good, and making every live show a little bit different. She and Emmeline also talk about the importance of collaboration between women in the music industry and why it's so cool that everyone's musical influences are a little bit different.
See Honin's homemade lyric video for "Loveliest" here. To learn more about Honin, or to follow her musical journey, follow her on Instagram or stream her music on Spotify.
"Always said that I'd get out; well, I'm a lot older now."
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Dallas-based singer-songwriter Stephen Like. He shares his beautiful ode to nostalgia, “Pass Through Town,” and indulges Emmeline in a discussion of how the “good old days” looked for him and how the idea of retrospection inspired many of the songs on his upcoming EP. He also shares a bit about his upbringing and his unconventional path to recording music. If you’re looking for encouragement as a songwriter, this is a great episode for you! It's never too late to start writing!
"I know that you were kind, and that's more than some can say about their lives."
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with the talented Christine Hand to talk about about her beautiful song, "Brother." They talk about the intricacies of grief, the weight of "supposed to," the way songwriting can help us process things that don't make sense, and how--sometimes--the hardest songs to write are the most important and impactful to share. Christine also shares about how mining one's life for song content can be both an intentional and an unintentional process.
To learn more about Christine Hand, or to follow her musical journey, please visit her official website or follow her on Facebook!
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Dallas-based singer-songwriter Jeffrey Michael Widman (again!) to get honest and vulnerable about mental health, simplicity in songwriting, and the value of honesty in meaningful art. They also geek out about their mutual love for Matt Nathanson as a songwriter, and Emmeline continues her mission to make sure that everyone in the world knows about the phenomenal Ani DiFranco. Lastly, Jeffrey talks about the importance of music in tandem with therapy as a way to make one's way in the world.
To learn more about Jeffrey Michael Widman, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.
Sometimes, the most beautiful songs are the simplest, most honest songs. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Georgia-based singer-songwriter and poet Thomas Hinds to talk about his sweet love song, "Favorite Hello." Thomas shares the evolution of the song from 4/4 to 6/8 time and even gives us an exclusive glimpse at two separate recordings!
Emmeline and Thomas also discuss the importance of vulnerability in songwriting, the sacred bond between artist and audience, and how every song is ultimately a conversation that helps the art evolve.
To learn more about Thomas Hinds, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website.
Is love an impossible endeavor in a largely digital age? How can we "level up" in a world that seems to suggest that finding a romantic connection is all about playing games? Can a songwriter keep a theme consistent through an entire 3-minute song?
Dallas-based singer-songwriter Ren tackles these questions and more in the latest episode of Journey of a Song, featuring her song, "GameBoy"! She sits down with Emmeline to discuss their mutual love of wordplay; how "GameBoy" is an ode to her gamer days; and how, when we play games with others, we often end up playing ourselves. Ren and Emmeline also chat about the importance of live shows and open mics for songwriters, and about how difficult it can be to keep the spark of creative passion alive while working an evening job!
To learn more about Ren, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website or check her out on Instagram.
"You're bruised, you're hurt, but you put it on me."
How do you find the courage to identify and walk away from a toxic situation? Does every song have romantic undercurrents? How vulnerable is TOO vulnerable in songwriting?
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with the phenomenal R&B songstress Rosy L to tackle these questions and more. They also discuss their shared love of live music--especially intimate, acoustic shows--and why the moments after a show are as magical as the moments during a show.
To learn more about Rosy L, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website, find her on Spotify, or follow her on Instagram.
"Tired of running for the heights and always wasting what is mine."
How long should we "put in our dues"? How much sacrifice is good sacrifice, and when does self-sacrifice become toxic?
In this episode, through the lens of singer-songwriter Carly Carroll's beautiful debut single, "Until It Goes Away," Emmeline and Carly tackle these questions and more. Carly (an alumna of Journey of an Artist)talks about taking risks in her career and how her new song served as internal motivation to make some hard choices. She also talks about the beauty of alone time, the need for space in one's creative life, and the opportunity to let a song really, truly develop organically.
Emmeline and Carly also chat about being voice teachers and their teaching journeys.
"Take his wounds and mend his heart so he can learn to trust again."
How can we use music to make sense of the things in the world that harm us or others? How can we use music to bring necessary, compassionate awareness to social problems?
Can we do all of this with our music and still make music fun?
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Mason Adams of Mason Adams Project to answer these questions and more. They talk about arts education, the things they've seen as teachers, why music is such an uplifting processing tool, and how songs are great outlets! They also discuss the beauty of live gigs and why every Mason Adams Project show is completely and totally unique!
To learn more about Mason Adams Project, or to follow their musical journey, visit their official website or follow the band on Instagram.
"This year, I'll pay attention to the weather, and feel the wind as it moves through a feather."
Getting older is a real, relatable feeling--but how do we make peace with it? How do we learn to let ourselves off the hook, to worry less and care more, to be less restrictive and more exploratory? As we grow up, how do we keep that feeling of awe and discovery that we had as kids?
In "Through A Feather," Hylan tackles these questions and more from the warm embrace of the ocean in Panama. In this episode, Emmeline and Hylan talk about how feeling small can be the best inspiration. They also talk about revisiting the places we loved as kids, about the importance of therapy for songwriters, and how music can be a place for us to ask the most pressing questions AND make peace with uncertainty. They also talk about their mutual love for the beach--and that super weird adult sensation of turning into your parents.
To learn more about Hylan, or to follow his musical journey, find him on Instagram or listen to his music on Spotify.
"But I can't even ask if you think about me as much as I think about you."
How can you process present absence? How do you handle the ambiguous end of a friendship? Is navigating the loss of someone you love a one-song or multiple-song journey? In her new song, "Think About You," the young, independent, country-folk artist Haven Victoria explores these themes and more!
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Haven for a candid, honest discussion about how we, as songwriters, can and often do use music as catharsis. Haven shares the difficult experience that inspired "Think About You"--and a few other songs on her forthcoming project!--and talks about the misconception that all "breakup" songs are about romance. Emmeline and Haven also talk about the cool, collaborative discoveries that can happen in the studio, the importance of leaning on other musicians to empower you and enhance your music, and the beauty of being able to--over time and with careful attention to detail--turn emotions into ear-worms. They also talk about following your own authentic journey as a songwriter--even if that means that your genre evolves!
To learn more about Haven Victoria, or to follow her musical journey, find her on Instagram or visit her official website.
Which serves a song better: spontaneity or meticulous planning? Straightforward or poetic lyrics? Layers of instrumentation or a sure and steady guitar?
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with independent Latin pop artist Alex O'aiza to tackle these questions and more through the lens of his newest single, "YNMA." Alex shares his collaborative process--and brings his guitarist and dear friend Alex Whitcomb along for the ride! They also talk about prioritizing creative collaboration, cowriting with and without producers, approaching songwriting sessions in different ways, allowing yourself to be exploratory in composition and production, and trusting that--if you show up!--the magic will happen.
For more information about Alex O'aiza, or to follow his musical journey, find him on Instagram and other social media sites as @alex_oaiza.
How far should we go to chase a dream? Do we really need to run away to find ourselves? Where do we belong, and how can we truly find home?
Independent, country-tinged singer-songwriter Paige Hill tackles these questions and more in her beautiful song, "Go West."
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with independent, country-tinged, singer-songwriter Paige Hill to talk about "Go West" and Paige's new album, People & Places. They chat about navigating social expectations, the pressure we put on ourselves as women, the difficulty of letting go of (the illusion of) control, and how music allows us to find our truest feelings and our truest selves. Paige and Emmeline also discover a mutual love for the Enneagram and the divas of the 90s! (We’re looking at you, #WhitneyHouston and #CelineDion!)
To learn more about Paige Hill, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website or follow her on Instagram.
"If I got money every time you're on my mind, I swear I'd have more money than a single dime."
Do lyrics need to rhyme? Can a song be both funny and profound? Is there a right way to build a composition?
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with urban boy band, The Kid Brothers (TKB), to tackle these questions and more through the lens of their brand new single, "Divine." Comprised of Eddie, Shawn, and Sasha, TKB has been releasing fun, dance-able jams since 2021--but the release of "Divine" marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band. They talk about learning instruments from YouTube videos, using social media to connect with fans, and taking performance far more seriously than they take themselves. They also share some of the challenges of writing songs as a collaborative unit, and how they've learned to empower each other and play to each member's strengths. Plus, hear how one groovy bass line can be the beginning of the next summer hit--and why Sabrina Carpenter might be the inspiration behind "Divine."
To learn more about The Kid Brothers, or to follow their musical journey, follow the band on Instagram or check out their official website.
Midway through this episode of Journey of a Song, Cari Smith of Late to the Station leaned back on her stool and said, "The price I was paying internally [not to make music] became too high. I am here for a reason, and if I think this is it, to not do it would be an absolute waste."
Emmeline invites you to scribble that down on a Post-It and tape it to your bathroom mirror to remind yourself that the only life worth living is one about which you're deeply passionate--which is, coincidentally, the root of her conversation with Cari and Paul Smith from the Americana group, Late to the Station.
Here, Cari and Paul deconstruct their groovy jam, "Main Street Strut," as an ode to the genre and to the vocal swagger of legends like Chrissie Hynde. They also talk about their decision to make music professionally as fully grown adults, and all of the gifts music has brought into their lives--from the ability to be open to magic to the chance to fall in love.
To learn more about Late to the Station, or to follow their musical journey, visit their official website and follow them on Instagram.
Can you really package a deep, meaningful message about the perils of conforming to social convention in a slick, spooky Halloween jam? Genre-bending, independent, Denton-based musical artist Brian Lambert says yes.
Back for his second appearance on Journey of a Song, Brian chats with Emmeline about how an exploration of major chords turned into a well-crafted werewolf song with a message about creative empowerment. He also shares some of the lessons from his previous project--in which he wrote and produced one song each week for an entire year--and some of the aspects of the music business with which he's not only come to terms, but to which he's leaned in over the course of the past few months. They also talk about how songwriting inspiration can come from nerdy music theory ideas, and how the different connotations of the term "emotional manipulator" can apply to musicians.
To learn more about Brian Lambert, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website. You can also see the official music video for "Wild" here.
This line was in Dorian Marsh's head from the inception of his collaboration with guitarist Ian Ross Cohen. He liked something about the turn of phrase, something about the concept of elusive, alluring eyes that forced him to proclaim, "I love her so."
Dorian didn't choose to sleep on the idea, though; he leaned into the unknown and went with it.
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with singer-songwriter Dorian Marsh and guitarist Ian Ross Cohen to talk about the collaborative process, the joy of finding like-minded creatives on the internet, and the importance of taking the leap--even when we're scared! Dorian shares the story of how he and Ian connected, and Ian talks about how his confidence in Dorian ultimately helped Dorian to have confidence in himself. The two see "My Abilene Woman" as a stellar example of honesty, vulnerability, and creativity--not without fear, but with fear in the back seat, where it belongs.
They also talk about finding inspiration in all kinds of art, and why genre can be difficult to pin down.
For more information about Dorian Marsh, or to follow his musical journey, find him on Spotify and Instagram. For more information about Ian Ross Cohen, or to follow his musical journey, find him on Spotify or on Instagram. You can listen to their collaborative record, Meeting Place, here.
"If all I have is you, I'd be the richest girl in the room..."
Sometimes, a song starts as a single idea with a slew of metaphors, laid neatly into a note on an iPhone. You don't need more ideas, or better words; you just need a friend to help you pare it down.
For Americana artist Sarah Johnson, that's how her latest single--a love song, just in time for Valentine's Day--began. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Sarah to chat about her brand new song, "Lovinaires®." They talk about the different kinds of love that the song represents to Sarah, from love of audience and love of music to the more complicated love of life as a creative professional. Sarah shares the triumphs and struggles that she's faced in her intentional choice to pursue visual art and music and talks about the daily journey of making peace with those decisions. The ladies also talk about the terrifying joy of cowriting a song, the beauty in good collaborators, and the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses as an artist!
To learn more about Sarah Johnson, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website or follow her on Instagram.
How can we move through grief? How can we honor our lost loved ones without allowing ourselves to be consumed by the past? How can we hold space for the memory of those we've lost and allow ourselves to live full, joyful, and meaningful lives?
For indie rock artist Chloe Clemente, the struggle to answer these questions manifested in the powerful "Love Letters to the Dead." In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Chloe and her guitarist Joseph Lacy to talk about how Chloe turned a few chords and the tendency to dwell into a song about leaving in the past what is no longer meant for us. Chloe shares the deeply personal story behind her song, her ongoing mental health journey, and the people and affirmations that allow her to carry the light of her loved ones forward in a positive and meaningful way. We also get to meet Chloe's dog, Tex, and she gives a shout-out to Journey of a Song alum, Brianna Ruelas.
To learn more about Chloe Clemente, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website, or follow her on Instagram.
"We're running fast on streets with cracks in 'em."
How do you grow older gracefully? Can you preserve a bit of childhood as adulthood looms? Can you ever run with childlike abandon as an adult? Does progress always come at a cost?
In "Ms. Clavel," the thoughtful waltz from her new album, Wake, singer-songwriter Katherine Paterson poses these questions and more through the lens of a friendly childhood figure. Using literary allusions to Madeline, a scalar piano line that skips like water over stones, and the repetition of a familiar line--"That's all there is; there isn't anymore"--Katherine evokes the passing of time with a melodic simplicity that would make Joni Mitchell proud.
In this episode, Emmeline and Katherine chat about growing older, holding space for sadness, how one marks the passing of time, and the challenge of painting portraits of the people we become when we're not looking (to borrow a phrase from Elaine Castillo). They also talk about their mutual love for Sondheim and the healing power of music.
For more information about Katherine Paterson, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. You can also pre-save Wake on Spotify.
Inspiration for a song can come from anywhere around us is we stay open and curious. There's also a lot to be said for allowing oneself to surrender to a vibe.
In this episode, innovative songwriter and producer Daniel Candiotta sits down with Emmeline to talk about how the gift of breadsticks one fateful day led him to compose an entire EP. He also discusses his goal of releasing one EP a week--a surefire exercise in home recording, music production, and accountability. Daniel shares how he combats perfectionism and how his experience of the studio and of putting music together has evolved over the years. Plus, hear his hilarious stories about the evolution of his brand new single, "Duck Pond Eyes."
Have you ever wanted something so badly, needed something so badly, that despite your best attempts, the need overtook you? In the atmospheric, immersive "Ikarus," ¿Dónde está Alicia? explores Icarus's narrative from Greek mythology from this perspective of deep yearning.
In this episode, Journey of a Song goes bilingual! Emmeline sits down with Javier Nunez of ¿Dónde está Alicia? to talk about functioning in two languages as a musician, the journey of therapy, and the difficult but rewarding path of self-knowledge. Javier also shares a bit about writing and recording with a band from a distance--from home recording techniques to the unexpected ways in which songs can evolve with outside input!
"Deep in the woods, things aren’t always what they seem..."
Songs might usually have some sort of emotional impetus, some big feeling that catapults them into being--but not all songs start with a feeling. Not all songs are initially borne from that place deep down inside of us that says, "See me. Hear me. Know me."
Some songs start, quite simply, with a prompt.
In this episode, folk and Americana artist Baylist Laramore shares how his eerie, contemplative track, "Flashing Lights," came from the combined influences of a prompt from a writers' group and a book he couldn't put down. Baylis talks about coming to songwriting later in life, about the importance of finding a songwriting community, and how writing prompts and musical friendships have inspired him to keep writing, keep singing, and keep creating. He also discusses the beauty of the Kerrville Folk Festival!
The best thing about songwriting is that it's honest. When we dig deep down to write from an authentic emotional place, songwriting always tells us the truth. Sometimes, it helps us find elusive truths.
In Episode #36 of Journey of an Artist, Tony Mendoza shared the beautiful story of the magical love he shared with his wife, Angela. In this episode of Journey of a Song, Tony shares the song he wrote for Angela to commemorate their love story. He talks with Emmeline about how, when he began songwriting as a form of processing his grief, he expected to write sad songs...but the more he wrote, the more he realized Jamie Anderson's truth that, "Grief is just love with no place to go."
To learn more about Angela and Tony and their story, or to contribute to the scholarship fund in Angela's honor, please visit the official page for Angela's book, Dear Friends and Family. All proceeds from the sales, downloads, and streams of "Why I Love You" go directly to fund the next scholarship in Angela's name.
"I think I'll cancel my plans today, so I can drive and see your face."
Sometimes, a song starts with a line. Sometimes, it starts with a melody. For Dallas-based singer-songwriter Remy Reilly, "What Do Ya Know" started with a vibe.
She knew the sound she wanted, and she knew the collaborator she wanted: Jonathan Tyler of Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights. The two spent an afternoon in the studio trying to capture a dreamy, feel-good summer vibe and left with one verse in their pockets.
Remy wrote the rest of the song on the car ride to that night's gig.
In this episode, Emmeline and Remy talk about finding inspiration for new compositions, cowriting, the influence playing live can have on a songwriter, and much, much more! Plus, hear a cameo from Remy's pet parrot!
Maybe you need some encouragement. Maybe you need someone to remind you that you're not defined by your insecurities. Maybe you need to take a deep breath, screw up your courage, and invest in yourself.
In her moments of doubt, Chloe Clemente wrote "Angels Cry"--and she wants her new single to be your motivation to become your best self.
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Chloe to talk about investing in self, the importance of education, the beauty of a supportive community, and the essential nature of vulnerability in music. Chloe shares the almost supernatural process by which "Angels Cry" was written and talks about how it chronicles her journey through depression. Emmeline and Chloe also discuss their mutual love of dogs--and how Chloe's dog accidentally made it into the final cut of "Angels Cry"!
"Somehow I don't think you'll ever love anyone but you."
How can you combine caustic wit and heartfelt honesty in a song? What do you do when you've got a story without a chorus? Can you write an authentic and meaningful song to a prompt?
Douglas Allen has these answers and more.
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Douglas Allen to discuss his post-relationship anthem, "The Breakup." Douglas shares the story behind the song, talks about song form, and discusses the importance of leaning into the mood each song presents. Emmeline and Douglas also talk about how the meaning of a song can change for the artist over time, and why interaction with listeners means so very much to songwriters.
"I keep finding pieces below the surface, working their way out."
We're all searching for purpose. We're all desperate for meaning.
In "Hattertown Road," Austin-based songwriter Kris Schultz articulates that yearning and shares how beautiful it can be to be given the space to search. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Kris to talk about how some songs depict familial relationships, how presence really can be the most beautiful gift, how the voice memos we send to ourselves often hold all of the secrets of songwriting, and how it's never too late to start songwriting!
They also share their PTSD moments from COVID and discuss different methods and timelines for song production.
"What is it like to know it’s okay if you go slow?"
What does anxiety feel like? What does it sound like?
When is it over?
In "Until Home," Alyssa Gillen tackles these questions and more, writing in a very personal way about the effort we make to be put together, socially acceptable, and productive.
In this episode, Emmeline and Alyssa talk about persistent melodic ideas, the organic way songs grow over time, and and how music gives us space to be ourselves. They also discuss social programming, how to function honestly and healthfully in an achievement-driven society, and why perfectionism is a thing we should all leave behind ASAP. They even share a mutual love for Dr. Bessel van der Kolk's amazing book, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
To learn more about Alyssa Gillen, or to follow her musical journey, visit her Linktree. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song official Spotify playlist.
"What am I supposed to do when you look at me like that, like you know my whole life and you still want to hear it?"
Have you ever had feelings that you weren't sure were requited? Have you ever been reluctantly drawn to a relationship that broke you wide open?
In "American Denim," songwriter Sam Cormier seeks to navigate those feelings with innovative, open guitar tunings and sweeping melodic lines. Using layered harmonies and minimal production to capture the feeling of a live performance, Sam aims for a musical snapshot of the wild uncertainty of a crush and the reckless rush of attraction.
In this episode, Sam and Emmeline talk about the importance of growing into a lyrical idea and waiting for one's life to catch up to the thoughts within a forming song. They also talk about the freedom of open chords and tunings on acoustic guitar, the impossibly beautiful challenge of telling the truth in songs, and why fast driving is such a delicious endeavor. Emmeline references Ani DiFranco's "Falling is Like This," and Sam talks about taking musical ownership of his identity as a gay man. He also shares how the scariness of navigating a queer identity can add an extra layer of risk to a potential relationship.
We humans are complex, messy creatures, and all of these feelings can co-exist in us. In "Bloom," the mandolin-driven title track from her debut EP, singer-songwriter Katherine Paterson seeks to give voice to all of these warring emotions in a sparse, stark Americana jam that ends in a celtic barn dance.
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Katherine to talk about how disappointing relationships can still help us grow and why it's so important to give ourselves space and permission as creatives. Katherine shares the story of a powerful creative retreat, confesses her love for gardening, and discusses her enthusiasm for stringed instruments. The two also chat at length about...Sondheim's Into the Woods? (Hey, if you know, you know!)
What makes a home? A sense of peace and security? The presence of people we love? Delicious solitude?
How can we find our own home? Better yet, how can we build our home?
Along with her talented band, The Morning Dew, Austin-based singer-songwriter Melissa Gail Klein explores these questions in "Home," the title track from her upcoming album. A meditative banjo player and a compelling vocalist, Melissa uses the ethereal timbre of both her instruments to contemplate the spiritual journey of home and the ways in which we might be able to provide peace for each other.
In this episode, Melissa and Emmeline talk about the mysterious songwriting process and the sense of being a conduit for earth's greater truths. They also discuss the importance of finding one's own unique path, the sense of connection that music brings, and why songs sometimes become their truest selves at a live show. Melissa also shares why she's most inspired by singing about the lighter parts of the human condition.
How often do we tell ourselves to keep it together, to keep a stiff upper lip, or to hide our true feelings? How often do we shame ourselves rather than allow ourselves to get vulnerable and seek connection?
In this episode, Emmeline sits down with singer-songwriter Jeffrey Michael Widman to talk about the raw, honest space from which he wrote his latest single, "Good Cry." They talk about the challenge of mental health during and after COVID, how to stay connected to one's creativity in the music industry, and why the quest for self-knowledge can be the most reliable source of inspiration for songs. they also talk about the double-edged sword of social media and the glory of 90s music!
"I guess I know why we romanticize Bonnie & Clyde."
Music heals.
How many times has a song helped you through something difficult? How many times has a song made you feel a bit more understood and a little bit less alone? How many times has a song been the voice for an emotion you didn't even know you were feeling?
With rich harmonies, a driving guitar, and a deceptively cheerful chorus, "Bonnie & Clyde" is one of the songs that helped singer-songwriter Alexandra heal after a difficult period of reevaluation in her life. In this episode, Alexandra sits down with Emmeline to talk about music as medicine, songwriting as catharsis, and the importance of learning to sit in silence with your messy parts until you can navigate and make peace with them.
They also discuss the challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and what people don't talk about when they talk about why everyone loves a bad boy.
"You don't know what it took from me to break down my walls."
What does real love look like? How do the people we love treat us as we evolve? What can their support afford us? What can it cost?
In her new single, "Pretend Love," Glitter seeks to answer some of these questions--and to challenge the audience to evaluate and reflect on its own love stories. In this episode, Glitter sits down with Emmeline to talk about the organic process of writing "Pretend Love," and how the song ultimately became the catalyst for her new project. She explores the decisions made in the studio to create a sense of new and of familiarity. She also discusses the courageous process of evolution and the difficulty of listening to our own inner voice above any external pressure.
For more information about Glitter, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. You can also check out the music video for "Pretend Love" here. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes with the Journey of a Song official Spotify playlist.
Do we have to grow colder as we grow older? How can we continue to evolve instead of letting adulthood cause us to devolve? When do we start letting life live us instead of living our lives?
In "Restart," Xavier Bernazard seeks to tackle these questions with slick steel drums and passionate vocals. In this episode, Xavier--an artist who identifies as both Latinx and as part of the LGBTQIA+ community--sits down with Emmeline to talk about the choices we make as we age, the circumstances that can force our hands off the steering wheel of our lives, and how we're never really done creating ourselves. They also talk about their mutual love for Paramore (especially the songs "26" and "Grow Up") and their intention to have a crying party--because emotions are important! Lastly, they discuss the process of infusing every step of a recording with authenticity, emotion, and narrative.
Maintaining our mental health is a journey, filled with ups and downs. Sometimes, we find a supportive and encouraging environment in which to grow. Sometimes, our choices are criticized and mocked, and we begin a downward spiral of self-doubt. If you struggle with mental health--or if you're just navigating the messiness of being human--this episode is for you!
In "Howling at the Moon," CD Barclay tackles the complex topic of self-acceptance. In this episode, he sits down with Emmeline to talk about the mental health challenges he's been facing and how they inspired his reflective folk song. He also talks about why it's important for us to talk kindly to ourselves, why the most important thing we can say to naysayers is "I don't care," and why we all find it so hard to give ourselves permission to be unfinished. They also talk about their mutual love for harmony, and how
Did COVID derail your journey as an artist? Did you struggle with depression? Were you anxious about how your career or your passion might change shape?
In this episode, Brian Lambert talks about "We Are Okay," the song that details his journey from depression to triumph. He gets candid about how he turned his uncertainty surrounding the pandemic into a 52-week production challenge, which he's used as motivation to produce one new song each week for the last year. He and Emmeline also discuss finding inspiration in setbacks, allowing oneself to get vulnerable in songwriting, the importance of community in music, and communicating effectively about one's music with potential fans.
Do you need some encouragement? Does self-doubt ever keep you from chasing your dreams? Brianna Ruelas's new song, "Thieves," is exactly the anthem you need.
In this episode, Brianna shares how the song she wrote to encourage herself became a song she could send to encourage others. Brianna and Emmeline also talk about stepping into our own power, allowing ourselves to dream, challenging ourselves to be authentic, and the importance of giving ourselves permission to be served. They also discuss their mutual obsession with P!nk.
"I stayed up all night to make this mixtape right."
Do you remember the days of perfecting the perfect playlist? Are there songs that take you back to high school, or middle school, or college? Did you ever make the perfect mixtape for a crush?
In "Midnight Radio," Nicholas Altobelli harnesses the nostalgia of what the playlist used to be, recalling the harrowing moments by the radio waiting for one's favorite song and reminiscing about the days when one's IM away message was just a series of deep, profound song lyrics. In this episode, Emmeline and Nicholas talk about the simplicity of songwriting, the importance of listening to music when making music, and how the bands we love shape the people we become. They also take a trip down Millennial memory lane!
"If I could only help out somebody other than myself, I'd probably be more inclined to sleep at night."
This crazy year has us all asking a very important, very pervasive question: What is normal?
In this episode, songwriter Quincy Forte (formerly of Ducado Vega and Chasing February) talks about his search for connection and his quest to find his own sense of normal. He shares his popular new song "Perry Normal" amidst a discussion about higher education, marketing, isolation during COVID, and how introspection can fuel meaningful songwriting. He also discusses his decision to keep this acoustic song acoustic in production. If you're searching for connection or struggling to express yourself in these unprecedented times, this episode is for you!