Emerald B
Interview conducted February 26, 2021
By Dan Locke
Emerald B is an up and coming 15 year old singer/songwriter, dancer, musician, and positive influencer from Canada who strives to inspire others. She has performed at many venues across Southern Ontario, and toured in 4 cities in the U.S. both as a solo artist and as part of a six member Juno Nominated all girl pop group (Girl Pow-R). Emma’s music is inspired by the emotional pain and depression she went through in the past year. Her goal is to help and guide others who deal with any kind of struggle or mental illness. She is currently working with Cydney London (Vocal Coach), Jan Jansen (Record Label, Producer) , Cleveland Sound Lab (Producer, Recording Studio), Brian Melo (Mentor, writer and winner of Canadian Idol!), and Ian Smith (Recording Studio and producer). Stay positive, inspired, confident and strong!
You are a singer/songwriter, dancer, musician and positive influence. What is your upbringing?
My parents, family and friends have always been very supportive of me, helpful, and very encouraging. If it wasnât for them I wouldnât be where I am today.
How do you help other to deal with different kinds of struggle and mental illness?
I write music about my struggles, I promote mental health on live streams and my goal is to help others. I always tell people that if they need someone to talk to, my messages are always open.
How did you discover music?
Hannah Montana! When I was little I always listened and watched Hannah Montana, and I even had the microphone and blonde wig!!
How did you start to write music?
When I got to the age of 13 I decided that if I wanted to improve and gain supporters I should learn how to write and start to create original music. So I took some courses with Girl Pow-R and wrote my first song âRising Upâ.
Describe your music.
My music has a pop and indie vibe. I like to perform all styles and genres, and the lyrics I like to write are always inspirational in a way.
What was your first performance at like?
My first performance was at a recital where I took vocal lessons. When I listen back to it I can see how nervous I was and how much my voice has matured.
You have done many different talent contest over the years. Do you think they help an artist?
Yes! This is the number one thing that can help you as an artist. It helped me to make new friends, gain performance experience, gain confidence, and learn new things!
How did you discover Jan Jansen? (note: Emma has left BluePurple Records and Jan Jansen Music)Â
He actually discovered me! I posted a video of me performing at Hidden Talent Canada and he found me on Instagram. He knew I was a young artist and he helped me release my first original song and he has helped me with everything!
What makes a good songwriter?
Using your mind, and always working hard to find new ideas everywhere you go.
What is the process of writing your music?
I work with two songwriters, Brian Melo from Hamilton and Paul Stephens from Nashville. We have a songwriting session every week and usually, Brian comes up with a melody then we just collaborate and write on FaceTime!
Do you belong to any to songwritersâ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I am member of the copyright organization SOCAN (Canada and World) and for the US I am a member of BMI
How did you become a member of the Juno Nominated all girl pop group Girl-Pow-R?
I saw an Instagram post about the band and went to go see them. At the time, I was very shy and was scared to dance or take a picture with them. But I decided to audition and gained so much confidence and experience.
Tell me about your first original song âRising Upâ and the making of it?
So, we actually started this one with the track that Jan (@janjansenmusic) made. Then I wrote some inspirational lyrics to it. After I recorded it, we made the video on our phones! We got dancers from my studio to be in and skaters in Australia sent in videos that I used!
Tell me about the making of âStronger than Yesterday First Social Distance Flash Mobâ
This project was for Red Cross Canada and we had to learn new and harder choreography than usual, so we rehearsed at home a lot and in the dance studio. The day of filming was so great and a great experience. There were drones too! Also, 2 of Girl Pow-Râs original songs were featured!
Tell me about âEqualâ?
Equal was written for a competition called Arts Of August where all types of art were featured. I decided to write about what was happening in the world currently and during this time the #BlackLivesMatter Movement started. So I wrote about how we are all equal, unique, and how discrimination of any kind is not okay.
You just released âMary Did You Knowâ, as your Christmas song. Why did you pick that one?
The reason I picked this song is that it is written about what Christmas is really about. Not about presents and money, it’s about religion and just being with family during the season.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I stay healthy by making sure to always warm up before I sing, drink teas, drink lots of water, and by staying active.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I enjoy supporting other artists and listening to new music, so I love streaming music.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Digital because more people use it and it is easier and cheaper to access.
What was Pumpkin Prowl?
Pumpkin Prowl is a Halloween event that is meant to provide an alternative Halloween for separated families where one parent or family member would not otherwise be scheduled to see the children on Halloween. It has also benefited family members who are scheduled to work Halloween evening or have other prior commitments that night. I loved performing and I will definitely continue this event.
What song from the past is in your mind right now?
Fight Song by Rachel Platten Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you? During hard times, like the Covid-19, this song talks about staying strong and being a fighter!
Both (Pfizer and BioNTech) and Moderna have conclude Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the both vaccine, it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
I think probably 75% of people will get the vaccine because there are some who are against it. I think and hope that nobody will forget about the second shot because of doctor reminders and an appointment.
How long before the whole world will be vaccinate against the virus? You have to remember there only has to be a 70% for Herd immunity (Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected â not just those who are immune.)
I think by next winter 2022 hopefully everyone will be vaccinated.
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Yes. It is definitely effecting the live performances, auditions, competitions and opportunities. But, there has been so many great online shows and auditions and if we be creative we can think of great ways to keep the music business going.
During the self-quarantine, I see that you have been doing cooking on line. How did you discovered you could do that?
Well I love sweets and baking so when I was in quarantine I got really bored and just decided to bake and sing for people on a live stream! People seemed to enjoy so I made a series of it on Instagram.
I see that you did We are the World. How did you get involved with that project?
Someone contacted me on Facebook to be apart of the project and I said âof courseâ. He then sent me the track and I sang along to it and sent him the vocals. The project turned out so good and there were so many people form all over the world.
How was it be the youngest artist on #MarzGarage?
It was great! I got to perform during Covid and be featured on Youtube. I performed my songs and shared my positive messages as usual đ
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who donât have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I have been using Netflix and Youtube. The only time I watch TV is when my parents have it on and weâre watching something random.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for âcommercial or non-personalâ purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users âmay not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience [âŠ] This will includes [Facebook] Live,â and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
It will definitely be different but at least we still have YouTube, Instagram and other ways to stream and share music.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Continue to keep posting and stay active with your fans. Stream weekly and engage as much as possible.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
That would be super cool! I wanna do it!
If you canât do music what would you like to be doing?
Acting!! I have been doing many self tapes and auditions and its something Iâm really interested in.
What is your happy place?
Jamaica!!! Iâve been there twice and it is my favourite place to go. Itâs so sunny and friendly.
Why do you call your fans âgemsâ?
I call my fans gems because my stage name is Emerald B. Emerald is a beautiful green gem. You guys also shine and are amazing, so you remind me of gems đ
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Stay safe, healthy, happy and never give up!
