Emily Brimlow is a a soul singer, songwriter originally from BC, Canada, now living in Huntington Beach, California
Interview conducted on November 20, 2020
Dan Locke
Emily Brimlow she began her career singing with an awesome band in Australia, on a tour. She believed that music is the universal language of love that connects people regardless of their personal history, experiences or beliefs. Performing and sharing music is her way of bringing all different types of people together. Her joy in performing is gathering people and creating an experience that’s never happened before
You are originally from British Columbia. What was your upbringing like?
I had a pretty chill childhood, grew up in a town called Cloverdale, my parents divorced when I was in grade 1 and I spent more time with my mom. It was just me and my brother growing up. My mom was really adventurous, so we were always outside, camping, skiing, hiking, and traveling. And my dad was more of a homebody and taught me a lot about music.
You’ve been singing and playing the guitar at the family shindigs under the tutelage of your family. Your dad was an accomplished musician. Tell me about him?
My Dad was a drummer in an 80’s rock band called trooper, he toured all over Canada. Then we started putting out his own records, around the same time he married my mom and had my brother Joey and me. He couldn’t read music, but he taught himself piano, drums, and guitar by ear, he is quite a brilliant guy. He actually has an album out right now called “No Particular Set of Rules” – Ronnie Baran. It’s a country album 🙂
What is your guitar of choice?
Martin.
Make, model and year. And does it have a name?
1967 acoustic martin guitar.
How / when did you discover music?
I think I was around five years old when I discovered the love I have for music; my family would gather around the campfire (real hippy shit lol) and I would sit next to my aunt and listen to her harmonies with my dad and try to mimic her. Music brought my whole family together and I was very young when I discovered the magic of that.
When did you start to write music?
When I was in grade 10.
Describe your music in one sentence.
A taste of honey.
When did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
I wish I still had it. It was a cheap mini guitar my dad had bought for my brother when he was nine and I adopted it years later.
Do you remember your first live performance – What was it like?
Yes, and it was terrifying. It was our high school’s talent contest and you had to audition acapella in front of the whole school. I sang “Jealous Guy” by Donny Hathaway. My legs were shaking so badly I could barely stand, and I had to restart the song because I was so nervous. Best thing I ever did.
What do you think makes a good songwriter?
Authenticity, and originality. I love when songs are about the simplest thing, but the songwriter has found a unique avenue to go about saying it as if you’re hearing the subject for the first time.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association?
Not that I believe, no, but I did enter the American singer songwriter contest this year 🙂
How was it to tour in Australia?
Very hot and sweaty haha. And absolutely incredible. I toured in the outback a lot and the people there are the kindest humans.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record and release it?
I wrote my first song when I was in grade 10. It was called “let’s get high” haha! 1st verse was “let’s get high, like a butterfly, let’s get high” and it goes on. And no, I never recorded or released that one, it was more like a joke, my friends and I wrote it stoned. And I think I forgot the lyrics the next day lol
Tell me about your song “Misfits”?
Misfits is a melodic account of my earliest memories of Nathan. We met on Instagram and chatted for a couple weeks, then a few months later got married.
My dad had only met Nathan one time. Most people thought it was insane, but honestly when you know you know. It felt like my crazy finally met another
crazy. And that’s what the song is about, young reckless love 🙂
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Very good question… it’s hard. I’ve only been on two major tours around America so far, so I’ve only just dipped my feet in the water. For me, the biggest thing was sleep. And limiting yourself from the parties after the shows. It’s nice to also do yoga and meditate when you can.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I love it and also hate it. There was something really magical back in the day, when your record came out you had to go and tour it and sell your CDs. It was gritty and tough that way. The beauty is nowadays you can make a record in your bedroom and the same day you release the song; it could go viral. So, it seems like there’s more opportunity that way.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I guess digital.. But if i had a proper record player then I would probably say vinyl.
What song from the past is on your mind right now?
Billie holiday – easy living
Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
That song brings ease to my soul, it makes me feel like everything is going to be ok.
You were on tour at the time the virus hit. What did you think at that time about the virus and where live music was headed?
I had no idea how serious it was. And had no idea it would end up like this. I knew there was a virus, but somehow me and my privileged brain thought I wouldn’t be affected. I thought it would come ago like wind. And now here we are eight months later..
How is it to live in a van?!
Yes! it’s the greatest, actually at the moment we have it parked up here in Washington because we are staying with Nathan’s family on their farm. We wanted a place to stay while we build out our van even more to look like an apartment hehe.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Hopefully things will eventually go back to normal. But that probably won’t happen for a long time. I do think shows and tours will pop back up in the new year, and all the concert goers will have to get screened before coming to the venue or something like that.
Do you think this would be a good time to re-record your song “Information Super Highway”?
Yes, I do! I’m in the middle of recording a whole EP, in my bedroom actually and that’s one of the next songs I’m going to record 🙂
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
So muuuuuch. I’ve actually loved this time of quarantine. Nathan and I traveled a lot at first in our van. We spent a month in Arizona, recorded some music in Nashville, hung out in Cali and then went to Canada to visit family. And in the day to day living. I’m always working on music. Either writing, or recording, other than that I’ve been working out, surfing, playing volleyball, making good food, going on hikes, and reading books. I really am not a bored person. If anything, I have too many things I want to do. I started the whole Harry Potter series, and I think that’s my secret addiction next to chocolate.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Yes… reading. Hehe. I forgot how lost I can get in a book.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Are you planning to do one soon?
When my new single “Nickel” comes on December 4th, I’ll be sure to do a digital concert. So, stay tuned 🙂
How have you been keeping your fans engaged without being able to play live in front of them, sell merch etc?
I’ve been releasing new music. And yes, I came out with a new line of merch as well 🙂 It’s on my website. www.Emilybrimlowmusic.com
If you weren’t in the music industry, what would you like to be doing?
I’d like to have a farm and live by the ocean. And just be with animals all day.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
The greatest gift in life is failure 🙂
