Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Emma Dilemma
THE RELEASE
Emma Dilemma has quickly made a name for herself in the music scene of Aotearoa leaving a lasting impact, with her debut album, SPIT released in 2022. The album received praise. Achieved an impressive #3 position on the official New Zealand Album Charts. In a time where traditional music norms are being discarded Emma Dilemma stands out as a symbol of freedom. Fearlessly pushing boundaries she seamlessly merges music, art, comedy, social activism and politics into a whole. Currently preparing for the Aotearoa tour alongside the Zed, Emma will be performing in her hometown of Christchurch on December 8 at The Church. As she unveils her single Emma Dilemma marks the beginning of an era by promising an exciting range of upcoming releases. This includes a country track, a fusion of nu metal and electronic elements, a hip hop collaboration of Weezer featuring talented global rap artists and an introspective emotional track that deviates from the norm. With her unpredictable style Emma Dilemma continues to defy expectations and offer diverse musical experiences for those who reject limitations.
"Bed All Day" is a fusion of music, blending melodies, grungy guitars and kazoo hooks. It showcases Emma Dilemmas style with a combination of rock and hip hop elements. This playful track presents a contradiction by balancing tones with underlying complexities making it a perfect soundtrack for the modern era. Emma skillfully expresses themes in her lyrics revealing her nature and ability to find humor even in challenging situations. The song explores struggles with darkness, coping mechanisms and the anxiety that arises from neglecting adult responsibilities. Throughout the process the kazoo hook remained an element from its initial conception in a living room demo to the final recording produced at The Milk Bar in Melbourne by Alexander Markwell and Harley Webster. Mixed by Samuel K Sproull, a longstanding collaborator, "Bed All Day" captivates listeners with its distinctive sound.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
1. Michael Jackson - the greatest of all time. I started out as a dancer at the age of 5 who loved singing. MJ was everything to me at that age and beyond. I started learning guitar at age 8 and moved on to rock but he's always been the bluprint of being yourself and pure artistry to me!
2. Hayley Williams (Paramore) - Paramore started the same year that my first band started her in New Zealand and Hayley and I are the same age. To watch the heights she soared to so early was so inspirational and I've always looked sideways (upwards) to her and her consistency.
3. Adam Lazzara (Taking Back Sunday) - this guy taught me how to sing. Enough said. His swagger and attitude. Chefs kiss!
4. My Dad. One of my favourite bands is Steely Dan because i grew up listening to them because they're his favourite band. He encouraged me in to guitar (and right from age 8 was always trying to get me to learn/figure out Walter Becker licks lol). He also has come to every Christchurch (my home town) show I've ever done since I was 14. His enthusiasm and support has always meant so much to me!
Were there any specific challenges or breakthrough moments during the production of your new single that had a significant impact on its final form?
I found a kazoo I'd bought to take to a Biffy Clyro show years ago (they have kazoos in their song Little Hospitals) and started using it at my acoustic shows as a funny way to do guitar solos while I was playing guitar. It really caught on and eventually I ordered my own Emma Dilemma branded ones as merch. The night the first batch arrived I was sitting on my couch havin a go on one and came up with the main kazoo line that drives this whole song! I recorded the demo of it right then and there - within 2 hours I had the whole song mapped out.
Can you share insights into the collaborative process behind the creation of your latest single, including any notable contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers or featured artists?
At the start of the song you can hear me talking - the night I wrote this song I sent a video to my friend who wanted to hang out; showing her I will come over just once I'd finished this demo idea - and thought she could hear the song in the video... but she couldn’t because I had headphones on. Anyway that message I was sending her made it in to the final song. I went and recorded drums, bass and synths properly with my producers Le Sauvage in Melbourne, Australia about 8 months later! I finished it up at home recording the vocals myself.
Can you articulate the impact or impression you hope your new song leaves on listeners long after they've experienced it for the first time?
I hope they just have fun listening to it and remember not to take life too seriously! We're all killing it and we're all fucking up. It all comes out in the wash.
Looking ahead, how does the release of this single pave the way for future projects, and are there any hints or clues about the direction your music might take in the coming months?
Ha! It doesn't. I consider myself post-genre so I feel like my fans never know what to expect from me with genre or sound - but they can always expect fun.
KEEP UP WITH EMMA DILEMMA BELOW:
