Having released her debut EP Same Stuff last year, Bristol-based artist Emily Magpie is set to share her forthcoming single The Witching Hour on 26th May 2017.
The Witching Hour is inspired by the power of feminine energy, written after reading a book about the witch trials; “it’s a song about claiming your own power deep from within you”. Soaring with the rich passion of Magpie’s smooth, distinctive vocals alongside glitchy, pulsating beats, the single is an eerily majestic creation. It flows effortlessly with twinkling ukulele melodies juxtaposed against a soaring electronic soundscape, creating a dreamy, ambient insight into what Magpie is capable of. Fans of Tei Shi and Maggie Rogers will feel at home here.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Emily about her influences, her listening preferences, the new project, navigating the digital age and much more.
Full Q&A along with links and streams available below.
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Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I’m a bit of space cadet… I love disappearing into different worlds inside my head and different layers of reality. So I’ve always gravitated towards music that does that for me, and when I started creating music it couldn’t have been any other vibe. For me music is exploring the ineffable, spiritual and existential and bringing that space into existence, communicating it. I just made what I needed to then had to figure out what genre to best describe it as after.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve always made music and created but I only started pursuing it about 2 years ago. I was working as an actor previously. So it’s been an incredible and fast journey.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Music for me is a space to reflect and connect to something other- the universe around us is bigger, more beautiful and more magical than we often remember day to day, especially in the Western world, so I draw inspiration from existential philosophers such as Alan Watts. I like where science meets spirituality and a lot of the discoveries in quantum physics. Music that explores this is the sex for me. Artists like FKA Twigs, Ibeyi, Tei Shi, Novaa are incredible. I’ve just discovered Lusine too, I’m in love!
In terms of being inspired to keep going, music is how I reflect and express myself about the life I’m living, so its totally interlinked with me. Its not an option to stop really.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I learnt how to produce by making the first EP so I felt so excited to bring that and push myself further making the second one. I was travelling in South America writing it, so had a lot of space to go further in. For The Witching Hour (the title track) I wanted to write about feminine energy and power, and to explore my own. It felt grounding to write it.
What was the last song you listened to?
No Scrubs by TLC as it just came on in the airport I’m sat in! I always choose ’90s r&b for a night out also, its the fecking best.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Mp3, I’m constantly downloading new tracks and its just the easiest way to get it in my ears. There’s something special about having something in your hand too, so CDs and Vinyls are great to buy at gigs. I always have some with me.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Hmmmm Spotify is a great way to connect with new artists and share music but obviously buying someone’s track on Apple means you’re supporting that artist more fully and helping them to continue their work.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
I think the connect between live performance and digital.. If you love an artist you see live always follow them online and keep the connection going, its so lovely when you keep in contact with people you meet gigging and they become part of your journey.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Yes! Always gigging in Bristol, London and elsewhere.
- 29th May Blue Lagoon, Bristol
- 2nd June St James Wine Vaults, Bath- Get in the Tub night
- 10th June Home Farm Fest
Plus a couple more exciting ones to announce soon (will have an update next week)
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
https://twitter.com/emilyspetch
And on Spotify and SoundCloud under Emily Magpie.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
‘Wherever you go, there you are’.
