INTERVIEW

Emma Cherry is an Alternative singer/songwriter from Ipswich, Suffolk. Emma describes her music as 'Kind of folky acoustic, with a splash of pop in there too'.

THE HUQ: Please tell me a little about yourself. What is your musical background?

Emma: I've always sung, from since I could remember I wanted to be a singer, but didn't really have the resources or confidence to do it professionally. My parents (knowing my love for singing) sent me to singing lessons with Italia Conti between the ages of 15-17, my teacher was an opera singer and taught me everything I know! I taught myself how to play the guitar at the age of 15, my dad always played, so it seemed pretty natural for me to do the same. But it's only been the last 2 years I seriously started writing and performing original songs.


THE HUQ: Do you have any part in the writing and arranging of the your songs?


Emma: Absolutely, I write all my songs, lyrically and musically. I then work with my producer in the studio to arrange the songs to how I want them to sound.

THE HUQ: What gives you inspiration for your songs (eg real life experiences) How do the songs come together?

Emma: Some days I don't feel inspired at all, other days I feel inspiration from everywhere, I've been inspired by films, watching ballroom dancing, the rain, having conversations with people, listening to other music. Sometimes, I come up with a line....I write it down, then leave it, I never force myself to write, I believe in letting it come naturally. Sometimes the chords come first. It's all totally random, but thats ok with me. I hate routine!


THE HUQ:When did you write your first song?

Emma: I've always attemped to write songs, but never ever really finished any of them. The first song I ever wrote and recorded in the studio was 'Here To Stay', this was drawn from personal experience. The song is about growing up, realising your grown up, not looking back on the past and being happy with that.

THE HUQ: Has music been your whole life or did you have another career before this?

Emma: I originally wanted to be a Drama teacher and took a 5 year course to do so. I've always loved acting and dancing. But singing is really my number one passion in life. Maybe I'll teach drama in the future, it's still an option.

THE HUQ: Who have been your main musical influences and who are your all time favourite artists/albums? Who are the female singer-songwriters you most admire?

Emma: I've grown up with bands such as Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd, these are two of my favourite bands now, I play them all the while. More recent mucic that influences me are Dido, I love her approach to songwriting and she has some pretty catchy tunes too. The female singers that I most admire are, Dido, Jem, Stevie Nicks, Imogen Heap, Kate Walsh, Kate Nash and Belinda Gillett.


THE HUQ What have been the highlight (s) and lowpoints (s) of your career to date?


Emma: Highs and Lows happen on a daily basis for me, one day I'll get a really good gig or have someone say something nice about my music and I'll be on a high, other days I'll get knocked back. It's hard sometimes taking the highs with the lows, but I am learning not to take things seriously or to heart.


THE HUQ: What are your views on the current state of the music business?

Emma: I believe the music industry is changing. With sites like MySpace and Bebo, musicians can be heard and by the people that matter most, their potential fans. Musicians are in control over their careers and I believe thats a good thing.


THE HUQ: What are you views on illegal internet downloading?

Emma:Musicians work really hard writing, also pay lots for studio time and for the release of their album; they lose out big time with illegal internet downloading. I know this will happen, people do it. It's not something I see changing in the near future.


THE HUQ: What have you found to be the benefits of having an online presence?

Emma: Being online helps so much, I have found contacts, other musicians, gigs and fans from being on the internet. It's a great window for your music and I always recommend to artists to give it a go with MySpace or Bebo.


THE HUQ: When can we expect to hear your debut album?

Emma: My Debut 'Swings & Roundabouts' is still in the process of being recorded, all the songs have been written, they just need to be produced and recorded. We are expecting the album to be released mid-late summer these year.


THEHUQ: Have you secured distribution for the album as yet?

Emma:We haven't progressed as far as distribution as yet. I know the album will be sold from my main website www.emmacherry.co.uk and various other sites across the net. It will also be available for mp3 download.


THE HUQ: What can we expect from the album as far as production and emotional content?

Emma: The album is being recorded, produced and mixed with Steve Mann from Attic Studio's, he's worked and recorded with many musicians and bands over the years and produces a high quality sound by using analogue equipment to bring a certain warmth, personal feel to my songs. I always try to be open with my songs, but I hate to be too depressing, so I like to throw a few happier, quirky songs into my writing from time to time.

THE HUQ: Are you looking at collaborating with anyone on any of the tracks?

Emma: Yes, I have a violen player coming to record on a couple of my tracks. I am also currently working through the album songs with a couple of other musician friends.


THE HUQ: What is the best part about making this album?

Emma: Well, I didn't believe it would be this tough recording an album, but it is, it's a long process, with loads of set backs and problems. I am looking forward to holding the final product in my hand, I think I will have a sense of pride, I hope so anyway.


THE HUQ: And what was the worst?


Emma: Well, having to take three months off from recording wasn't good, I had a throat infection and had to cancel gigs and not sing at all, it was so frustrating and out us behind.


THE HUQ: What are your plans and aspirations for the future?


Emma: My plans so far, reach as far as finishing my album, I haven't really thought much beyond this point. In terms of the next few months, I plan to make another music video, have a mini UK tour, do a few festivals, but my main concentration is getting the album done. In the years to come, I will probably keep writing and singing. Maybe I'll become a Drama Teacher....or maybe I won't, maybe I'll end up recording other artists, now I'd love to do that if all else fails.


THE HUQ: When you're not touring or recording, what are you doing?


Emma: I generally have a very busy life, I present a radio/webcast show on kesgraveradio.com every Monday evening, playing 100%unsigned music from bands and artists arcoss the world. This takes uo a lot of time, promoting and making playlists etc, but its really worth it. There's so much talent out there, it's good that more people will hear it. I also run an open mic night with a musician friend of mine called 'Constellations', this also takes up time promoting and finding performers.


THE HUQ: What is important to you besides music?


Emma: Family, Friends, love, conversation, being happy, other people happiness. I like to take photos and have done quite a bit of band photography locally, it's something I just enjoy doing.....I love to just capture the emotion in a moment, a picture.


THE HUQ: Is there anything else you would like to say to the fans?


Emma: I would like to thank my fans for supporting me over the past 2 years, without you all, there would be no album and I would probably be working in Tesco's.. love and kisses to you all....Emma


For more information on Emma Cherry you can check out:

www.myspace.com/emmacherrys
www.emmacherry.co.uk

Emma Cherry can be contacted via the following emails:

info@emmacherry.co.uk
booking@emmacherry.co.uk