Exclusive Interview with Singer-Songwriter Emmy Law

Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Emmy Law is back with her new EP, Finding Ourselves Again. I got the chance to talk with her about what inspired her to create a project consisting of solely grand piano tracks, the inspiration behind one of the tracks, “Bathing Suit”, and so much more! Keep reading to see what she had to say!

The title of the new EP is Finding Ourselves Again. Why did you want to name the project this?

This EP was inspired by my first trip to Colorado last summer. A lot of the trip was spent camping. That trip really affected me, not just because of the overwhelming beauty, but because I was completely unplugged for ten days and felt completely refreshed. These songs are all centered around simplicity and nature — the idea that we really do find ourselves when we’re silent and get away from our busy lives.  

All of the tracks were recorded live on a grand piano. First, what inspired you to create a project consisting of solely grand piano tracks?

I’ve been wanting to record some solo, unplugged music for a while. These songs came along, and it seemed like the right time to make this happen. The piano is such a peaceful instrument, and I thought it captured the vibe of the songs. I almost recorded them on my Nord keyboard (that would’ve been easier), [but I’m] glad I went with the real piano.

What was the actual recording process of the EP like? Did recording the tracks live change anything from how you normally record songs?

The EP was recorded at Walhalla Performing Arts Center in Walhalla, SC. The facility has a baby grand piano that is absolutely lovely! Damon Moon with Standard Electric Recorders Co. met me there. He set up his gear and then I recorded five-ish live takes of each tune. We chose the best three. Usually I record the instruments first and then track vocals. I really loved recording these tracks this way; [it] made me a little nervous, but I’m happy with how they turned out.

I love the song “Bathing Suit”. What inspired this song?

I’m glad you like it! I wanted to write a song about being vulnerable, maybe in love, but completely vulnerable and lost in nature. Sort of losing sight of everything else but the simplicity of the beautiful surroundings.

What was the songwriting process like for this song specifically? Did it come pretty easily when you started writing it or was it something that took you a long time and you had to keep coming back to it?

I wrote the piano melody first, and played that for a couple of days. It made me think of water — the ocean. The chorus and bridge lyrics were inspired by the water theme, and the verses turned into a romantic theme inspired by my boyfriend. “You’re the ocean blue and I’m in my bathing suit” — once I wrote that (cheesy) line, the rest of the song came pretty easily.

Were there any major changes made to “Bathing Suit”, whether it be in the lyrics or something sonically?

No major changes, but a few days before I recorded it, I changed up the chord progression at the end. That change made a big difference in how the song ends, and I’m happy with the change.

What do you hope people take away from this EP?

My hope is that people just get lost in the music. When I first started listening to these songs, I sort of drifted away. I hope listeners are able to drift to other places through these songs.

Finding Ourselves Again drops on July 13th. For more information, you can visit Emmy’s website or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.