Get to know Emmy Meli and her powerful voice

Interview by Jordan Edwards

With her distinctive, soulful voice and versatility as a songwriter, Emmy Meli fits into any era. Her singing has been compared to that of Amy Winehouse and her productions are influenced by different decades.

Aside from her voice, Meli’s attitude and personality set her apart from other pop singers. Her clever feminist lyrics are reminiscent of Meghan Trainor and her down-to-earth stage presence makes the audience feel like they’re at a backyard barbecue. There are no contrived characters here.

Meli first attracted attention with the viral 2021 single “I AM WOMAN,” which reached over 260 million Spotify streams in total. Since then, her career has taken off. Most recently, she supported Alexander Stewart on his US tour. We met her before the show in Los Angeles at the Echoplex.

You recently released the EP Hello Stranger. How did working here compare to working on previous music?
It was a more mature and patient process, and after the chaos of “I AM WOMAN,” my music needed patience and a safe place to be released.

Which song was the most fun to record?
Definitely “Breakthrough”. It was so much fun doing the gang vocals and claps with my friends and producers!

What inspired you to write “Aura”?
At that time, I felt like I had finally found myself, and that was when I felt the most beautiful! When I wasn’t trying to be someone I wasn’t, and when I was truly glowing from the inside. So I wanted to write a song about it.

This EP contains a lot of retro-inspired sounds. Have you always been interested in older music?
I actually did. I grew up listening to older music and those artists taught me how to sing and fell in love with the music. I always wanted to bring that sound into my sound. It’s the genre that really brings people together.

The cover is really cool and kitschy, kind of Y2K. How did the set and wardrobe come about?
I came up with the outfit and the set and my day manager and best friend Madeleine and I made the outfit. I embellished the jeans with rhinestones and designed the top, she sewed it near the crotch and we both strung the beads. As for the set, I drew my vision and my photographer found someone to bring it to life!

Who are your favorite singers?
Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Brandy and Lauryn Hill!

Do you have a specific routine to prepare for a recording session?
Not necessarily, but I like to start the day relaxed and mindful. I’m someone who needs to stay active, so I’ll probably exercise in the morning, make myself a coffee, and read or write.

Do you have a favorite place where you have performed?
So far it is the Theatre Beanfield in Montreal!

Your cat is becoming a bit of a celebrity. How does he behave when there are no cameras around?
She is the sweetest and most playful innocent girl. She follows me around the house and just wants to be petted and played with. She is also very naughty and clever; she has such a personality.

To learn more from Emmy Meli, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.