Exclusive Interview with SKYE EMBER

From SW London, Skye Ember is an eccentric, vintage, indie pop singer-songwriter. She is currently releasing singles from her upcoming album, due out in ’23. Both the UK Songwriting and Masters of Songwriting competitions recognized her as a Finalist. Since she was 16 years old, she has been a composer. She appeared on the British television program The Chase, in which she serenaded Bradley Walsh and Sean Wallace (Mastermind) (Dr Who).

On the guitar, Skye Ember composes. She has performed as a soprano at Birmingham Symphony Hall and has a soft, sweet, and folky voice. She began classical violin training at the age of 7. The Cranberries, Ellie Goulding, Lilly Allen, and Blondie are her main musical influences. Skye Ember has collaborated with a number of well-known musicians, including Dr. Voice (Sam Smith) and Renee Montemayor, as well as Beth Neilsen Chapman of Faith Hill and Chris Difford of Squeeze (Miss Saigon). She has performed at events like the O’Neils Carnaby Street Festival and for large crowds at station shows on Busk in London (London Paddington, Waterloo).
In Tolouse Lautrec, London, Skye Ember independently released her first EP (in a small run of hard copies only). Skye Ember, her self-titled debut album, is now being released as singles. It was independently released and was produced by Rob MacLeod (Rain, B*Witched, Anna Carmony) and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, The Pixies, Nick Cave).

From the viewpoint of a mother singing to encourage her unborn daughter through life, Be Brave was written. It is a mellow song with a catchy chorus that makes you think. Emma Lauson is responsible for the song’s lyrics and music (artist name, Skye Ember). The track was recorded by Emily B. and produced by Rob MacLeod (Rain, BWitched) (Simon Ellis, Ensis Records). Pete Maher did the mastering (U2, The Pixies, Nick Cave). It is the album’s second single, “Skye Ember” (due 2023). Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

SKYE EMBER: I’m from outer London. I’ve been inspired by and enjoyed live music in the Central London for as long as I can remember. When I realized that music was something I could potentially do too, I started going to local pubs with open mics and developing my songs on the local music scene. I’m lucky to have had so many opportunities within relatively easy reach.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

SKYE EMBER: I had formal training in classical music from the age of 7, as I learnt the violin and was in various choirs and orchestras. My biggest vocal performance was in the Birmingham Symphony Hall where I performed as a soprano. I had guitar lessons and first learned basic songwriting in them. Then I wanted to learn more so signed up for songwriting camps – for the full immersion experience. With songwriting for breakfast, lunch and dinner with jam sessions in the evening, I found the best way to learn songcraft is by doing!

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘SKYE EMBER’?

SKYE EMBER: My very first musical influence was Kylie Minogue. At every opportunity I was on stage with a kiddy microphone miming to “I Should Be So Lucky”. Following this, I became really inspired by guitar-based 90s bands such as The Stereophonics, The Cranberries, and Blondie. Now I love Ellie Goulding too. She writes such powerful songs with great messages and makes it sound so easy. That’s talent!

The name Skye Ember is a play on my birth name – Emma. It reminds me of a sunset because of the references to the sky and embers, which are the dying parts of a fire. I think it is meaningful, evocative, and pretty, like my music.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

SKYE EMBER: I would describe my sound as quirky, retro, singer songwriter indie pop. I am a lyrics-driven songwriter, and like my songs to be catchy, so I hope the ear worms and lyrics resonate with people. I usually construct the song’s story around a key theme or message and then create the chords and melody to match. I make sure the song stands by itself acoustically, and don’t use production until the end of the process, so another element will likely be rhythmical acoustic guitar, (me!).

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as INDIE?

SKYE EMBER:

I think that everyone needs to create music that plays to their strengths. When I gained the confidence to sing outside of a choir setting, my first singing lessons covered pop and musical theatre songs. Then at various points I tried to emulate Karen Carpenter, Dolores O’Riordan and Alanis Morissette, particularly the last two when I got into playing guitar and singing at the same time. Emulating these lovely ladies inspired me and showed me how to embrace my own quirks.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

SKYE EMBER:

That’s a good question. My music largely comes from a place of personal narrative, observation, and a good imagination. But nobody lives in a vacuum. There are universal themes in my songs that can be interpreted to carry cultural, spiritual or social meanings. I wouldn’t say it is the primary goal, but if someone identifies and understands my music in a particular way, which has meaning for them, that’s great and I’d love to hear what their interpretation is!

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

SKYE EMBER:

My favourite parts of the musical journey are the creation and the response. I’ve just released my second single, so I consider myself to be towards the beginning of my musical journey. My self-titled album ‘Skye Ember’ will be released in spring/summer 2023 and I’m looking forward to that. Fingers crossed people will enjoy it and the launch will be a great gig. Watch this space!

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

SKYE EMBER:

I tend to start with an idea that splits into a narrative with distinct content for the verses, chorus, and bridge. Sometimes a hooky tune comes to me out of nowhere though. In this case, I quickly sing it into my phone and then build the song around that. I like writing with others too. It can be particularly useful to co-write with someone playing an instrument that I can sing melodies over. There are so many moving parts to writing a song that it can be hard to manage them all on your own. If it’s just me I switch between recording guitar and vocal, then put them together as an acoustic singer songwriter demo.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

SKYE EMBER: Persevering with my unique style and quirkiness no matter what others think has been hard at times. I used to play demo acoustic versions of my songs to family and friends and get the response of ‘it’s nice but it’s not like what you hear on the radio.’ This was very frustrating. I know that songs aren’t ‘born’ with full instrumentation, mixed and mastered, but it seems many non-musicians don’t think it’s good enough if it’s not to radio standard – yet. I’m glad I found my music buddies who have supported me and appreciate my basic demos – of which I have many as I’ve written over 120 songs and only recorded one album!

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

SKYE EMBER: I was super proud to be invited to sing one of my original songs in front of Bradley Walsh (Dr Who) and Shaun Wallace (Mastermind) when I appeared as a contestant on ITV’s national TV quiz show, The Chase UK. After I sang, Shaun felt inspired to sing too and serenaded me with ‘All things Bright and Beautiful,’ which took me right back to my primary school assembly days. Luckily this moment of stardom didn’t put me off. A second highlight was winning the show with my amazing team and consequently having funds to record my album.