Essy is not new to the music industry, she's a veteran top-line writer that has an encyclopedic knowledge of music from the past and present. Now, she's coming into her own with her song "Now and Then" a vibrant and personal song about betrayal and heartbreak, but at the core of the song it's about coming out of the tunnel and knowing you'll be okay.
How did you get started in music?
Essy: Music was a really important part of my upbringing. My dad had this giant record collection at home. He was the first to introduce me to Bruce Hornsby, Bruce Springsteen, Doobie Brothers, and Fleetwood Mac, etc. It wasn't until my family moved to Virginia that I began experimenting with writing music. My parents bought this upright piano and they weren't sure where to put it, so it ended up against the wall in my bedroom. Every day after school, for as long as I can remember, I started teaching myself songs and melodies from my CD player and YouTube tutorials. Piano was more like therapy for me back then, but today it plays a major role in my songwriting.
Tell me about “Now and Then” what’s the story behind the song?
Essy: "Now and Then" is a very personal song for me and was not the easiest to write. It's a story of betrayal and unfaithfulness in a relationship and how I processed that heartbreak. I dealt with a lot of confusion and mixed emotions during that time, and the best way I knew how to process it was through my songwriting.
The production in this song is really important for me. I spent a lot of time thinking about it. At the end of the day, I didn't want the focus to be about heartache, but rather a feeling of "okay I can get through this. I'm going to keep dancing. I will be okay."
How did your experience in EDM help with your career and your music?
Essy: My experience working in the electronic scene opened the door to my music career. I started writing EDM in college as a side-project out of my apartment. I would write piano ballads and send them to EDM producers and they would create full productions out of them. Eventually, it got to the point where my own vocals were being recorded and I needed to change my name (that's how "Essy" came to be). I still use electronic elements in my music production (synths, drum kits, vocoders, etc.) and I still topline for DJs. EDM will always be a part of who I am artistically!
What has been inspiring you lately?
Essy: Recently I've been diving into Nu-Wave / 80s throwback music. There's something in that production style that makes me feel very nostalgic. It's inspired me to learn the technology behind synthesizers. There's so much I don't know about, but it's greatly inspired my own production process and I'm having a lot of fun with it!
What has been the biggest challenge in your career?
Essy: The biggest challenge of my career has been patience. It's a mental game. There's this overarching idea that people become successful in music overnight, but truly it’s a journey and the timing is key.
What’s your best piece of advice for young women?
Essy: I have two! Is that cheating? 1) You are exactly where you need to be, even in this moment. Embrace that. 2) Invest in your own happiness. Give greater weight to the positive moments that happen in your day-to-day life. Focusing on the highs will change your overall perspective!
[widgets_on_pages id=Emily-Treadgold]