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Journey of a Song

Author: Emmeline

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Have you ever wondered how a song is made? What happens during the recording process? In Journey of a Song, singer-songwriter Emmeline takes the audience on a tour of a musician's creative process, from the first notes to the final recorded song. Each week, a different songwriter pulls back the curtain on a favorite composition, beginning with an acoustic version of the song and ending with the final recorded product. In between, you'll hear a conversation about the inspiration behind the song, the decisions made in the recording booth, and the many ways in which music reflects and informs our emotions and our lives. Find behind-the-scenes photos and more when you follow @EmmelineMusic on Instagram!
61 Episodes
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"Eyes of burgundy..." This line was in Dorian Marsh's head from the inception of his collaboration with guitarist Ian Ross Cohen. He liked something about the turn of phrase, something about the concept of elusive, alluring eyes that forced him to proclaim, "I love her so." Dorian didn't choose to sleep on the idea, though; he leaned into the unknown and went with it.In this episode, Emmeline sits down with singer-songwriter Dorian Marsh and guitarist Ian Ross Cohen to talk about the collaborative process, the joy of finding like-minded creatives on the internet, and the importance of taking the leap--even when we're scared! Dorian shares the story of how he and Ian connected, and Ian talks about how his confidence in Dorian ultimately helped Dorian to have confidence in himself. The two see "My Abilene Woman" as a stellar example of honesty, vulnerability, and creativity--not without fear, but with fear in the back seat, where it belongs.They also talk about finding inspiration in all kinds of art, and why genre can be difficult to pin down.For more information about Dorian Marsh, or to follow his musical journey, find him on Spotify and Instagram. For more information about Ian Ross Cohen, or to follow his musical journey, find him on Spotify or on Instagram. You can listen to their collaborative record, Meeting Place, here.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"If all I have is you, I'd be the richest girl in the room..." Sometimes, a song starts as a single idea with a slew of metaphors, laid neatly into a note on an iPhone. You don't need more ideas, or better words; you just need a friend to help you pare it down.For Americana artist Sarah Johnson, that's how her latest single--a love song, just in time for Valentine's Day--began. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Sarah  to chat about her brand new song, "Lovinaires®." They talk about the different kinds of love that the song represents to Sarah, from love of audience and love of music to the more complicated love of life as a creative professional. Sarah shares the triumphs and struggles that she's faced in her intentional choice to pursue visual art and music and talks about the daily journey of making peace with those decisions. The ladies also talk about the terrifying joy of cowriting a song, the beauty in good collaborators, and the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses as an artist!To learn more about Sarah Johnson, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website or follow her on Instagram. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"Is there any love after death?"  How can we move through grief? How can we honor our lost loved ones without allowing ourselves to be consumed by the past? How can we hold space for the memory of those we've lost and allow ourselves to live full, joyful, and meaningful lives?For indie rock artist Chloe Clemente, the struggle to answer these questions manifested in the powerful "Love Letters to the Dead." In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Chloe and her guitarist Joseph Lacy to talk about how Chloe turned a few chords and the tendency to dwell into a song about leaving in the past what is no longer meant for us. Chloe shares the deeply personal story behind her song, her ongoing mental health journey, and the people and affirmations that allow her to carry the light of her loved ones forward in a positive and meaningful way. We also get to meet Chloe's dog, Tex, and she gives a shout-out to Journey of a Song alum, Brianna Ruelas.To learn more about Chloe Clemente, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website, or follow her on Instagram.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"We're running fast on streets with cracks in 'em." How do you grow older gracefully? Can you preserve a bit of childhood as adulthood looms? Can you ever run with childlike abandon as an adult? Does progress always come at a cost?In "Ms. Clavel," the thoughtful waltz from her new album, Wake, singer-songwriter Katherine Paterson poses these questions and more through the lens of a friendly childhood figure. Using literary allusions to Madeline, a scalar piano line that skips like water over stones, and the repetition of a familiar line--"That's all there is; there isn't anymore"--Katherine evokes the passing of time with a melodic simplicity that would make Joni Mitchell proud.In this episode, Emmeline and Katherine chat about growing older, holding space for sadness, how one marks the passing of time, and the challenge of painting portraits of the people we become when we're not looking (to borrow a phrase from Elaine Castillo). They also talk about their mutual love for Sondheim and the healing power of music. For more information about Katherine Paterson, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. You can also pre-save Wake on Spotify. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"What a beautiful day out here in the park." Inspiration for a song can come from anywhere around us is we stay open and curious. There's also a lot to be said for allowing oneself to surrender to a vibe.In this episode, innovative songwriter and producer Daniel Candiotta sits down with Emmeline to talk about how the gift of breadsticks one fateful day led him to compose an entire EP. He also discusses his goal of releasing one EP a week--a surefire exercise in home recording, music production, and accountability. Daniel shares how he combats perfectionism and how his experience of the studio and of putting music together has evolved over the years. Plus, hear his hilarious stories about the evolution of his brand new single, "Duck Pond Eyes."To learn more about Daniel Candiotta, or to follow his musical journey, visit him on Instagram, Spotify, and all over the web. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song Official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"Where does the wind take you?" Have you ever wanted something so badly, needed something so badly, that despite your best attempts, the need overtook you?  In the atmospheric, immersive "Ikarus," ¿Dónde está Alicia? explores Icarus's narrative from Greek mythology from this perspective of deep yearning.In this episode, Journey of a Song goes bilingual! Emmeline sits down with Javier Nunez of ¿Dónde está Alicia? to talk about functioning in two languages as a musician, the journey of therapy, and the difficult but rewarding path of self-knowledge. Javier also shares a bit about writing and recording with a band from a distance--from home recording techniques to the unexpected ways in which songs can evolve with outside input!To learn more about ¿Dónde está Alicia? or to follow their musical journey, visit the band on Instagram or on Spotify. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song Official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"Deep in the woods, things aren’t always what they seem..." Songs might usually have some sort of emotional impetus, some big feeling that catapults them into being--but not all songs start with a feeling. Not all songs are initially borne from that place deep down inside of us that says, "See me. Hear me. Know me."Some songs start, quite simply, with a prompt.In this episode, folk and Americana artist Baylist Laramore shares how his eerie, contemplative track, "Flashing Lights," came from the combined influences of a prompt from a writers' group and a book he couldn't put down. Baylis talks about coming to songwriting later in life, about the importance of finding a songwriting community, and how writing prompts and musical friendships have inspired him to keep writing, keep singing, and keep creating. He also discusses the beauty of the Kerrville Folk Festival!To hear more from Baylis, or to follow his musical journey, visit him online or on Instagram. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song Official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"You were the spark that set my world on fire." The best thing about songwriting is that it's honest. When we dig deep down to write from an authentic emotional place, songwriting always tells us the truth. Sometimes, it helps us find elusive truths. In Episode #36 of Journey of an Artist, Tony Mendoza shared the beautiful story of the magical love he shared with his wife, Angela. In this episode of Journey of a Song, Tony shares the song he wrote for Angela to commemorate their love story. He talks with Emmeline about how, when he began songwriting as a form of processing his grief, he expected to write sad songs...but the more he wrote, the more he realized  Jamie Anderson's truth that, "Grief is just love with no place to go." To learn more about Angela and Tony and their story, or to contribute to the scholarship fund in Angela's honor, please visit the official page for Angela's book, Dear Friends and Family. All proceeds from the sales, downloads, and streams of "Why I Love You" go directly to fund the next scholarship in Angela's name.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"I think I'll cancel my plans today, so I can drive and see your face." Sometimes, a song starts with a line. Sometimes, it starts with a melody. For Dallas-based singer-songwriter Remy Reilly, "What Do Ya Know" started with a vibe.She knew the sound she wanted, and she knew the collaborator she wanted: Jonathan Tyler of Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights. The two spent an afternoon in the studio trying to capture a dreamy, feel-good summer vibe and left with one verse in their pockets.Remy wrote the rest of the song on the car ride to that night's gig.In this episode, Emmeline and Remy talk about finding inspiration for new compositions, cowriting, the influence playing live can have on a songwriter, and much, much more! Plus, hear a cameo from Remy's pet parrot!To learn more about Remy Reilly, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social mediaor visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song Official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"I'm gonna thrive, just because I'll fight." Maybe you need some encouragement. Maybe you need someone to remind you that you're not defined by your insecurities. Maybe you need to take a deep breath, screw up your courage, and invest in yourself.In her moments of doubt, Chloe Clemente wrote "Angels Cry"--and she wants her new single to be your motivation to become your best self.In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Chloe to talk about investing in self, the importance of education, the beauty of a supportive community, and the essential nature of vulnerability in music. Chloe shares the almost supernatural process by which "Angels Cry" was written and talks about how it chronicles her journey through depression. Emmeline and Chloe also discuss their mutual love of dogs--and how Chloe's dog accidentally made it into the final cut of "Angels Cry"!To learn more about Chloe Clemente, or to follow her musical journey, visit her on Instagram or check out her official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song Official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"Somehow I don't think you'll ever love anyone but you." How can you combine caustic wit and heartfelt honesty in a song? What do you do when you've got a story without a chorus? Can you write an authentic and meaningful song to a prompt?Douglas Allen has these answers and more.In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Douglas Allen to discuss his post-relationship anthem, "The Breakup."  Douglas shares the story behind the song, talks about song form, and discusses the importance of leaning into the mood each song presents. Emmeline and Douglas also talk about how the meaning of a song can change for the artist over time, and why interaction with listeners means so very much to songwriters.To learn more about Douglas Allen, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song Official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"I keep finding pieces below the surface, working their way out." We're all searching for purpose. We're all desperate for meaning.In "Hattertown Road," Austin-based songwriter Kris Schultz articulates that yearning and shares how beautiful it can be to be given the space to search. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Kris to talk about how some songs depict familial relationships, how presence really can be the most beautiful gift, how the voice memos we send to ourselves often hold all of the secrets of songwriting, and how it's never too late to start songwriting!They also share their PTSD moments from COVID and discuss different methods and timelines for song production.To learn more about Kris Schultz, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"What is it like to know it’s okay if you go slow?"What does anxiety feel like? What does it sound like?When is it over?In "Until Home," Alyssa Gillen tackles these questions and more, writing in a very personal way about the effort we make to be put together, socially acceptable, and productive.In this episode, Emmeline and Alyssa talk about persistent melodic ideas, the organic way songs grow over time, and and how music gives us space to be ourselves. They also discuss social programming, how to function honestly and healthfully in an achievement-driven society, and why perfectionism is a thing we should all leave behind ASAP. They even share a mutual love for Dr. Bessel van der Kolk's amazing book, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. To learn more about Alyssa Gillen, or to follow her musical journey, visit her Linktree. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"What am I supposed to do when you look at me like that, like you know my whole life and you still want to hear it?"Have you ever had feelings that you weren't sure were requited? Have you ever been reluctantly drawn to a relationship that broke you wide open?In "American Denim," songwriter Sam Cormier seeks to navigate those feelings with innovative, open guitar tunings and sweeping melodic lines. Using layered harmonies and minimal production to capture the feeling of a live performance, Sam aims for a musical snapshot of the wild uncertainty of a crush and the reckless rush of attraction.In this episode, Sam and Emmeline talk about the importance of growing into a lyrical idea and waiting for one's life to catch up to the thoughts within a forming  song. They also talk about the freedom of open chords and tunings on acoustic guitar, the impossibly beautiful challenge of telling the truth in songs, and why fast driving is such a delicious endeavor. Emmeline references Ani DiFranco's "Falling is Like This," and Sam talks about taking musical ownership of his identity as a gay man. He also shares how the scariness of navigating a queer identity can add an extra layer of risk to a potential relationship.To learn more about Sam Cormier, or to follow his musical journey, follow him on Instagram at @samcormier_music. For behind the scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"Now that the peas have grown tall, and they don't reach the land of giants..." Disappointment. Gratitude. Loss. Grief. Joy. Pride. Hope.We humans are complex, messy creatures, and all of these feelings can co-exist in us. In "Bloom," the mandolin-driven title track from her debut EP, singer-songwriter Katherine Paterson seeks to give voice to all of these warring emotions in a sparse, stark Americana jam that ends in a celtic barn dance.In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Katherine to talk about how disappointing relationships can still help us grow and why it's so important to give ourselves space and permission as creatives. Katherine shares the story of a powerful creative retreat, confesses her love for gardening, and discusses her enthusiasm for stringed instruments. The two also chat at length about...Sondheim's Into the Woods?  (Hey, if you know, you know!)To learn more about Katherine, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes through the official Journey of a Song Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"Freedom is ours to be found." What makes a home? A sense of peace and security? The presence of people we love? Delicious solitude? How can we find our own home? Better yet, how can we build our home?Along with her talented band, The Morning Dew, Austin-based singer-songwriter Melissa Gail Klein explores these questions in "Home," the title track from her upcoming album.  A meditative banjo player and a compelling vocalist, Melissa uses the ethereal timbre of both her instruments to contemplate the spiritual journey of home and the ways in which we might be able to provide peace for each other.In this episode, Melissa and Emmeline talk about the mysterious songwriting process and the sense of being a conduit for earth's greater truths. They also discuss the importance of finding one's own unique path, the sense of connection that music brings, and why songs sometimes become their truest selves at a live show. Melissa also shares why she's most inspired by singing about the lighter parts of the human condition.To learn more about Melissa, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on Instagram or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes on the Journey of a Song official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"Could never be a bad time for a good cry."  How often do we tell ourselves to keep it together, to keep a stiff upper lip, or to hide our true feelings? How often do we shame ourselves rather than allow ourselves to get vulnerable and seek connection?In this episode, Emmeline sits down with singer-songwriter Jeffrey Michael Widman to talk about the raw, honest space from which he wrote his latest single, "Good Cry."  They talk about the challenge of mental health during and after COVID, how to stay connected to one's creativity in the music industry, and why the quest for self-knowledge can be the most reliable source of inspiration for songs. they also talk about the double-edged sword of social media and the glory of 90s music!To learn more about Jeffrey Michael Widman, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.  For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media or visit the official Journey of Series webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"I guess I know why we romanticize Bonnie & Clyde." Music heals.How many times has a song helped you through something difficult? How many times has a song made you feel a bit more understood and a little bit less alone? How many times has a song been the voice for an emotion you didn't even know you were feeling?With rich harmonies, a driving guitar, and  a deceptively cheerful chorus, "Bonnie & Clyde" is one of the songs that helped singer-songwriter Alexandra heal after a difficult period of reevaluation in her life. In this episode, Alexandra sits down with Emmeline to talk about music as medicine, songwriting as catharsis, and the importance of learning to sit in silence with your messy parts until you can navigate and make peace with them.They also discuss the challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and what people don't talk about when they talk about why everyone loves a bad boy.To learn more about Alexandra, or to follow her musical journey, find her on Instagram at @AlexandraMusic.  For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the official Journey of Series webpage.  You can also hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"You don't know what it took from me to break down my walls."   What does real love look like? How do the people we love treat us as we evolve? What can their support afford us? What can it cost?In her new single, "Pretend Love," Glitter seeks to answer some of these questions--and to challenge the audience to evaluate and reflect on its own love stories. In this episode, Glitter sits down with Emmeline to talk about the organic process of writing "Pretend Love," and how the song ultimately became the catalyst for her new project.  She explores the decisions made in the studio to create a sense of new and of familiarity. She also discusses the courageous process of evolution and the difficulty of listening to our own inner voice above any external pressure.For more information about Glitter, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website.  You can also check out the music video for "Pretend Love" here. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of a Song, visit the Journey of Series official webpage.  You can also hear songs from previous episodes with the Journey of a Song official Spotify playlist.For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
"I sure hope my life has meaning." Do we have to grow colder as we grow older?  How can we continue to evolve instead of letting adulthood cause us to devolve? When do we start letting life live us instead of living our lives?In "Restart," Xavier Bernazard seeks to tackle these questions with slick steel drums and passionate vocals. In this episode, Xavier--an artist who identifies as both Latinx and as part of the LGBTQIA+ community--sits down with Emmeline to talk about the choices we make as we age, the circumstances that can force our hands off the steering wheel of our lives, and how we're never really done creating ourselves. They also talk about their mutual love for Paramore (especially the songs "26" and "Grow Up") and their intention to have a crying party--because emotions are important! Lastly, they discuss the process of infusing every step of a recording with authenticity, emotion, and narrative. To learn more about Xavier Bernazard, or to follow their musical journey, visit their official website or find them on Instagram at @xavierbernazard. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can also hear songs from previous episodes by listening to and saving the Journey of a Song official playlist on Spotify!For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of a Song, follow @EmmelineMusic on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. You can hear songs from previous episodes through the Journey of a Song Official Spotify Playlist.
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