Emily Warren is a singer and Grammy Award winning songwriter who’s just released her first solo single.
Chances are, you’re already familiar with Emily’s work. She’s responsible for co-writing a ton of your favourite songs, including tracks for Fifth Harmony, Sean Paul, Little Mix, Shawn Mendes, Noah Cyrus, and 5 Seconds of Summer, to name but a few.
On top of that, she is known for her work with EDM duo The Chainsmokers, having co-written four tracks on their debut album Memories…Do Not Open. She also co-wrote the Grammy Award winning ‘Don’t Let Me Down’.
Additionally, you’ll also be familiar with Emily’s voice. She is the uncredited vocal on The Chainsmokers’ smash hit single ‘Paris’, and is also the lead vocalist on two of their album tracks. She also sings on Frenship’s ‘Capsize’ and Lost Kings’ ‘Phone Down’.
After spending time writing for others, it is now time for Emily Warren to come into the spotlight in her own right. On Friday, she released her debut single ‘Hurt By You’ which showcases an organic sound which is very personal to her. With her honest lyrics and soulful vocal, we have no doubt that Emily has what it takes to become a success as a solo artist.
We recently had the opportunity to ask Emily about her debut single, breaking out as a solo artist, working with The Chainsmokers and much more.
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Hey Emily, thank you for answering our questions today! How has 2017 been treating you so far?
Hey thank YOU! 2017 has been ridiculous. Every day more absurd than the last. What is happening?!?
We’re excited for the release of your upcoming single ‘Hurt By You’! Can you tell us about the track and the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! Me too :) I wrote “Hurt By You” with my homies Scott Harris and Nick Ruth, and the concept sprung from a conversation we had in which I was telling them how I was scared at the time making myself vulnerable to the person I was falling in love with, when every example of a relationship in my life seemed to fail – whether it be divorce, or infidelity. It seemed crazy of me to think that my own relationship would be exempt from the same issues. This song, however, is a reminder to myself that falling in love with the right person is worth whatever risk you might be taking.
Many will recognise your voice from various features, whilst others will already be loving songs you’ve had a hand in writing. After many years of writing for others, did the decision to release your solo material come naturally to you?
Yeah, I think I always had the desire in me, but it’s all about the right timing. I don’t know if I had fully found my own personal voice until now, or if I felt like it was the best time to do it. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a bunch of talented people through writing that I can collaborate with on my own music. And now that people have heard my voice on a few things, and it’s been well received, I have the confidence to put myself out there.
We’re so glad to see artists like yourself, ROZES and Julia Michaels, who have garnered huge success as songwriters and featured artists, break free from being “behind the scenes” as such. Do you feel a certain pressure now that you’re stepping out as an artist in your own right?
I agree – I think it’s AMAZING and such a special time in music!! Actually pressure is the opposite of what I feel. I’ve proved myself (to myself, at least) as a writer, and now it’s about having fun and expressing myself and putting out exactly the kind of music I personally want to put out. It’s so exciting that the musical climate has changed and evolved to what it is now, and I absolutely LOVE seeing so many writers who’ve spent time behind the scenes expressing themselves and being supported by the artist they’ve worked with. It’s a beautiful and supportive environment and it’s extremely inspiring and motivating.
‘Hurt By You’ is very different from what you’ve previously been featured on. What can we expect from the rest of your upcoming solo material?
The basis for my own personal music is the story telling. It’s all honest, true, and an expression of myself, and the music is there mostly to support the lyrics. I’m working with some of my closest friends and favorite producers and writers who I’ve chosen because of how creative and passionate they are. Sonically, it’s all going to be mostly organic – I’m super wary of making things that sounds trendy or of the moment, and eager to make music that stands the test of time, since that’s my favorite kind of music to listen to personally.
We’ve lost count at how many incredible artists you’ve written for – many of our favourite songs are partly down to you! Tough question, but which song (for another artist) has been your favourite to write?
Aww, thank you so much!! Damn, that is a hard question, but the first that comes to mind is a song I wrote with Astrid S. and Nick Ruth called “I Don’t Wanna Know”. I know this is dramatic, but when I first got that mix back I laid in bed and cried listening to it over and over. That was a really satisfying writing experience, Astrid and Nick are brilliant and weaving that story together was like putting together a puzzle. And the way she sings it is just heartbreaking!!
Is there a song you’ve written for someone else that you wish you’d kept for yourself?
No – I’ve actually written songs to pitch and then realized that they’re too personal to give away. Those songs will be on the album.
How do you normally go about penning a track? Do you prefer to write on your own or with others?
Collaborating is my thing. My writing process weighs heavily on the initial conversation, so you need other people in the room to make that happen. I usually start by talking – whether it be for me or another artist, I want to get to the root of the feeling – what’s going on, what’s on your mind, what’s bothering you? EVERYONE’S going through something. And once you hit that sweet spot of honesty and vulnerability, that’s where the song is. Plus, chances are, if you’re going through something and you’re honest about it, people will be able to relate.
You’ve written for such a variety of artists – do you find it difficult to go from one song to the next, especially in terms of mind frame?
Not at all – I view my role as a writer to pull the best out of a given artist. That’s why working with artists who have a vision or a point of view is the most fun. That way I’m just helping steer the ship or adding to what’s already there. Switching genres is what keeps it fun and exciting for me.
We’ve got to mention The Chainsmokers. You’ve got a great relationship with the guys, and feature heavily on their new album. What do you like the most about working with them?
They are the BEST! Genuinely I’ve written with many artists who you work with one time and then they move on from you. The Chainsmokers and I have such a great relationship because we’ve stuck together. When we sit down to write it’s not like we’re meeting for the first time and have to get to know each other. The creative process is so much fun because it’s constantly growing and evolving, rather than starting from zero every time. Beyond that, Drew and Alex are some of the most genuine, kind-hearted people in this business. They take care of everyone and surround themselves with great people. I feel so lucky to have met them.
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You’re also on tour with them at the moment. What has the experience been like for you so far?
It’s SERIOUSLY top 5 experiences of my life. We’re having such a great time, the shows are amazing, and everyone on this tour is sick and fun to be around. I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself when this tour is over…
We must also congratulate you on winning a Grammy earlier this year! Has it sunk in yet?
Thank you so much!!! Absolutely not. I don’t think it ever will. I won a Grammy?!?!? C’mon.
At 24 you’ve already achieved a phenomenal amount. What else would you like to achieve during your career?
Honestly, I’m having such a great time, I hope I can continue doing what I’m doing now forever. Writing songs is incredibly rewarding and constantly exciting. I hope that it continues to grow and I can use it to create all kinds of art in different mediums. I’m pretty excited to start doing videos and putting my own show together. I’ve always been into all different kinds of creativity so it will be fun to use the songs to build something even bigger.
What does the rest of 2017 have in store for Emily Warren?
More music!!! So stay tuned!
Thank you so much to the wonderful Emily Warren for her time! ‘Hurt By You’ is available now.