Artist Spotlight: Emily O’Neal
Artist Spotlight: Emily O’Neal - Watercolor
Watercolor by Emily O’Neal live in Nashville, TN #SunsetSessions
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Recorded, Edited, Produced by Chaz Mazzota + Nashville Pop Check out her interview below!
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An Interview With Emily O’Neal
Tells us about the song you are performing for the Nashville Pop Artist Spotlight. What is it about?
“I wrote the song in December, worked on some production first by myself and then with producer Brady Armstrong to finish it up. It's about realizing that a person or a situation no longer has a negative hold on you and how freeing that feels.”
What first got you into music? How did the journey begin?
“I started piano lessons when I was 6, but a few years later realized I was more drawn to singing. When I was 13, I started performing in my local community in Florida and eventually writing songs. I continued performing and writing through high school until I decided to go to college for music.”
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
“Although I've experimented with different types of production, I enjoy writing about topics infrequently touched or writing about a common topic from a unique point of view. That ends up with me writing in metaphors a lot.”
What does your music represent?
“I think my music is just me trying to figure out life. I use music to communicate experiences I've had and what I've learned from them, if anything. I love when my songs start conversations and connection I wouldn't have had the opportunity to have otherwise.”
What is your creative process like?
“Recently I've been starting with lyrics, or at least an idea of what I want to write about. Then I usually noodle around on the piano or guitar, or sometimes find a drum loop to write with if I don't want to feel constricted by chord choices I typically make. Also consuming other art, usually books and music, really inspires me and helps put me in a creative state.”
If you were to open for any 3 artists, who would they be?
“Caroline Polachek, Paramore, HAIM”
What is the best advice you’ve been given so far in the music industry?
“The best advice I've received was from Roger Alan Nichols. He told me to manage expectations and that your job as a musician is to do the work, it is not the outcome of that work.”
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
“I think I would always be doing music in some capacity. I had toyed with the idea of being an elementary school teacher in high school, but it wasn't my dream, so I'm glad I pursued music.”
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
“For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative are the "lightbulb" moments, whether that be writing or producing. The moments when you finally have the perfect line or melody for a song, or the band clicks when performing live, or when you finally find the perfect sound to add to the recording are all invigorating. Trying to make something the best it can be and feeling like you've succeeded is magical.”
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives such as yourself?
“At large, I think sharing art you love with your friends will not only benefit the artists, but also our relationships with each other will grow stronger.”
Social Media
Nashville Pop: @nashvillepop.us
Emily O’Neal: @emilyonealmusic
Chaz Mazzota: @itschazmazzota
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The Nashville Pop Playlist is a curated spotify playlist featuring local Nashville Artists. It’s a great way to find new artists in town for collaborations and to keep an eye out for new music releases. The Nashville Pop playlist updates on the 10th of every month and submissions can be sent via email.
