Arabella Emmeleine
Arabella Emmeleine is a singer/songwriter from London.
Influenced by the likes of Lily Allen and Lianne La Havas, the Brighton-based artist has unveiled her debut single "Lucky I’m In Love" on September 14th.
Written by Emmeleine and produced by Ben Thackeray, “Lucky I’m In Love” is a soulful and heartfelt record inspired by her own personal experiences.
“For me writing “Lucky I’m in Love” was an exploration of my own personal experiences when I was focusing on the best elements of my life. During the time this song was written, I was closely analysing a relationship. Sometimes you don’t always appreciate what you have until you imagine your life without it,” says Emmeleine.
“Lucky I’m In Love” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Introduce yourself. Where are you from?
I am originally from North West London but I have been living in Brighton for the past 5 years. I moved down here to go to uni and fell in love with the city. I will be moving back to London next year to explore new opportunities and find new inspirations.
At what point did you know music was more than just a hobby?
I think I’ve always known. My parents bought me an electric guitar when I was 7 and I fell in love. I also had piano lessons when I was a kid which I really enjoyed, practicing my scales was never a chore.
When did you start writing and singing?
I have always sung, I used to sing “Row row ya boat” to the old ladies in my granny’s old people’s home when I was 2 haha, my mum couldn’t shut me up.
The first time I realised my love for songwriting was when I wrote my first original song when I was 14 on French exchange. I was in love for the first time and I guess it was my way of expressing that.
Growing up, what were your favorite artists to listen to?
My big sister Maddy bought me Lily Allen’s “Alright Still” when I was 10 and I learned all the words! She has always been my absolute dream of a musician. My dad has a very eclectic music taste so I grew up listening to a lot of Steely Dan, Alanis Morrisette, The Dubliners, Tinarewen, The Velvet Underground and various reggae bands!
When did you decide to become an artist? What did your family and friends think of it?
I moved to Brighton to study professional musicianship because I was desperate to figure out how to be an artist. I quickly realised that it wasn’t something you needed to study and it was something that you developed. Like anything it just took some time and practice.
I am blessed to have an incredibly supportive group of friends and family around me. When I was in school my friend Molly used to come round my house pretty much every day to listen to my new songs I had written about generic teenage topics like the boys we fancied and sneaking out to parties.
What gave you the confidence to release your original music?
I put a lot of hard work into it to ensure it accurately represents my vision. So when the single was finally finished I felt confident about releasing it.
You’ve just released your debut single “Lucky I’m In Love”. Who wrote and produced it?
I was lucky enough to work with producer Ben Thackeray on this track, he was amazing to work with and helped me create my vision for the song. My friend Jim also supported me a lot through this process and influenced the sound of the production massively.
How does it feel to release your first original music?
It feels amazing to finally have music out there in the world. I’ve had an amazing response from friends family and new fans. Got me itching to release more now!!!
Listen to “Lucky I’m In Love” here.
How would you describe your sound?
Heartfelt, honest, electronic pop.
What inspires you?
I get most of my inspiration from going to gigs and seeing live music. I find that I tend to discover new favourite bands when I see them live rather than listening online. This is why I feel it’s so important to play gigs as much as I can.
What does singing make you feel?
Singing is my main form of expression so it makes me feel free.
How often do you write songs?
Regularly. I try to write a song every day, even though some of them are not release material, it’s worth it for the few which come through. It’s hard to say because somedays are easier than others. Like all creatives I sometimes suffer from writers block which unfortunately can last weeks. I always try and push through and even if I can’t write lyrics I will work on my other musical skills.
Who are your biggest influences, in life and in music?
Lily Allen, Lianne La Havas and my mum.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
I was told at a young age that just because someone else is beautiful, it doesn’t make you less beautiful. Everyone can be beautiful. This stuck with me and I use this attitude towards musical abilities too.
What are you currently working on? Any upcoming EP?
Yep! I hope so! I will be back in the studio soon to start working on new music! Buzzing!
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Music wise, I would love to see promoters taking less money for themselves and paying unsigned bands and artists properly.
Generally.. A vegan planet would decrease animal suffering and global warming by a lot.. who knows, maybe one day.
What’s your purpose?
Release music, have great friendships and adventures, spread happiness!
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