Emily Hackett
Nashville-based artist Emily Hackett released her new project By the Moon on September 13th.
Co-written with Nate Montgomery, Austin Taylor Smith, Shannon Wright, Park Chilsolm, Mikey Reaves, Will Anderson & produced by David Naish, the 5-track record explores personal stories portraying Hackett’s stunning storytelling.
Fusing elements of country and americana, By The Moon introduces Hackett as her true self.
Emily Hackett will be performing at the Lightning 100's Nashville Sunday Night on September 29th.
By the Moon is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Lindsey Grace Whiddon
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is Emily Hackett. I grew up in suburbia, had normal parents and actually liked high school. Doesn't sound like it lends itself to a songwriter's story, but it gave me perspective. There's a lot of shit that likes to hide in that perfect lifestyle image. I like to tell the truth. So I daydreamed all the time about the records my dad would play and all the truth those artists were saying. I'm heavily influenced by lyrics, which is why my music lands in and outside of country.
You recently released your new EP By The Moon - could you describe us the songwriting/production process?
Every song is a little different. Some come planned out and well executed, some come in the middle of the night, and some come when you are just hanging out with music-makers you love. I try to write off what inspires me. The songs on By The Moon were times where I was inspired by the relationship rollercoaster I had just been on the recording process was just Davis (Naish), my friend and producer, trying to put life into the acoustic demos I'd had of everything. We worked with some amazing Nashville musicians and took our time.
What are the different topics you are talking about on this project?
Heartbreak, breaking someone else's heart, losing a best friend cause you effed it up, getting too much in your own head.
When did you start working on the project?
End of 2017. Like I said, we took our time.
Who helped you create this EP?
Davis Naish, as well as my husband, Mikey Reaves who was very involved with helping us pick songs and mixing the entire record. Nick Buda, who played on Taylor Swift's first couple records played drums and really gave it bones. Rob McNelley, Nashville legend on so many great guitar parts and sounds. Elliott Blaufuss on keys and accordion. Lots of fantastic musicians with great ideas who were all just excited about the music.
What was the hardest part about making the EP?
Waiting! The minute something was done, I wanted it OUT!
Any favorite memories from the making of the record?
Definitely the live-band capture of "Once In A while" in the Scarritt Bennett church in Nashville with the quartet. That song was always very gentle, very intimate, so I was so happy to do it in a place that kept it right there. The sound in there is incredible. Buckley Miller engineered that. Really nailed the acoustics of the room. It was fun having it filmed as well. What you see is truly what you get on that one.
What can you tell us about the artwork? What was the inspiration behind it?
I released "By The Sun" with me kind of busting out of these pretty, sunny flowers. So, for "By The Moon" I wanted my body language to be inward and thoughtful. I wasn't sure about including the moon as first since I didn't include the sun on the first one, but the moon is just something I have really always been obsessed with as a kid. I just loved the utilizing of the warm tones for the sun and cool for the moon.
As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?
I want my songs to be heard by as many people as possible, according to the Universe. Not for me--for them.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
The death of ego.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Worry is only time wasted.
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