Emma Negrete
Los Angeles-based artist Emma Negrete has just released the music video for her anthemic song “Magma”.
Premiered on Wonderland Magazine, the music video was directed by Jenn Hanching.
"I believe that there is power in learning the difference between changing yourself for someone and getting yourself together for the one you really love...this is that song for me. I wrote 'Magma' for the passionate lovers that find themselves constantly putting out their own fires just to keep the right one burning. 'Magma' is an anthem for all the arsonists of love out there willing to do anything and everything to get it right,” she says.
“Magma” is off her debut EP Algorithms released in March.
Go watch the music video - out now !!
How would you define Emma Negrete, The artist?
I would define Emma Negrete, the artist as someone who likes to simplify and make sense of complex ideas, situations, and emotions for the sake of moving forward/growing. As each song of mine is very much its own thing, and since my EP Algorithms has dropped many people have asked me how I would define my “genre” which is the question I believe many artists like me hate because we find it limiting. It is hard to put one label to one’s music when each song is a completely different mood or inspired by vastly different eras. Just how people hate being asked the question “what kind of music do you listen to?” And usually the answer is, “oh you know, I listen to everything” cause everyone has a different preference depending on their mood. So I would say I’m a pretty moody artist with an overarching soul influence with a “new nostalgic” vibe.
“Magma” is your new single & video - what’s the story/inspiration behind the single?
The inspiration behind this song touches on the idea of people having algorithms too, and learning how to truly love someone. I wrote Magma for the passionate lovers like myself that find themselves constantly putting out their own fires just to keep the right one burning. It was written for all the arsonists of love out there willing to do anything and everything to get it right.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? What was the studio experience like?
I started writing this song with a simple chord progression that I liked, I was starting to learn how to produce my own music so it was very basic production. I recorded it on my laptop and added a very basic drum loop, then I came up with the bass line. I just had these three instruments for a while and I knew the direction I wanted to go with it and that I wanted to add strings and horns so I kept that in mind when I wrote the lyrics. Once I had the basic skeleton of the song I brought it to my producer Brandt and we started co-producing it, and laid down vocals in his bedroom. We started using the programmed horns but the jazz musician in me felt like that was a bit sacrilegious so I called up my buddy that I had gone to school with in Chicago, Connor Bernard, to lay down some trumpet. I was so impressed by his refreshing work ethic because he had recorded a full horn line back to me within 24 hours. Brandt and I continued to add and subtract all the little details, had our incredibly talented friend Bhargav lay down some of his flavor on guitar, and worked until we just knew it was done. Brandt has been such a pleasure to work with because we are both very passionate about these projects and I feel like the rare and re-energizing chemistry definitely shows.
What can you tell us about the music video?
I had always envisioned a fun and kinda quirky sort of vibe involving dancing in rollerskates. I’ve always wanted to learn how to skate so I most definitely used this video as my excuse to finally learn how. While discussing ideas with Jenn Hanching (Director) we came up with this very fun pop diva-inspired aesthetic. It was quite a change of pace for me because I am not used to being all glammed out, oiled up, and you can almost never catch me wearing sparkles/sequins outside of this video, haha.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song?
I just want people to feel like they wanna dance. Like they have to. No choice. Period.
What are your thoughts on today’s music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
There are a million things about the music industry today that I could blame for the status of my career but those would all be excuses. I wouldn’t change a whole lot because either you’re working hard or you’re not. Hard work doesn’t go unrecognized if you are constantly learning to adapt, redirect, and learn about people. You get what you put in. The business is always going to change and that shouldn’t affect the music that you make or how other people connect to your music.
What advice would you give to young artists?
Even though there’s no such thing as “opportunity” anymore because if you have a cell phone you have literally all the opportunity in the world, but prepare for opportunity. Don’t expect anyone to make anything happen for you and be real. Don’t make music you think other people wanna hear. There’s already enough of it out there. Make music YOU wanna hear. Don’t focus on making “good music.” Focus on how you feel while you make it.
In your opinion, What would make the world a better place?
Less ignorance, because no, ignorance is not bliss. It’s just ignorant.
What overall message do you want to deliver to the world?
Nurture the life you live offline. It’s the only one that actually exists.
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