EMMMA In Conversation With FAULT Magazine
Rising star EMMMA is making waves with her deeply personal and introspective debut single, “Playing It Safe.” The song marks the first release from her forthcoming EP, a collection that chronicles the challenges and triumphs of growing into adulthood. In an exclusive interview with FAULT Magazine, EMMMA opens up about the inspiration behind “Playing It Safe,” the influence of her musical upbringing, and the themes that drive her storytelling.
FAULT Magazine: ‘Playing It Safe’ explores the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone. What personal experiences inspired you to write this song, and how did it help you redefine your approach to life?
EMMMA: I had to learn the hard way that I had to cut certain people out of my life in order to grow. I noticed that if I wasn’t making certain decisions, like guarding myself too closely, then I was missing out on a lot of formative life experiences.
FAULT Magazine: You’ve mentioned feeling like a supporting character in your own life. How did that realization shape the themes and message of ‘Playing It Safe’?
EMMMA: I noticed that I was taking a backseat of my emotions and letting the emotions of the people closest to me affect me the most, arguably more than they should. I was allowing their narratives to influence my own instead of writing my own story!
FAULT Magazine: How has your upbringing influenced your approach to music and storytelling in your songs?
EMMMA: I grew up in an extremely musical household, so from the very moment I was born, I was introduced to jazz, singer-songwriter, folk, and classic rock genres. I used to love listening to Carole King and James Taylor as a kid, who were both superb storytellers. I think listening to those artists at such a young age shaped my love for writing songs with meaning and a story behind it.
FAULT Magazine: ‘Playing It Safe’ is the first single from your upcoming debut EP. Can you give us a glimpse into what we can expect from the rest of the EP in terms of themes and sound?
EMMMA: The rest of the EP in four songs details the growing pains of being an adult who still feels like a kid and who is just trying to figure it out. Themes in the other songs detail figuring out why I am the way that I am, and go into detail in each song explaining certain pivotal moments in my life showing I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.
FAULT Magazine: What would you say was the most emotionally taxing track to write on the EP and why?
EMMMA: I think it was probably “Secondary Character,” as I was kind of forcing myself to come to grips with the fact that I was playing second for a while in my life instead of taking the lead character role. That song has really inspired me to take control of the reins and my own story again, which was really helpful for me!
FAULT Magazine: What’s a life experience you haven’t written about but is something you really want to get down on the page?
EMMMA: As funny as it is, I want to write about bad romantic experiences. I think it’s so cathartic to write a song about those sorts of things, and I haven’t quite been able to get myself to write specifically about anything yet. I think the day that I can write about that I will be so happy!
FAULT Magazine: Is there a message you hope people come away from your EP with?
EMMMA: I just want this EP to be a reminder to everyone that listens that it’s okay to feel a little lost because everyone does. And if you feel like you’re taking a backseat in your own life, maybe this could be the little push that you need to get yourself to the front again.
FAULT Magazine: What is your FAULT?
EMMMA: My biggest fault is that I hold myself back for absolutely no reason, and I will benefit from throwing everything to the wall and seeing what sticks. That’s my plan for 2025—let’s see if I can change my “biggest fault” answer by next year ;)